Eating nuts is associated with decreased overall and cardiovascular disease mortality across different ethnic and socioeconomic groups, according to an evaluation of 3 large cohort studies: the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS) based in southeastern United States, the China-based Shanghai Women’s Health Study (SWHS) and the Shanghai Men’s Health Study (SMHS).

In all 3 cohorts, nut consumption, including peanuts, was inversely associated with risk of total mortality, with a primary reduction in deaths from cardiovascular disease. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for the highest versus lowest quartile of nut consumption are:

• Shanghai cohorts: aHR, 0.83

• U.S. cohorts: aHR 0.79

Among ethnic groups, risk for ischemic heart disease was reduced among the highest quartile of nut consumers:

• Black, HR 0.62

• White, HR 0.60

• Asians, HR 0.70

A decreased risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke associated with nut consumption were significant only in the Asian cohort.

Citation: Luu HN, Blot WJ, Xiang YB, et al. Prospective evaluation of the association of nut/peanut consumption with total and cause-specific mortality. JAMA Intern Med. 2015. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8347.

Commentary: No study could make me happier. After being reminded, in another study this week that we should be very careful before prescribing NSAIDs, it is nice to see that if we kick back and snack on nuts, and perhaps even chocolate, it can be healthy for us.^1,2 It is important to remember, of course, that nuts are calorie dense and should, like most things, be enjoyed only in moderation. –Neil Skolnik, MD

1. Buijsse B, Feskens EJ, Kok FJ, Kromhout D. Cocoa intake, blood pressure, and cardiovascular mortality: the Zutphen Elderly Study. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(4):411-417.

2. Taubert D, Roesen R, Schömig E. Effect of cocoa and tea intake on blood pressure: a meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2007;167(7):626-634.