Walnuts Protect Arteries from Effects of Fatty Foods

October 10, 2006 (Barcelona, Spain) - Another study has suggested that eating walnuts can reverse the impairment of endothelial function associated with eating a fatty meal. But olive oil did not have the same beneficial effect.

The senior author of the study, Dr Emilio Ros (Hospital Clínico, Barcelona , Spain ), explained to Heartwire: 'When we eat a fatty meal, inflammatory molecules prevent the smooth muscles of the arteries from producing nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is important in the function of the arteries as it causes the muscle to relax and allow the surge of blood to pass more easily. When the arteries are contracted, the heart has to generate a higher pressure to push the blood through, which can translate into high blood pressure. In their study, eating a handful of walnuts prevented the increase of the inflammatory molecules, thus preventing malfunction of the arteries.

Where does olive oil fit in this picture? Dr. Ros commented that 'whereas olive oil prevented the increase in inflammatory molecules it did not prevent the endothelial dysfunction associated with eating fatty food. Olive oil does have some beneficial effects--it is not bad, but walnuts are better.'