Hazelnuts For Midlife Health
Eating two ounces of hazelnuts daily for four months increased levels of both magnesium and vitamin E among a group of 32 midlife men and women participating in an Oregon State University study. The researchers noted that many Americans don’t get adequate amount of either of these micronutrients, and that lower concentrations of both have been linked to age-related health problems in seniors, including Alzheimer’s disease. The investigators reported that blood tests also showed beneficial decreases in glucose (blood sugar) and low-density lipoproteins (“bad” cholesterol) in the study group. Magnesium is plentiful in whole grains, leafy green vegetables (particularly spinach), avocados, beans, soybeans and halibut as well as almonds, cashews and other nuts in addition to hazel nuts. Other food sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, avocados, spinach, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, nuts and whole grains. The hazelnut research was funded by the Oregon State University Foundation and the Hazelnut Marketing Board of Oregon.
Source:
Alexander J. Michels et al, “Daily Consumption of Oregon Hazelnuts Affects α-Tocopherol Status in Healthy Older Adults: A Pre-Post Intervention Study.” The Journal of Nutrition, December 1, 2018; DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxy210
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