California Walnut Commission continues to fund health research

The California Walnut Commission announced in December a new scientific and research partnership with the American Heart Association to support early career scientists interested in human clinical or epidemiological research, related to the health benefits of walnut consumption.

Since 1949, the American Heart Association (AHA) has invested more than $4.6 billion into research, making them the largest not-for-profit funding source for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease research next to the federal government. The CWC has been supporting health research via a $20 million-dollar cumulative investment since 1990.

November was an exciting month with three scientific papers supported by the California Walnut Commission (CWC), demonstrating the impact of walnuts on various aspects of heart health. The findings were so compelling that the papers were amplified even more by the journals with a press release and/or editorial coverage, stimulating broad media coverage. Here are the highlights:

• New findings published in the online journal Heart analyzed the impact of a traditional Mediterranean diet, green Mediterranean diet, and healthy U.S. diet on LDL cholesterol, weight and insulin resistance. Both Mediterranean diets included a daily serving of walnuts.

 

• A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology looked at regular consumption of foods rich in marine or plant-based omega-3s and risk of death among individuals who have suffered a heart attack. The study found that walnuts were the only tree nut with an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 ALA (2.5 grams/ounce).

 

• Another recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology explored regular consumption of walnuts and anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation, caused by factors such as poor diet, obesity, stress and high blood pressure, is damaging and is a factor associated with heart disease risk.

CWC continues to fund health research to address important research questions, ultimately sharing findings that educate consumers about the health benefits of walnuts. In this case, consumers are seeing how including walnuts in their diet can have a beneficial impact on heart health, keeping walnuts top-of-mind as they grocery shop, further driving market demand. The news also keeps walnuts in front of health professionals, who can then recommend walnuts to their patients.