Phytochemical composition of nuts

Observational studies suggest nut consumption is inversely associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer. In addition to being rich in several vitamins and minerals; unsaturated fatty acids; and fiber; tree nuts and peanuts contain numerous phytochemicals that may contribute to promoting health and reducing the risk of chronic disease. While many of these […]

The effect of nuts on inflammation

Inflammation is one of the recognised mechanisms involved in the development of atherosclerotic plaque and insulin resistance. Inflammatory or endothelial markers such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP); Interleukin-6 (IL-6); fibrinogen; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and Intracellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) have been identified as independent predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or diabetes in human prospective studies. […]

The energetics of nut consumption

Nuts are a nutrient-rich food group. Depending on the type; they may provide substantive concentrations of Vitamin E; magnesium; folate; essential fatty acids; fiber and protein to the diet. They also contain potentially important phytochemicals. By mechanisms yet to be identified; they are reported to improve postprandial lipid profiles and may hold other health benefits. […]

Long-term adoption of a Mediterranean diet is associated with a better health status in elderly people; a cross-sectional survey in Cyprus

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that there are protective health effects from diets which are high in fruits; vegetables; legumes; and whole grains; and which include fish; nuts; and low-fat dairy products. We sought to investigate the association of Mediterranean diet on clinical status of 150 elderly men and women. METHODS: During 2004 – 2005; […]

There are many Mediterranean diets.

Interest in Mediterranean diet began 30 years ago; when Ancel Keys published the results of the famous Seven Countries Study; Since 1945; almost 1.3 million people have come to Australia from Mediterranean countries as new settlers. There are 18 countries with coasts on the Mediterranean sea: Spain; southern France; Italy; Malta; Croatia; Bosnia; Albania; Greece; […]

Optimizing the plant-based diet.

Any attempt to optimize a plant‐based diet necessitates an identification of the features of the diet which confer benefit as well as any which may be associated with detrimental effects. The former task is more difficult than might be assumed as there is no doubt that some of the apparent health benefits observed amongst vegetarians […]