It is already known that they help to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. But it seems that walnuts may also help the body cope with stress and lower blood pressure.According to the study, people with high levels of "bad" cholesterol had lower blood pressure in stressful situations, if they stayed on a diet rich in walnuts for three weeks.
For the study, participants were asked to make a three-minute speech or immerse your feet in cold water - both of which are triggers for stress.
People in the diet were walnuts, showed lower blood pressure figures.
But, as you know, people who have an increased biological response to stress, there is a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
The team of researchers used three versions of the diet - one without nuts, one with walnuts and walnut oil and a third with walnuts and flaxseed oil.
Adding flaxseed oil did not affect blood pressure, but can create anti-inflammatory effect in the arteries. This, in turn, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
After each diet 22 subjects were asked to make a speech or to pass the test with cold water. Average blood pressure was significantly lower for those who were on diets containing walnuts and walnut oil.
