Now new research says just three ounces of pistachio nuts a day could also protect against heart disease.

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University say pistachio nuts significantly lower the risk of heart disease and appear to lower cholesterol and keep arteries healthy.

In a study led by Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton a group of volunteers were asked to supplement a lowfat diet with pistachios; some ate 1.5 ounces of the nuts a day, while others had double that amount, while a third group did not eat any pistachios.

The researchers found that after just a month, cholesterol levels were significantly lower among the pistachio-eaters and those who ate the most nuts experienced the biggest decrease in cholesterol.

The team say eating three ounces of pistachios a day cut cholesterol levels by 8.4 per cent, with LDL or 'bad' cholesterol dropping by 11.6 per cent.

Dr. Kris-Etherton says the study has shown that pistachios, eaten with a healthy heart diet, may decrease a person's cardiovascular disease risk profile.

Pistachios are known to be particularly rich in an antioxidant called lutein, usually found in green leafy vegetables and brightly coloured fruit; lutein helps prevent cholesterol from clogging up arteries.

Experts advise consumers to eat unsalted rather than salted pistachios as too much salt can raise blood pressure.

Year-one dental visit -- Dental visits should begin around six months but no later than one year, or with the appearance of a child's first tooth. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly and smile with confidence. Fluoride use -- Young children require fluoride to help developing teeth grow strong, and it helps prevent tooth decay in older children when used on a regular basis. Children who primarily drink bottled water may not be getting the fluoride they need. If your child routinely drinks bottled water, make sure to choose a product that contains fluoride. Talk to your pediatric dentists about your child's fluoride needs. Healthy eating habits -- Parents should ensure their children are eating a balanced diet, and limit frequency of snacking which can increase a child's risk of developing cavities. In order to prevent cavities, parents should limit the child's number of snacks and the amount of time each child snacks throughout the day.

"Proper preventive care, fluoridation use and a balanced diet are key to the oral and overall health of every child," said Dr. Phil H. Hunke, D.D.S., M.S.D, president of the AAPD. "When kids are exposed to sugar for extended periods, they are at a higher risk of tooth decay. If left untreated, this puts these young children at increased risk for pain and infection, which can lead to missed school, lost sleep and loss of appetite."

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