Hearth health Today: Almonds - A heart smart food!

Every seven minutes in Canada, Someone dies in heart attack or stroke. The number one reason of premature death in that country is no other than Cardiovascular disease. So, New research on the mechanisms behind the fight against cardiovascular disease is always welcome - particularly when it involves a simple behavior change that can make a difference.

There is a research from the journal of Nutrition that provides insight into how the antioxidants in almonds may help maintain a healthy heart.

In previous research, experts determined that almonds contain phenols, flavonoids and phenolic acids in their skins similar to fruits and vegetables. Researchers used high-performance liquid chromatography, UV detection and mass spectometry.

The effects of almonds on heart health is unbelievable! The researcher team found that when men and women with elevated cholesterol ate about two and a half servings of almonds every day for a month, their levels of these two established markers - blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and urinary isoprostane - statistically significantly decreased. MDA significantly decreased by 18.75% from baseline in the full-dose almond group and isoprostane decreased by 27% in both almond groups compared to controls.

Almonds provide a dose of monounsaturated fats, the great kind found in avocados and olive oil. A recommended serving of almonds (about a handful, or 23 almonds) is a perfect source of vitamin E and magnesium, a good source of fiber, phosphorus, and offers protein (6 grams), calcium (75 mg) and potassium (200 mg). Not only can almonds boost nutrition, but they also add awesome taste and crunch to any meal or snack.