Endothelial dysfunction is considered a precursor for atherosclerosis and an independent predictor of CVD[2]. The endothelium, a monolayer of cells in arterial vessels, contributes to maintaining normal vascular tone and blood fluidity.
Some cardiovascular risk factors including smoking, hypertension, and high LDL-cholesterol levels can directly induce endothelial dysfunction, and a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts improves endothelial markers involved in blood pressure control in hypertensive women[3].
A recent study has evaluated the effects of peanut consumption on postprandial endothelial function and observed that the intake of 85g/day of peanuts may improve postprandial triglyceride levels and preserve endothelial function[4]. Moreover, walnuts (30g/day) contribute to the improvement of the elasticity of blood vessels, according to the health claim approved by the European Commission in 2012. In addition, it has been reported that daily pistachio consumption may have a positive impact on improving some cardiometabolic risk factors related with alteration in endothelial function[5]. Collectively, these findings suggest that nut consumption may favorably affect endothelial function.
[1] Ros, E., 2010. Health benefits of nut consumption. Nutrients, 2(7), 652-682.
[2] Xiao Y., et al., 2017. Effect of nut consumption on vascular endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Nutrition.
[3]Storniolo CE, et al., 2017. A Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts improves endothelial markers involved in blood pressure control in hypertensive women. European Journal of Nutrition, 56(1), 89-97.
[4] Liu X., et al., 2017. Acute Peanut Consumption Alters Postprandial Lipids and Vascular Responses in Healthy Overweight or Obese Men. The Journal of Nutrition, 147(5), 835-840
[5] Sauder KA, et al., 2015. Effects of pistachios on the lipid/lipoprotein profile, glycemic control, inflammation, and endothelial function in type 2 diabetes: A randomized trial. Metabolism, 64(11), 1521-1529.
Photo: Copyright Australian Nut Industry Council – Nuts for Life