Nut consumption and the risk of hypertension: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of prospective studies.

• Date posted:  11/12/2026 
• Posted In:
• Mixed Nuts,
• Cardiovascular Health,
• Consumption,

Metoudi, M., I. Sadler, S. Kassam, D. Aune, 2026. Nut consumption and the risk of hypertension: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of prospective studies. BJN, page 1 of 8. doi: 10.1017/S0007114526108137.

Previous studies have suggested that a high intake of nuts may reduce the risk of hypertension; however, the available data have been limited. Several additional studies have recently been published on the topic. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies on nut consumption and hypertension to provide an updated assessment of the evidence. PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to 4 April 2026 for prospective cohort studies with adjusted relative risk (RR) estimates published in English on the association between nut consumption and hypertension risk. Random-effects models were used to estimate summary RRs and 95% CIs. We used World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) criteria to assess the strength of the evidence. Eight studies (20 665 cases, 143 380 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. The summary RR for the highest v. lowest category of nut intake was 0·84 (95% CI 0.77–0.91, I2=50%, Pheterogeneity = 0.05, n 8) and per 28 g/d was 0.80 (95 % CI 0.71 0.89, I2 = 75 %, Pheterogeneity < 0.0001, n 8). There was no indication of publication bias. There was some indication of non-linearity (Pnon-linearity = 0·07), and there was a 26% reduction in risk when comparing 30g/d v. 0g/d. Using WCRF criteria to assess the strength of evidence, we graded the likelihood of causality as probable. In this meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies, we found further evidence for a reduced risk of hypertension with higher intake of nuts. These findings support dietary guideline recommendations to include a serving of nuts per day.