Nuts for omega-3s?

Walnuts are a cheap and easy way of boosting omega-3 intake, claims US industry association the California Walnut Commission this week.

Scientific evidence continues to show the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids but fish and fish oil are believed to be among the best sources of the nutrient.

The industry association​ however claims that a handful of walnuts is an easy alternative to cooking fish.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to improve mental health, improve blood flow and reduce inflammation (which helps heart health), and lower triglycerides, improving cholesterol levels.

Nuts have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol in both men and women. Other plant food sources of the fatty acid include flaxseed and dark leafy greens.

Also busy promoting health benefits this week, are US peanut producers, keen to assert the difference between the oil in peanut products and trans fats found in vegetable blend oils. The Peanut Institute claims that peanut butter is an exception to the general rule that says if partially hydrogenated oil is present in the ingredient list, the product contains trans fat. Research from US Department of Agriculture shows that both natural and commercial peanut butters, including all major brand names, contain an undetectable amount of trans fat, it claims.

The US will soon introduce mandatory trans fat labelling for food manufacturers, in response to concerns that the fat is linked to increased risk of heart disease.