Nighttime Pistachio Consumption Alters Stool Microbiota Diversity and Taxa Abundance Compared with Education to Consume 1-2 Carbohydrate Exchanges (15-30 grams) over 12 Weeks in Adults with Prediabetes: A Secondary Analysis from a Randomized Crossover Trial

Background: Prior research has demonstrated that pistachio intake influences gut microbiota composition; however, there has been limited investigation of pistachio-related gut microbial modulation in populations with impaired glycemia. Objectives: The aim was to examine the effect of nighttime pistachio intake for 12 wk on the stool microbiota of adults with prediabetes [fasting plasma glucose (FPG) […]

Nutrient Displacement Associated with Replacing Intake of Usual Snacks with Pecans: An Exploratory Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The effect of instructions to replace usual snacks with nuts on nutrient displacement is unknown. Objectives: This analysis aimed to investigate nutrient displacement and changes in food pattern component intake that occur with instructions to consume 57 g/d of pecans in place of usual snacks in adults at increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases after […]

Pecan Consumption Improves Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults

Objectives: Tree nut intake benefits cardiometabolic health, but polyphenol-rich pecans have been less studied. The aim of this dissertation was to evaluate the cardiometabolic effects of consuming pecans in place of usual snacks compared to usual intake in adults at risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Methods: This was a 12-week parallel randomized controlled trial in which […]

Perspective: Current Scientific Evidence and Research Strategies in the Role of Almonds in Cardiometabolic Health

Almonds are consumed by individuals around the world. Because almonds are rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and fiber, a significant amount of research has been conducted on their role in affecting various cardiometabolic endpoints (body weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, and glycemic response). The most current meta-analyses on almond consumption and various health-related […]

Almond Consumption Modestly Improves Pain Ratings, Muscle Force Production, and Biochemical Markers of Muscle Damage Following Downhill Running in Mildly Overweight, Middle-Aged Adults: A Randomized, Crossover Trial

Background: Almonds promote cardiometabolic health benefits; however, the ergogenic effect of almond supplementation on exercise recovery is less explored. Objectives: We evaluated the impacts of raw, shelled, almonds on pain, muscle force production, and biochemical indices of muscle damage and inflammation during recovery from eccentrically biased exercise. Methods: Using a randomized, crossover design, 26 healthy […]

Prunes may blunt adverse effects of oral contraceptives on bone health in young adult women: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Oral contraceptives (OCs) may promote bone loss, thereby leading to suboptimal bone health later in life. Research is needed to determine whether dietary interventions can blunt OC-related bone loss; prune consumption, shown to be effective in improving bone density in previous studies, could provide a safe and inexpensive solution. Objectives: The purpose of this […]

Protocol: A Novel Approach to Assess Several Environmental Impacts of Diets on Differences of Nut Intake

Objectives: Many dietary guidelines encourage nut intake. However, the role of nuts in environmentally sustainable diets has been questioned due to their water-intensive agricultural demands. Nuts are condensed sources of protein and fats, making them a reasonable replacement for protein and fat-rich animal foods, thus potentially influencing a diet’s environmental sustainability. The proposed study aims […]

The Effect of Nighttime Pistachio Intake on Stool Microbiota of Individuals With Prediabetes: A 12-Week Randomized Crossover Trial

Objectives: Pistachios contain unsaturated fats, fiber, and phytosterols that can influence glycemia, cardiometabolic health, and may alter the gut microbiota. The aim was to assess the effects of pistachio consumption on the stool microbiota of adults with prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] >100 mg/dL < 125 mg/dL). Methods: A secondary analysis of data from a […]

Association of Tree Nut Consumption with Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Health Outcomes in US Adults: NHANES 2011-2018

Background: Tree nuts are nutrient dense, and their consumption has been associated with improvements in health outcomes. Objective: To estimate the usual tree nut intake and examine the association between tree nut consumption and cardiometabolic (CM) health outcomes in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Methods: Cross-sectional data were analyzed from a sample of […]