Health news: walnuts, macadamias and vitamin B3

The Vitl Nutrition Team / 28 Aug 2017

Why you should buy an air purifier for your heart, stop throwing away avocado stones and eat more nuts


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1. Are you pure of heart?

Is it time to get an air purifier... for your heart? Researchers now think they understand the link between pollution and heart disease. Fine particulate matter, which is present in air pollution, has been found to impact metabolism of glucose and lipids. This, combined with the higher blood pressure, insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress found amongst people exposed to higher levels of pollution, is thought to be responsible for the link between high pollution and cardiovascular disease. The good news is that they also found that these negative effects of fine particulate matter were significantly lower when participants used air purifiers.

2. Avocado stones - an undiscovered superfood?

A new study has found that the husk of avocado seeds contains a variety of chemical compounds that could help to kill viruses, combat heart problems, and even treat cancer! 

3. Walnuts for your waistline 

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 have been linked to reduced risk of obesity and diabetes and they may also help promote healthy gut bacteria. Now, according to a small study, they may also efficiently reduce appetite. Why not try a handful in this beetroot and walnut salad?

4. Could B3 beat melanoma?

In a new review, researchers claim that niacin (AKA vitamin B3) may have the potential to prevent melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer. B3 is already recognised as an effective cholesterol-lowering medication but it's also been shown to boost DNA repair in response to UV exposure. It is present in a variety of foods, including milk, eggs, fish, green vegetables, and lean meats. Find out more about B vitamins and how to recognise a B vitamin deficiency

5. Mad for macadamias

The FDA has finally decided that macadamias can be considered healthy, which is great news because these delicious, buttery tree nuts are low in phytates (which can be an issue with other nuts), full of healthy fats yet low in omega 6 (which is good for your omega 3: omega 6 balance) and they've also been shown to lower biomarkers associated with oxidative stress!


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