Eating pecan nuts 'reduces risk of heart attack'

MUNCHING pecan nuts instead of crisps or sweets may reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke, scientists claim.

- By Stephen Beech

Switching daily snacks to pecans, pictured, improved cholesterol levels and enhanced overall diet quality, according to research.

More than 130 people with or at risk for metabolic syndrome - a set of conditions that increase a person’s risk for several chronic diseases took part in the three-month study.

One group consumed pecans while the other continued eating their usual diet.