Walnuts were a key component in the landmark PREDIMED study (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea, or Prevention with Mediterranean Diet) study. This research showed that a Mediterranean diet which includes nuts (primarily walnuts) or extra virgin olive oil, may reduce the risk for heart disease and stroke, compared to a low-fat diet.1 Study participants were older adults who lived in Spain and were at high risk for cardiovascular disease. More research is needed to understand the health benefits in other populations.
