The 'superfood' that may add years to your life, according to new study

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A handful of walnuts every day has been found to significantly improve health, and could even "add years to your life". The "superfood" is full of healthy fats and chemicals that protect DNA by destroying reactive molecules, also known as oxidants, which combat bad cholesterol.

Snacking on a couple each day was found to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other life threatening conditions linked to obesity.

The new study also found that people who ate walnuts regularly were slimmer and fitter as they got older. Hull Live reports they also had lower blood pressure, and fewer harmful fats present in their bodies.

Lead author Professor Lyn Steffen, of the University of Minnesota, said: "Walnut eaters seem to have a unique body phenotype that carries with it other positive impacts on health like better diet quality."This is especially so when they start eating walnuts from young into middle adulthood - as risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes elevates."3,000 people in the US took part in the study, and were tracked for three decades.They were in their fifties when the study ended, which is when people are most prone to developing a 'pot belly' or 'muffin top' - which can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes or some cancers.Participants were identified as 'walnut', 'other nut' or 'no nut' consumers.