Increasing one’s intake of walnuts and walnut oil may lower blood pressure and stress levels, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

Previous research has uncovered that omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in walnuts, can reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol. In order to determine if walnut and walnut oil consumption would benefit those with high blood pressure and constant stress, the researchers had 22 individuals with unhealthy LDL levels follow three diets for six weeks.

After completing the study, participants were asked to give a speech while their foot was in cold water, with the idea being that the action would cause stress levels to increase. As a result, those who followed a dietary regimen that included walnut products experienced less stress and had lower blood pressure.

Sheila G. West, lead author of the research, stated that these findings are important because “we can’t avoid all of the stressors in our daily lives, [and] this study shows that a dietary change could help our bodies better respond to stress.”

In addition to walnuts and walnut oil, eating brown rice can help improve blood pressure, according to a study conducted at the Temple University School of Medicine.