More nuts for healthier nuts? That’s the theory behind new research out of the University of California.
Led by Professor Wendie Robbins, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., the researchers tested 117 healthy men with normal Western diets. Half the group received 75 grams (about 2.5 ounces) of walnuts each day for 12 weeks, while half served as a control group. At the end of the 12-week period, the men who ate the walnuts had improvement in sperm vigor, movement and form, which could boost their baby-making abilities.
“These findings are not surprising when you look at the nutritious content of walnuts; however, the results are amazing considering the impact they might have on men of all ages, including older men, and men with impaired fertility,” said co-investigator and UCLA Associate Professor of Medicine and Nursing Dr. Catherine Carpenter.
Walnuts are also known for their benefits to the heart and blood vessels.
