Yes, we love celebrating American Heart Month in February, but food and beverage manufacturers understand the importance of developing heart-healthy snacks that can be enjoyed year-round. Many of these products contain walnuts, and it’s no surprise why. Walnuts are a heart-healthy food1, certified through the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check program2.
Walnuts’ role in supporting cardiovascular health has been documented for three decades. Since 1993, published research has explored how eating walnuts affects various factors related to heart health such as cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation and blood vessel function1. More recently, three scientific papers emerged in November that demonstrated the impact of walnuts on aspects of heart health.
- The online journal Heart published a paper that analyzed the impact of a traditional Mediterranean diet and healthy U.S. diet on LDL cholesterol, weight and insulin resistance. Both diets included a daily serving of walnuts.
- A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology looked at regular consumption of foods rich in marine or plant-based omega-3s and risk of death among individuals who have suffered a heart attack. The study found that walnuts were the only tree nut with an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 ALA (2.5g/oz).
- Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the third paper explored regular consumption of walnuts and anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation, caused by factors such as poor diet, obesity, stress and high blood pressure, is damaging and is a factor associated with heart disease risk.
Transparency in food labels and packaging is on the forefront of consumers’ minds as of late, and this month’s product listing features walnut-friendly products with heart-health-focused names and graphics prominently displayed. Capitalize on a growing consumer segment looking to improve heart health through eating better snacks, just like these. Note: these products are not certified by the American Heart Association.
Planters, NUT-rition Heart Healthy Mix
Planters is well known for its nuts, and walnuts are mixed with sea salt in this 9.75 oz. canister that was recently re-released with a new look. “Heart healthy mix” verbiage is displayed front and center on this product that contains only 50 mg of sodium compared to 110 mg in Planters’ other mixed nut products.
Post, Great Grains Banana Nut Crunch
All-day breakfast is a little more delicious with walnuts, banana clusters and crunchy flakes. A red heart with “heart healthy” verbiage is front and center on this cereal with 7 grams of fiber and 43 grams of whole grains.
Nature’s Garden, Cranberry Health Mix
This blend of walnuts, cranberries, black raisins and more contains 5 grams of protein per serving. “Heart healthy” verbiage along with omega-3 information is displayed at the top of the convenient, resealable bag.
Wellsley Farms, Heart
Healthy Mixed Nuts
Not only does this product have “heart healthy” in the name, the packaging also says “may reduce the risk of heart disease.” There are 6 grams of protein and no added sugars or cholesterol in this gluten-free product, which is housed in a 21 oz. resealable bag.
1 Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. (FDA) One ounce of walnuts offers 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid – the plant-based omega-3.
2 Heart-Check Certification does not apply to scientific research by an organization other than the American Heart Association, unless expressly stated.
