Scientific Study

In countries of the Mediterranean region; nuts have been consumed in moderate quantities since ancient times. Epidemiological studies show lower risk of cardiovascular diseases in populations with frequent nut consumption; independent from other dietary components. This article assesses nut consumption in Spain and other countries using different sources of data collected at the country; household or individual levels. The per capita consumption of nuts in Spain in 2001 was 7.9 g/person/d. The varieties most widely consumed are walnuts; almonds; hazelnuts and peanuts. Results of the eVe study estimate an average nut consumption in the Spanish population aged 25-60 years of 3.3 g/person/d. No significant statistical differences were observed between men and women. Consumption is higher in men aged between 35 and 44 years (4.5 g/d) and in women aged between 45 and 54 years (3.5 g/d). In the population of 2-24 years; according to the enKid study; nut consumption is estimated at 4.9+/-18.5 g/person per d. The age group with the highest consumption is teenagers between 14 and 17 years. The northeastern; northern and eastern regions of Spain show the highest consumption. According to FAO balance sheets; in 2001; Lebanon (16.5 kg/person peryear) and Greece (11.9 kg/person per year) were the countries in the Mediterranean region with the highest consumption of nuts; followed by Spain (7.3 kg/person per year); Israel and Italy.