The relationship between nut consumption and blood pressure in an Iranian adult population: Isfahan Healthy Heart Program

Year Published: 2013

Journal

Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis

Authors

Yazdekhasti N, Mohammadifard N, Sarrafzadegan N, Mozaffarian D, Nazem M, Taheri M.

Methods

This study examined 9,660 Iranian adults and assessed their diets via a food frequency questionnaire. The objective was to look at the relationshp between nut consumption and blood pressure.

Key Findings

Key Findings: Consuming nuts 4 times per week or more was associated with a 34% reduced risk of hypertension in this Iranian population. Authors conclude that consuming nuts frequently can be protective for hypertension. Peanuts contain arginine, which is an amino acid associated with vasodilation. Arginine has been associated with lower blood pressure in previous studies.