New Delhi, March 19 -- Looking for an effortless way to improve your heart health? Instead of grabbing chips or cookies, try reaching for a handful of pecans. A recent study from Penn State University revealed that swapping out your usual snack for pecans can lower cholesterol and enhance overall diet quality, two crucial factors for a healthier heart. [Also read: These common mistakes are wrecking your heart valves; expert suggests 5 prevention tips]

While almonds and walnuts have long been praised for their heart-friendly benefits, pecans have not been studied as extensively however, researchers at Penn State set out to change that by examining how daily pecan consumption impacts adults at risk for heart issues. The study, funded by th...