Eating a certain nut could lower ‘bad’ cholesterol levels by a ‘clinically meaningful’ 9% - Express

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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