New Delhi, Nov 29 (IANS): Consuming nuts at least seven times a week can reduce risk of death from any cause by 20 percent, says a new study.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), also establishes a significant association between the consumption of nuts and a lower incidence of death due to heart diseases, cancer and respiratory diseases.

The study said nutrients in nuts, such as unsaturated fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may confer heart-protective, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

"This study adds to the current strong body of evidence which demonstrates that eating nuts daily, including almonds, confers health benefits and supports long-term health. Nuts deliver many good attributes in a small, satisfying package," said Karen Lapsley, chief scientific officer for the Almond Board of California.

"Part of the reason people consuming more nuts such as almonds tend to be leaner is because may be that these nuts provide satiety.

"Satiating snacks with protein and fiber can help curb hunger pangs between meals, which in turn may helps in reducing the urge to snack on less nutritious options," said Ishi Khosla, clinical nutritionist and director, Centre for Dietary Counselling.

Cardiovascular diseases are estimated to cause nearly three million deaths per annum in India, accounting for 25 percent of all mortality.