Comparative effects of dried plum and dried apple on bone in postmenopausal women
Aside from existing drug therapies; certain lifestyle and nutritional factors are known to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Among the nutritional factors; dried plum or prunes (Prunus domestica L.) is the most effective fruit in both preventing and reversing bone loss. The objective of the present study was to examine the extent to which dried […]
Current guidelines for nut consumption are achievable and sustainable: a hazelnut intervention
Nuts are known for their hypocholesterolaemic properties; however; to achieve optimal health benefits; nuts must be consumed regularly and in sufficient quantity. It is therefore important to assess the acceptability of regular consumption of nuts. The present study examined the long-term effects of hazelnut consumption in three different forms on 'desire to consume' and 'overall […]
Current guidelines for nut consumption are achievable and sustainable: a hazelnut intervention.
Abstract: Nuts are known for their hypocholesterolaemic properties; however; to achieve optimal health benefits; nuts must be consumed regularly and in sufficient quantity. It is therefore important to assess the acceptability of regular consumption of nuts. The present study examined the long-term effects of hazelnut consumption in three different forms on 'desire to consume' and […]
The effectiveness of dried cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common condition in older men. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) powder in men at risk of prostate disease with LUTS; elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA); negative prostate biopsy and clinically confirmed chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. Forty-two participants received […]
Effects of peanut processing on body weight and fasting plasma lipids.
Peanuts and peanut butter are commonly consumed as a snack; meal component and ingredient in various commercial products. Their consumption is associated with reduced CVD risk and they pose little threat to positive energy balance. However; questions have arisen as to whether product form (e.g. whole nut v. butter) and processing properties (e.g. roasting and […]
Effect of almond-enriched high-monounsaturated fat diet on selected markers of inflammation: a randomised; controlled; crossover study
Frequent consumption of nuts lowers the risk of CHD. While lowering blood lipids is one of the mechanisms for cardioprotection; the present study sought to determine whether monounsaturated fat-rich almonds also influence other CHD risk factors such as inflammation and haemostasis. This was a randomised; controlled; crossover feeding study with twenty-five healthy adults (eleven men; […]
Dried plums (prunes) reduce atherosclerosis lesion area in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Dried plums are a fruit high in pectin with substantial antioxidant activity. Previous studies in rats and man indicate that dried plums or plum fibre lower liver and plasma cholesterol; respectively. The apoE-deficient mouse; which develops atherosclerotic lesions rapidly when fed cholesterol; was used to determine the ability of dried plums to reduce atherosclerosis. Diets […]
Dose-dependent effects of walnuts on motor and cognitive function in aged rats
Aged rats show decrements in performance on motor and cognitive tasks that require the use of spatial learning and memory. Previously we have shown that these deficits can be reversed by the polyphenolics in fruits and vegetables. Walnuts; which contain the n-3 fatty acids % walnut diet for 8 weeks before motor and cognitive testing. […]
Dried plums (prunes) reduce atherosclerosis lesion area in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Dried plums are a fruit high in pectin with substantial antioxidant activity. Previous studies in rats and man indicate that dried plums or plum fibre lower liver and plasma cholesterol; respectively. The apoE-deficient mouse; which develops atherosclerotic lesions rapidly when fed cholesterol; was used to determine the ability of dried plums to reduce atherosclerosis. Diets […]
Mediterranean diet and longevity.
Mortality statistics from the WHO database covering the period 1960 to 1990 have provided intriguing evidence that something unusual has been affecting in a beneficial way the health of the Mediterranean population. In recent papers; which evaluated the evidence accumulated over the last three decades; it was concluded that the traditional Mediterranean diet meets several […]