(Natural News) Balancing cholesterol levels may be as easy as eating a third of a cup of almonds each day. A new study published in Journal of Nutrition confirmed the potent effect the nut had on body cholesterol levels. It was found the almonds worked in two ways: the first is enhancing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — otherwise known as “good” cholesterol — and improving the mechanism in which the body removes low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which has been proven to increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders.

Researchers from the Penn State compared HDL levels among participants who ate 43 grams (that’s roughly 1/3 cup) of almonds with those who ate a banana muffin instead. Those on the almond diet had improved HDL levels and cholesterol functionality. Authors say that this new study builds on existing research that shows the cholesterol-lowering effects of almonds.

Penny Kris-Etherton, a professor of nutrition at the school and one of the authors of the study, said on Science Daily, “there’s a lot of research out there that shows a diet that includes almonds lowers low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. But not as much was known about how almonds affect HDL cholesterol, which is considered good cholesterol and helps lower your risk of heart disease.”

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