For the trial, 7,447 participants who were at high cardiovascular risk, but with no cardiovascular disease at enrolment, were assigned to one of three diets: a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts, or a control diet (advised to reduce dietary fat).
Participants received quarterly educational sessions and, depending on group assignment, free provision of extra virgin olive oil, mixed nuts, or small non-food gifts.
While a 2020 report, published by the Journal of the American Heart Association, linked eating just half a serving a day of nuts, such as walnuts, with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Compared to those who consumed no nuts, the study participants who ate just half a serving a day of nuts had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and stroke.
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