Eat nuts to decrease your risk of diabetes, reduce your cholesterol, and reduce your mortality risk!  Nuts were associated with a “significantly reduced risk of mortality” in a recent study of people at high cardiovascular risk.  Nuts have also been shown to decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes and to reduce cholesterol.  A handful (1.5 ounces) is optimal, particularly since nuts are high in calories, and it’s best to avoid salted or sugar coated nuts.