Eating a handful of walnuts every day can not only lower heart disease but also reduce the risk of breast cancer in women, a study finds.

FDA health officials have reported that including 1.5 ounces of walnuts in a daily diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol reduces the risk of developing heart disease.

The walnut-based diet can also reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis - hardening of the arteries. When eaten at the end of a meal, walnuts overcome the damage caused by fatty foods on the arteries, lowering total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

The study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research reported that eating a handful of walnuts every day also lowers the risk of breast cancer.

The tumors found in individuals following such a diet are also reported to be smaller in comparison to those who do not eat walnuts regularly.

The high content of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols in walnuts is believed to slow down the pace of cancer growth in the body.

Scientists concluded that following a healthy balanced diet - rich in fruit and vegetables - lowers the risk of many chronic diseases, adding that walnuts are a healthy alternative for snacks such as cookies, French fries and potato chips.