Walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds...these foods may sound like quick, healthy snacks, but did you know that they are also heart-healthy? Studies have shown that nuts and seeds can do a little more than keep your appetite at bay -- they can also help your cholesterol levels low.
Nuts, which include pecans, pistachios, and walnuts, are a heart healthy snack. Due to their high amount of unsaturated fat, they are now known as a cholesterol lowering food.
Pecans are nuts that contain high amounts of unsaturated fats and fiber. Studies have shown that pecans are able to lower cholesterol by up to 10 percent. Because of this, pecans are considered a heart healthy food.
Walnuts are not only good in many deserts, but they may help your heart. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recognizing the cholesterol-lowering properties of walnuts, accepted a petition filed by the California Walnut Commission in March 2004 to list the health claim that walnuts can aid in reducing cholesterol levels.
Pistachio nuts are a popular snack, and chock-full of nutrients, such as thiamin, potassium, fiber, phytosterols, magnesium and vitamin B6. Research indicates that pistachios also raise your good cholesterol, or HDL.
