"A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming tree nuts such as walnuts may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. After conducting a systematic review and metaanalysis of  controlled trials one of the authors Michael Falk PhD Life Sciences Research Organization found that consuming tree nuts lowers total cholesterol triglycerides LDL cholesterol and ApoB the primary protein found in LDL cholesterol. These are key factors that are used to evaluate a persons risk of cardiovascular disease. Walnuts were investigated in  of the  trials more than any other nut reviewed in this study.  Our study results further support the growing body of research that tree nuts such as walnuts can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases said Dr. Falk. Tree nuts contain important nutrients such as unsaturated fats protein vitamins and minerals. Walnuts are the only nut that provide a significant amount . grams per one ounce serving of alphalinolenic acid ALA the plantbased form of omegas.  Beyond finding that tree nuts lower total cholesterol triglycerides LDL cholesterol and ApoB researchers also found that consuming at least two servings two ounces per day of tree nuts such as walnuts has stronger effects on total cholesterol and LDL. Additionally results showed that tree nut consumption may be particularly important for lowering the risk of heart disease in individuals with type  diabetes. Of  articles surveyed  trials met eligibility criteria for this systematic review and metaanalysis totaling  unique participants. Trials directly provided nuts to the intervention group rather than relying solely on dietary advice to consume nuts. The dose of nuts varied from  to gday and most participants followed their typical diet.  More than two decades of research has shown that walnuts may help lower cardiovascular risk factors by decreasing LDL bad cholesterol by  and diastolic blood pressure by  mmHg as well as reducing total cholesterol raising HDL cholesterol reducing inflammation as measured by Creactive protein and improving arterial function. These factors are major contributors to heart disease risk and reducing them is a critical step toward a healthier heart. In addition to providing omegas walnuts also deliver a convenient source of fiber  grams per ounce and protein  grams per ounce.   Coauthors with Dr. Falk are Liana C. Del Gobbo PhD Robin Feldman MBA Kara Lewis PhD and Dariush Mozaffarian MD PhD. This study was supported in part by funds from The International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation. About California Walnut Commission The California Walnut Commission established in  is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The Commission is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture CDFA. The CWC is mainly involved in health research and export market development activities. For more industry information health research and recipe ideas visit http NonDiscrimination Statement The California Walnut Commission CWC prohibits discrimination in all programs and activities on the basis of race color national origin age disability sex marital status familial status parental status religion sexual orientation genetic information political beliefs reprisal or because all or part of an individuals income is derived from any public assistance programs. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information Braille large print audiotape etc. should contact the CWC offices at  . To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA Director Office of Civil Rights  Independence Avenue S.W. Washington D.C.  or call  voice or   TDD. CWC is an equal opportunity employer and provider. The California Walnut Commission offices are located at  Parkshore Dr. Ste.  Folsom CA   Del Gobbo L. Falk M.C. Feldman R. Lewis K. Mozaffarian D. Effects of tree nuts on blood lipids apolipoproteins and blood pressure systematic review metaanalysis and doseresponse of  controlled intervention trials. Am J Clin Nutr. doi .ajcn...   KrisEtherton P. Walnuts decrease risk of cardiovascular disease a summary of efficacy and biologic mechanisms. J Nutr.  .SS.   Sabat J Fraser GE Burke K Knutsen SF Bennett H Lindsted KD. Effects of walnuts on serum lipid levels and blood pressure in normal men.N Engl J Med.  .   Banel HK Hu FB. Effects of walnut consumption on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors a metaanalysis and systematic review. Am J ClinNutr.  Jul.   Zhao G Etherton TD Martin KR et al. Dietary alphalinolenic acid reduces inflammatory and lipid cardiovascular risk factors in hypercholesterolemic men and women. J Nutr   ."