What are the health benefits of nuts

A.� Nuts are packed important vitamins and are being hailed as one of nature's wonder drugs. Vitamin E, comonnly found in nuts and cabbage, is a powerful protector of the brain and may even help prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's. For the first time, scientists in Japan have proved it is possible to reverse a degenerative brain disease simply by administering Vitamin E. The work was originally carried out on mice but scientists believe the work will show similar effects in humans.

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Q.� Why are nuts - and Vitamin E - so important

A.� The Japanese experiment follows similar research which suggests that eliminating free radicals - naturally occurring chemicals that promote cell damage - can prevent degenerative diseases. The body produces free radicals as cells convert oxygen and food into energy. Anti-oxidants such as vitamins C and E neutralise free radicals. Oxidation is thought to be espeically harmful to the brain, and there is evidence, say experts, it leads to dementia.

The report is published in the US journal�Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and highlights work done by scientists at Tokyo Medical and Dental University.

They bred genetically-engineered mice lacking a gene essential for maintaining levels of Vitamin E. The mice showed symptoms of an inherited human neuro-degenerative disease caused by Vitamin E deficiency which produces poor co-ordination and shaking. But the symptoms were virtually eradicated by giving supplements which restored Vitamin E in the brain to normal levels.

The scientists said it was the first time a food-administered treatment had been shown to halt, rather than slow, the development of a disease.

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By Katharine MacColl