| November 9, 2004,
as reported by just-food.com: The good news just
keeps coming for walnut growers. Research has already
shown the alpha-linolenic acid rich nut favorably affects
cholesterol now doctors believe it also decreases markers
for blood vessel inflammation in those at risk for cardiovascular
disease.
A new study conducted by Penn State University is the
first to demonstrate that a diet high in walnuts decreases
C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation strongly
associated with heart disease.
"The omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts were converted
to the same omega-3 fatty acids found in marine sources,
and had a similar effect on inflammation. Reducing inflammation
can help decrease the process of arteriosclerosis –
the development and build-up of plaque in the arteries,"
said Dr Penny Kris-Etherton, professor of nutrition
at Penn State and primary investigator for the study.
"The important new finding with our research is
that a diet high in walnuts beneficially affects multiple
risk factors for coronary heart disease, which can have
a greater impact on decreasing cardiovascular risk than
just targeting single risk factors," Kris-Etherton
added.
The research, "Dietary Alpha-Linolenic Acid Reduces
Inflammatory and Lipid Cardiovascular Risk Factors in
Hypercholesterolemic Men and Women," is published
in the November 2004 issue of the Journal of Nutrition.
The study was supported by funding from the California
Walnut Commission.
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