It is thought the results are due to the fact pecans are rich in healthy fatty acids and fibre, both of which are known to lower cholesterol.
Ms Cooper added: “Whether people added them or substituted other foods in the diet for them, we still saw improvements and pretty similar responses in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in particular.”
The researchers also cited an existing meta-analysis of 51 exercises designed to lower cholesterol, which produced an average reduction of one percent in total cholesterol and five percent in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
“The addition of pecans to the diet not only produced a greater and more consistent reduction in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein compared to many other lifestyle interventions, but may also be a more sustainable approach for long-term health,” Ms Cooper said.
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