The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed the health benefits of omega-3 rich walnuts. The agency will allow California's walnut growers to use a health claim stating that 'supportive but not conclusive' research shows the nuts may help reduce risk of heart disease.
The FDA decision comes in response to a petition filed by the California Walnut Commission, which represents more than 99 per cent of the commercial US supply of the nuts and the majority of the world trade.
The claim specifies that eating 1.5 ounces per day of walnuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. Eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts will more than fulfill the daily requirement of omega-3 fatty acids, linked in research to heart health benefits.
Dr Sheila G. West, Vascular Intervention Health Lab, Penn State University, said: "There is a good amount of epidemiologic evidence, population based evidence that people who consume nuts, and walnuts in particular, have less cardiovascular risk. There is also a very strong body of literature to say that the special kind of fatty acids, the omega-3 fatty acids that are present in walnuts, help protect people against heart disease."
The government has recently recommended new dietary intake guidelines to encourage increased omega-3 fatty acid intake by Americans. Last week the FDA unveiled proposals for a new system for use of health claims, allowing the use of health claims with disclaimers to clarify the amount of evidence supporting the claim.
Walnuts also contain other important vitamins, minerals and protein and have been shown to offer a concentrated source of antioxidants.