A large randomized individual and group intervention conducted by registered dietitians increased adherence to Mediterranean-type diets: the PREDIMED study.

Objective To assess the effectiveness of an intervention aimed to increase adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Design A 12-month assessment of a randomized primary prevention trial. Subjects/settings One thousand five hundred fifty-one asymptomatic persons aged 55 to 80 years; with diabetes or = 3 cardiovascular risk factors. Intervention Participants were randomly assigned to a control […]

Almonds have a neutral effect on serum lipid profiles: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

Almond consumption may be associated with improvements in serum lipid profiles. The aim was to evaluate the influence of almonds on lipid parameters to help define the role of almonds as a lipid modulator. MEDLINE; EMBASE; Cochrane CENTRAL; and the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database were searched through July 2008; with no language restrictions; for randomized […]

Position of the American Dietetic Association: Functional foods

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that functional foods; including whole foods and fortified; enriched; or enhanced foods; have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed as part of a varied diet on a regular basis; at effective levels. The Association supports research to define further the health benefits and risks […]

The evidence for dietary prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

During the past few decades numerous studies have reported the atherogenic potential of saturated fatty acids; trans-fatty acids; and cholesterol; and beneficial effects of fiber; phytostanols/phytosterols; n-3 fatty acids; a Mediterranean diet; and other plant-based approaches. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive and systematic review of the evidence associated with key […]

Pecans lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in people with normal lipid levels

OBJECTIVE: To compare serum lipid profiles and dietary intakes of people with normal lipid levels who consumed pecans and those who did not consume nuts. DESIGN: Eight-week; randomized; controlled study of pecan treatment group vs control group. SUBJECT Nineteen people with normal lipid levels completed the study; 10 had been randomly assigned to the pecan […]