Peanut Consumption May Lower Risk of Stroke

According to new research published in Stroke, people living in Japan who ate peanuts (on average 4-5 peanuts/day) had a lower risk of ischemic stroke or a cardiovascular disease event. Previous studies have linked peanut consumption with improved cardiovascular health. This study now provides evidence of a link between peanut consumption and stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic) incidence among Japanese men and women.

Individuals who ate a median of 4.3 unshelled peanuts per day had a 20% lower risk of ischemic stroke; 16% lower risk of total stroke; and 13% lower risk of having cardiovascular disease compared with individuals with a peanut-free diet.

“We showed for the first time a reduced risk for ischemic stroke incidence associated with higher peanut consumption in an Asian population,” said lead study author Satoyo Ikehara, PhD, specially appointed associate professor of public health in the department of social medicine at the Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine in Suita, Japan. “Our results suggest that adding peanuts to your diet has a beneficial effect on the prevention of ischemic stroke. Peanuts are rich in heart-healthy nutrients, such as “monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber that help lower risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing risk factors, including high blood pressure, high blood levels of ’bad’ cholesterol and chronic inflammation,” Ikehara said.

This analysis included more than 74,000 participants, age 45 to 74, who were followed for 15 years. Participants completed a comprehensive lifestyle survey. Medical records showed that among these individuals, 3,599 strokes occurred (2,223 ischemic and 1,376 hemorrhagic), and 849 cases of ischemic heart disease developed during follow-up. Data was adjusted for health conditions such as alcohol consumption, diet, smoking, and physical activity.