Few studies have singled out seeds in the diet, and it is not possible to directly link dried ready-to-eat seeds with health outcomes. Nevertheless a recent review concluded that there is substantial evidence that greater consumption of seeds (including whole grains, nuts, legumes, cocoa products, and coffee) is linked with lower risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factors. In addition, consumption of nuts as part of a Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce major cardiovascular complications (heart attack, stroke and death). The EPIC study found that women who consumed the highest amount of seeds and nuts had a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
