Heart attacks and obesity are two of the most common death causes in the United States. The two are closely linked and share risk factors, besides the fact that obesity in itself is a risk factor for heart disease. In order to keep these two conditions at a distance, one must keep an eye on their diet and exercise routine.

A study conducted in Spain has recently concluded that a Mediterranean diet with daily helping of mixed nuts help older adults with increased heart attack risks manage their metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome is comprised of a number of health problems, among which abdominal obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and high glucose levels. All these health problems are known risk factors for a wide array of cardiovascular diseases.

The Spanish study is not the only one that supports the idea of a Mediterranean diet combined with nuts. Previous studies have reached the same conclusion, namely that a diet rich in cereals, vegetables, fruits, olive oil, fish and alcohol in moderation, with low intake of dairy products, meats and sweets have a positive effect in lowering the risk of the metabolic syndrome.

The study conducted in Spain was carried out on a panel of 1,225 people, with ages ranging from 55 years to 80 years, with a known predisposition or with high risks of developing heart diseases. One of the groups was given a mix of nuts to include in their daily diet, and changes were most noticeable in that particular group, as the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome dropped by a whopping 13.7%.