The famous snack turned out to be useful for the prevention of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is formed due to the fact that “bad” cholesterol is deposited on the walls of blood vessels and narrows their lumen. As a result, the heart has to increase the pressure to pump blood through the narrow vessel. “Good” cholesterol binds “bad” cholesterol and transports it to the liver. Therefore, the key to healthy blood vessels is to reduce the amount of “bad” cholesterol and increase the level of “good”.

As Express writes, 25 independent studies have shown a decrease in “bad” cholesterol with regular consumption of nuts. Two to three servings of nuts per day lower cholesterol levels by an average of 10.2 mg/dL.

This effect is possible thanks to the phytosterols contained in nuts – these are plant compounds that are structurally similar to cholesterol and prevent it absorption in the intestines. Almonds cope best with cholesterol.