A Dutch study recommends eating half a handful of peanuts on daily basis, as it protect against cancer-related death and heart disease.

The research has found that if men and women eat at least 10 grams of nuts or peanuts per day, they are at reduced risk of dying from severe diseases in comparison to those who do not eat them. Peanuts are beneficial as they contain different vitamins, fibre, antioxidants and other compounds.

The International Journal of Epidemiology-published research has found that maximum benefit of having peanuts was in reduction of mortality chances by respiratory disease, neurodegenerative disease and diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The study was carried out within the Netherlands Cohort Study. It has been running since 1986 and involved more than 120,000 Dutch men and women aged between 55 and 69 years. The study researchers assessed nut consumption by questioning the participants about portion size and intervals after which they take peanuts, other nuts and peanut butter.

After assessing their answers, the researchers came to know that men and women who eat at least 10 g of nuts or peanuts per day were having reduced risk of dying from above mentioned reasons in comparison to people who do not eat them.

It shall, however, be noted that benefits were not found in eating peanut butter. Peanuts and tree nuts contain vitamins, fibre, antioxidants and compounds such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These things might lower the risk of death.

"This was also supported by a meta-analysis of previously published studies together with the Netherlands Cohort Study, in which cancer and respiratory mortality showed this same dose-response pattern", said Epidemiologist Professor Piet van den Brandt.