2127 Handful of Nuts

I read an article recently about the newest path to a healthy life: A handful of nuts.I'm not talking about a group of zany comedians. I'm talking about actual nuts. The kind you can hold in your hand, pop into your mouth, and gobble up.

Scientists have known for some time about the general health benefits of nuts; unsaturated fats, minerals, a great way to get protein. In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration actually said a fistful of nuts a day may reduce the risk of heart disease. The Heart Association recommends four servings of un-oiled unsalted nuts a week.

 But new research indicates there's an across the board benefit to nuts. And it doesn't matter what kind, from peanuts to Brazilians. Oiled, salted, raw, or even roasted, the health improvements are significant. Research showed those who consumed nuts every day were 20% less likely to die during the study period than those who didn't. Eating nuts lowered the death risk in direct proportion to consumption.

The risk of dying from heart disease dropped 29%. The risk of dying from cancer dropped 11% among those who had nuts 7 days a week compared to those who didn't.One final bonus, nut eaters stayed slimmer. Another reason to fly on cheap airlines. By serving their piddling little peanuts or a handful of some other nuts, they're promoting good health

In sum, you can be healthier, less heart attack prone, more cancer free, and less obese, all by having a daily handful of nuts. In fact, the author of the article said, "regular nut eaters were less likely to die from any cause."

Sorry, that sounds nuts. Any cause? I'm guessing none of the study participants were sentenced to death by hanging.

America, ya gotta love it.