Metabolic syndrome is a term which covers a group of health problems, including abdominal obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. It can occur to those who are overweight and obese and can put you at risk for heart disease.

Now new research suggests a Mediterranean Diet plus a daily serving of nuts may go a long way to fighting the syndrome.

Spanish scientists found those on the Mediterranean Diet -- which is rich in fish, lean meats and vegetables were 70 per cent more likely to reverse their metabolic disorder.

The diet has already been linked to improvements in diabetes and heart disease in other studies.

Those in the study ate 30 grams of mixed nuts, the equivalent of three whole walnuts, seven or eight hazelnuts and seven or eight almonds.