The health benefits of nuts[1] are many -- studies have attributed it to increasing weight loss, reducing stress and improving sperm quality. A new study has found another benefit to add to the list: adding years to your life.


Researchers found that those who ate nuts had a 39 percent lower mortality risk[2] than those who didn't. And those who ate walnuts had an even lower mortality risk -- 45 percent. The risk of dying from heart disease[3] and cancer saw a decline in those who ate three servings of nuts a week -- by 55 percent and 40 percent respectively (eating walnuts in this case didn't offer additional benefits).


The study, published in BioMed Central's journal, was based on a nutritional trial in Spain. Researchers looked at 7,000 people between the ages of 55 and 90 who were randomly placed on a Mediterranean diet[4] supplemented with either olive oil[5] or nuts, while a control group were put on a low-fat diet, according to a press release.


Those on the nut diet practiced far more healthier habits than those who rarely ate nuts, the study found. They were more physically active, less likely to smoke, had a lower body mass index, smaller waist and a healthier diet overall. People who ate the most nuts in the study were also less likely to have type 2 diabetes[6] -- the most common form of the disease -- and were less likely to be on meds for hypertension.


These findings may be great news for nut lovers, but remember: don't get too nutty with your diet. While nuts are healthy, they can pack a high caloric punch[7] . High in fat and low in water, "eating unlimited amounts can easily add an extra several hundred calories a day to your diet, which could lead to weight gain and increased cholesterol levels," according to diet expert Dr. Melina Jampolis.



Earlier on Huff/Post50:




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  • Do Not Eat: Fried Food


    Fried food is loaded with fat and calories while offering zero nutritional value. It's a lose-lose! Sure, fries and chips TASTE good, but healthier items also taste good. Just say no to the deep fried items on your menu. You'll be thinner, healthier and won't have greasy fingers.




  • Try This Instead: Broiled


    If you simply must have a French fry, then make them at home in your oven. Use sweet potatoes, as these are a more complex carbohydrate. Cut into matchsticks, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil along with a dash of salt, then place in your oven on broil. Turn every five minutes until the fries are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.




  • Do Not Eat: White Bread


    White bread products have minimal nutritional value and are quickly converted by your body into sugar. So you may as well eat a cupcake. Even breads that are technically wheat, but are as soft and smooth as white bread, should be avoided. Don't be afraid to discard the bread from your sandwich or to push away that bread basket. Your waist will shrink and you'll lose that bloated feeling that high carbohydrate meals give you.




  • Try This Instead: Sprouted Grain Bread


    If you must have bread, then stick with sprouted. Sprouted grain bread is a lot easier on your digestion and is packed full of nutrients. Two delicious brands are Food For Life's Ezekiel bread, and Manna Organics. Sprouted grain breads are often kept in the freezer section since they don't contain preservatives to prolong shelf life.




  • Do Not Eat: Creamy Salad Dressing


    You were so good to order a salad, but then canceled out the low-cal benefits by drenching the salad in fattening creamy dressing. Just a few tablespoons of creamy dressing contain more than 20 grams of fat and hundreds of calories.




  • Try This Instead: Vinegar Dressing


    Vinegar-based dressings pack amazing flavor in with minimal fat and calories. You can even mix your own dressing at home. Take high quality vinegar, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper, your choice of dried herbs, and a bit of olive oil.




  • Do Not Eat: White Rice


    Just like white bread, white rice has minimal nutritional value, and the glycemic load will quickly prime your body for storing fat.




  • Try This Instead: Brown Rice


    Brown rice has three times the amount of fiber, more B vitamins as well as other nutrients and will keep you feeling fuller for longer. That should be enough to convince you to swap your large pile of white rice out for a small pile of brown rice.




  • Do Not Eat: White Sugar


    Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are the epitome of anti-fitness food. Nothing will destroy your progress, expand your waist and plummet your energy levels like sugar. If you only take away one do-not-eat food from this slideshow, please let it be sugar.




  • Try This Instead: Fruit


    Don't turn to artificial sweeteners to get your sweet fix, instead turn to nature's wholesome source of sugar: fruit. Eat organic fruit that is seasonal and locally grown. Stay away from dried fruit and fruit juices, as these are high in simple calories.