GOALS

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them and another did not for a few weeks, but we have never done a dietary study that has a two-year duration. The importance of this is to allow for time to take its course over the aging process and to increase the power or accuracy of our study so that the conclusions drawn will be valid.

Q. What might be learned?

A. We already know that eating walnuts decreases blood cholesterol

and thus may lower the risk for heart disease, but we do not know if walnuts help other health factors, such as brain function or eyesight. There have been rumors and speculations but no solid evidence, so we are excited that this will be the first study of its kind to directly explore the relationship between walnuts and other health factors.

Q. Why should seniors join the study?

First and foremost, those who volunteer for the study will advance scientific knowledge and contribute to nutri tional

literature and facts.

People underestimate the importance of diet studies and the effects that food has on our bodies.

Secondly, it is a free living study, where participants may continue with their habitual activities and lifestyle. A participant does not have to be or become vegetarian, or a fitness-lover, or change any aspect of their lifestyle.

Thirdly, the results of all the tests that will be provided at the end of the study will amount to about $2,000 worth of health tests, which will be provided for free to all the participants.