Consumption of tree nuts as snacks stimulates changes in plasma fatty acid profiles and adipose tissue gene expression in young adults at risk for metabolic syndrome
Background and aims: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has been increasing in young adults, concomitant with the occurrence of increased abdominal adiposity. We previously reported that consuming tree nuts, as replacement for typical high-carbohydrate snacks, reduces visceral fat and waist circumference in young adults who have one or more metabolic syndrome risk factors. We aimed […]
Walnut consumption and gut microbial metabolism: Results of an exploratory analysis from a randomized, crossover, controlled-feeding study
Background & aims: The effect of walnut-related modulation of gut microbiota composition on microbiota functionality is unknown. The aim was to characterize the effect of a walnut-enriched diet (WD), compared to a fatty acid-matched diet devoid of walnuts (WFMD) and a diet where oleic acid replaces alpha-linolenic acid (ORAD), on bacterial gene expression. Methods: A […]
Nut consumption is associated with a lower risk of depression in adults: A prospective analysis with data from the UK Biobank cohort
Background & aims: Evidence on the association between nut consumption and depression is mainly based on cross-sectional studies. This study aims to analyse whether nut consumption is prospectively associated with the risk of depression in adults. Methods: This study was conducted using the United Kingdom (UK) Biobank resource. Data from middle-aged and older UK adults […]
Longitudinal changes in adherence to the portfolio and DASH dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors in the PREDIMED-Plus study
Background & aims: The Portfolio and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets have been shown to lower cardiometabolic risk factors in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, the Portfolio diet has only been assessed in RCTs of hyperlipidemic patients. Therefore, to assess the Portfolio diet in a population with metabolic syndrome (MetS), we conducted a […]
Socioeconomic and lifestyle factors modifies the association between nut consumption and metabolic syndrome incidence
Background & aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of nut consumption and its various types with metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk and to investigate whether lifestyle factors (physical activity and smoking status) and socioeconomic status (education and occupation) modulate the association of nut consumption and the risk of MetS. Methods: We […]
Effects of tree nut and groundnut consumption compared with those of L-arginine supplementation on fasting and postprandial flow-mediated vasodilation: Meta-analysis of human randomized controlled trials
Introduction: l-arginine supplementation may improve vascular endothelial function. As tree nuts and groundnuts are a source of the amino acid l-arginine, we performed a meta-analysis of human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare effects of tree nut and groundnut consumption with those of l-arginine supplementation on fasting and postprandial endothelial function as assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation […]
The Mediterranean diet decreases prothrombotic microvesicle release in asymptomatic individuals at high cardiovascular risk.
Background & aims: Circulating microvesicles (cMV) are small phospholipid-rich vesicles that contribute to the atherothrombotic process, and are biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden and progression. Diet is a cornerstone for CVD prevention, but dietary effects on cMV shedding are poorly characterized. We aimed at assessing the long term effects of a Mediterranean diet compared […]
Effects of almond consumption on metabolic function and liver fat in overweight and obese adults with elevated fasting blood glucose: A randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND: Almonds are a rich source of bioactive components. This study examined the effects of daily almond consumption on glycaemic regulation, liver fat concentration and function, adiposity, systemic inflammation and cardiometabolic health. METHODS: 76 adults with elevated risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or T2D (age: 60.7 ± 7.7 years, body mass index: 33.8 ± 5.6 kg/m2) were randomly assigned […]
The effect of prunes on stool output, gut transit time and gastrointestinal microbiota: A randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND & AIM: Prunes (dried plums) are perceived to maintain healthy bowel function, however their effects on gastrointestinal (GI) function are poorly researched and potential mechanisms of action are not clear. We aimed to investigate the effect of prunes on stool output, whole gut transit time (WGTT), gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in […]
Effect of nut consumption on vascular endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVE: nut consumption has consistently been found to be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mortality in prospective studies. However, its effect on endothelial function, a prognostic marker of CVD, is still controversial in clinical trials. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to quantitatively assess the effect of nuts […]