Munching about a handful of almonds daily may help boost the level of good cholesterol in the body as well as improve its functionality, new research suggests.
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What Study says?
- The findings showed that the almonds not just increased the levels of good cholesterol — high-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol), but also helps remove the bad cholesterol — low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) — from the body.
- Almonds works by gathering cholesterol from tissues, like the arteries, and helping to transport it out of the body.
- Penny Kris-Etherton, professor at the Pennsylvania State University.
- Said,HDL is very small when it gets released into circulation.
- It’s like a garbage bag that slowly gets bigger and more spherical as it gathers cholesterol from cells and tissues before depositing them in the liver to be broken down.
- Depending on how much cholesterol it has collected, HDL cholesterol is categorised into five “subpopulations”, which range from the very small pre-beta-1 to the larger, more mature a-1.
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Experiment:
- In the study, in the paper published in the Journal of Nutrition.
- The team, in two six-week experiment analysed a group of people who ate 43 grams, about a handful of almonds every day.
- In addition,the same group when they ate a banana muffin.
- The results showed that eating almonds resulted in increased a-1 HDL by 19 per cent.
- As well as improved HDL function by 6.4 per cent, indicating a decrease in the overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
- While almonds will not totally eliminate the risk of heart disease.
- They may be a smart choice for a healthy snack.
- As they also provide a dose of good fats, vitamin E and fibre, the research said.
- Almonds not a cure-all.
- But when eaten in moderation and especially when eaten instead of a food of lower nutritional value.
- They’re a great addition to an already healthy diet.