According to a 2015 Vanderbilt University study, eating nuts every day is linked to a lower total death risk. What gives nuts the ability to deter the reaper? Their density of health-promoting and protective nutrients. “Nuts have a healthy fat profile — including mono- and polyunsaturated fats — are rich in antioxidants,

contain nutrients like potassium that help maintain a healthy blood pressure, are rich in fiber, and contain heart-healthy plant phytosterols,” says Jennifer McDaniel MS, RDN, CSSD, LD founder of mcdanielnutrition.com.

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to decrease LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.