Women could live longer and stay healthy by eating a couple of handfuls of walnuts every week

A COUPLE of handfuls of walnuts every week may help women live longer and stay healthy, a study has revealed.

Scientists found women in their late 50s and early 60s who ate at least two servings were more likely to be “healthy agers”.

This group had sound mental health and no major diseases or physical problems after they reached the age of 65.

Researchers used data from 33,931 women who took part in the US Nurses Health Study from 1998 to 2002.

Some 16 per cent were healthy agers, and women who ate walnuts were more likely to be in this group.

Walnuts were the only nut linked to significantly better odds of healthy ageing after other factors such as exercise were accounted for.

Dr Francine Grodstein, of Harvard University, said: “There’s no one solution to slowing effects of ageing.

“But adopting habits like snacking on walnuts can help.”

Participants reported their diet – including total nut consumption – and were evaluated for memory concerns, mental health and chronic diseases including cancer, heart failure, strokes, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.

Their ability to carry out daily activities including climbing stairs, bathing and getting dressed was also tracked.

The study was published in the Journal of Aging Research.

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