Pecans Acutely Increase Plasma Postprandial Antioxidant Capacity and Catechins and Decrease LDL Oxidation in Humans.

Bioactive constituents of pecan nuts such as -tocopherol and flavan-3-ol monomers show antioxidant properties in vitro; but bioavailability in humans is not known. We examined postprandial changes in plasma oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and in concentrations of tocopherols; catechins; oxidized LDL; and malondialdehyde (MDA) in response to pecan test meals. Sixteen healthy men and […]

Lifestyle Counseling and Supplementation with Flaxseed or Walnuts Influence the Management of Metabolic Syndrome

A healthy lifestyle may ameliorate metabolic syndrome (MetS); however; it remains unclear if incorporating nuts or seeds into lifestyle counseling (LC) has additional benefit. A 3-arm; randomized; controlled trial was conducted among 283 participants screened for MetS using the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for Asian Americans. Participants were assigned […]

Pistachios increase serum antioxidants and lower serum oxidized-LDL in hypercholesterolemic adults

Pistachios are high in lutein; beta-carotene; and gamma-tocopherol relative to other nuts; however; studies of the effects of pistachios on oxidative status are lacking. We conducted a randomized; crossover controlled-feeding study to evaluate 2 doses of pistachios on serum antioxidants and biomarkers of oxidative status in 28 hypercholesterolemic adults (LDL-cholesterol >or=2.86 mmol/L). Participants consumed 3 […]

Pistachios Increase Serum Antioxidants and Lower Serum Oxidized-LDL in Hypercholesterolemic Adults

Pistachios are high in lutein; beta-carotene; and gamma-tocopherol relative to other nuts; however; studies of the effects of pistachios on oxidative status are lacking. We conducted a randomized; crossover controlled-feeding study to evaluate 2 doses of pistachios on serum antioxidants and biomarkers of oxidative status in 28 hypercholesterolemic adults (LDL-cholesterol >/=2.86 mmol/L). Participants consumed 3 […]

Grape Juice; Berries; and Walnuts Affect Brain Aging and Behavior

Numerous studies have indicated that individuals consuming a diet containing high amounts of fruits and vegetables exhibit fewer age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Research from our laboratory has suggested that dietary supplementation with fruit or vegetable extracts high in antioxidants (e.g. blueberries; strawberries; walnuts; and Concord grape juice) can decrease the enhanced vulnerability to […]

A systematic review of the effects of nuts on blood lipid profiles in humans

The inverse association of nut consumption and risk markers of coronary heart disease (lipids) has sparked the interest of the scientific and lay community. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to investigate the effects of nuts on the lipid profile. Medline and Web of Science databases were searched from the […]

Tree nut and peanut consumption in relation to chronic and metabolic diseases including allergy

The New and Emerging Research session highlighted the emerging understanding of both the positive and negative effects of nuts consumption on health. The limited nature of both experimental and epidemiological evidence for positive relationship(s) between nut intake and health were noted. Study inconsistency and limitations; particularly survey methodology; were explored. Recent results from epidemiologic studies […]

Priority Areas for Research on the Intake; Composition; and Health Effects of Tree Nuts and Peanuts

This article summarizes the main conclusions drawn from a conference on the health effects of nut consumption and identifies priority areas for future research. Individuals with higher intakes of nuts generally have higher intakes of many beneficial dietary constituents. More information is needed on nut composition; the bioavailability of nutrients; and other bioactive constituents. Better […]