You just don't see sickly squirrels. Hmmm . . .
I frequently check in at CalorieLab for up-to-date nutrition news.
Karen Collins, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., was a guest contributor there March 14, 2009, writing about the potential health benefits of nuts. I was aware of the cardiovascular benefits; she taught me about possible salutary effects on cancer and diabetes.
From my own literature review, the cardiac benefits are associated with a nut “dose” of three to five 1-ounce servings a week.
Last December, I blogged about reversal of metabolic syndrome with a Mediterranean Diet supplemented with nuts.
I recommend Ms. Collins’ article to you.
Reference: Albert, Christine, et al. Nut consumption and decreased risk of sudden cardiac death in the Physicians’ Health Study. Archives of Internal Medicine, 162, (2002): 1,382-1,387.
Diabetic Mediterranean Diet 
Ironically, when I worked at the UC Berkeley library I noticed the squirrels that hung out there were obese. Seriously, it was weird. I also notice they snacked all day on pastries and muffins leftover near the garbage by the cafe. Funny, huh?
I hadn’t seen that before, Darya! Bet they were still cute. But paying the price for the high-glycemic index standard American diet.