Apparently adding one simple side dish to your meals can help protect you from a variety of cardiovascular diseases including strokes and heart attacks.

Researchers from Pennsylvania State University found that participants who ate an 85 gram serving of ground unsalted peanuts in shake form would reduce levels of triglyceride by 32%.

Triglyceride is a type of fat found in the bloodstream that is linked to increased risks for heart disease and stroke. Being able to lower this could mean big things for those who are suffering with heart-related issues.

The study contact showed that by drinking the peanut shake, there was a significant difference in the amount of the triglcerides. Researcher Penny Kris-Etherton said that "Typically, whenever we eat something, it causes the arteries to get a a little bit stiffer during the post-meal period, but we have shown that if you eat peanuts with your meal, this can help prevent the stiffening response."

The stiffening of arteries over time can force the heart to work harder than it needs to which leads to cardiovascular issues.

"As the heart works harder and harder over a long period of time it could lead, ultimately, to heart failure. After a meal, triglycerides increase and this typically decreases the dilation of the arteries, but the peanuts prevent that big increase in triglycerides after the meal," Kris-Etherton said.

The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition, but it was a relatively small study and would need a lot more testing before any definitive assumptions should be made.

Would add some peanuts to your meals if it would help your heart stay healthy?