New research suggests that daily walnut consumption could ward off common health issues associated with old age, such as high blood cholesterol levels.At a health conference in San Diego this week researchers from the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona and Loma Linda University presented findings from a two-year clinical trial, in which they tested 707 healthy older adults, split into two groups. One group ate walnuts as 15% of their daily calorific intake, while the other group ate none.After 12 months both groups had similar results for weight gain, triglycerides and HDL (or "good") cholesterol, but those eating walnuts had significant LDL (or "bad") cholesterol reductions.Spanish researcher Emilio Ros said: "Acquiring the good fats and other nutrients from walnuts while keeping adiposity at bay and reducing blood cholesterol levels are important to overall nutritional wellbeing."It's encouraging to see that eating walnuts may benefit this particular population."Researchers hope to confirm the positive effects of walnuts on other age-related health concerns, such as macular degeneration and cognitive decline. More studies linked walnuts to other health benefits, including gut and metabolic health and feelings of satiety...