Almonds and their impact on mental health and the gut-brain axis in adults with symptoms of anxiety and depression: a 12-week randomized controlled trial
Background: Almonds contain dietary fiber, micronutrients and phytochemicals that have been implicated in the regulation of the gut-brain axis and mental health. Objectives: To investigate the effect of whole almonds on mental health and the gut-brain axis, compared to an isocaloric snack, in adults with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methods: Adults with mild-to-moderate symptoms […]
Effects of 24-Week Almond Supplementation on Executive Function and Processing Speed in Middle-Aged Asian Indians with Prediabetes: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial
Background: Prediabetes is increasingly recognized as a stage of heightened risk not only for diabetes but also for early cognitive decline, driven by insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and low-grade inflammation. Objective: To evaluate the effect of daily almond supplementation on cognitive performance and biochemical markers in middle-aged Asian Indians with prediabetes, who are at high […]
Dose Response Effects of Pecan Consumption on Blood Lipid Profiles in Adults with Excess Body Weight and/or Dyslipidemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Background: Consuming ≥20% of daily energy from pecans improves blood lipids and reduces dyslipidemia but exceeds dietary recommendations. The benefits of lower doses remain unclear. Objective: Examine the effects of pecan consumption at doses of 6%, 13%, and 20% of total energy needs on fasting and postprandial blood lipids in adults with excess body weight […]
Effect of Premeal Pistachio Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Asian Indian Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Background: Asian Indians are susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes at a lower age and often consume diets that are high in glycemic load and low in healthy fats. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 30 g prebreakfast and 30 g predinner supplementation of pistachios for 12 wk on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), […]
Pistachio consumption increases Macular Pigment Optical Density in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial
Background: Pistachios are a bioavailable source of the xanthophyll lutein. Along with zeaxanthin, these plant pigments are major components of macular pigment (MP) in the human retina. MP can be non-invasively measured and is referred to as MP optical density (MPOD). MPOD is modifiable with dietary interventions that include lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z). Higher MPOD […]
Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) Consumption in Energy-Restricted Intervention Decreases Proinflammatory Markers and Intestinal Permeability of Women with Overweight/Obesity: A Controlled Trial (Brazilian Nuts Study)
Background: Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation and increased intestinal permeability (IP). The Brazil nut (BN) (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) appears to be a promising dietary intervention to control inflammation by enhancing antioxidant defenses. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effect of daily BN consumption on inflammatory biomarkers and IP in the context of an energy-restricted […]
Daily Cashew and Brazil Nut Consumption Modifies Intestinal Health in Overweight Women on Energy-Restricted Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Brazilian Nuts Study)
Background: Increased intestinal permeability and dysbiosis are related to obesity. Nuts can provide nutrients and bioactive compounds that modulate gut microbiota and inflammation, enhancing the beneficial effects of weight loss. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of consuming cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale L.) and Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K) on intestinal permeability and microbiota, fecal SCFAs […]
A Walnut-Enriched Diet for 2 Years Changes the Serum Oxylipin Profile in Healthy Older Persons
Background: Oxylipins are products derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that play a role in cardiovascular disease and aging. Fish oil-derived n-3 PUFAs promote the formation of anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory oxylipins; however, there are little data on oxylipins derived from α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), the primary plant-derived n-3 PUFA. Walnuts are a source of C18:3n-3. Objectives: […]
Prune Consumption Attenuates Proinflammatory Cytokine Secretion and Alters Monocyte Activation in Postmenopausal Women: Secondary Outcome Analysis of a 12-Mo Randomized Controlled Trial: The Prune Study
Background: Proinflammatory cytokines are implicated in the pathophysiology of postmenopausal bone loss. Clinical studies demonstrate that prunes prevent bone mineral density loss; however, the mechanism underlying this effect is unknown. Objective: We investigated the effect of prune supplementation on immune, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted in the Prune Study, […]
Associations of Nut Consumption with All-Cause Mortality among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
Background: Nuts are energy-dense, high-fat foods, and whether nut consumption influences mortality risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the associations of nut consumption with all-cause mortality among adults with T2D and to further explore the potential mediation effects of cardiometabolic biomarkers. Methods: The current analysis […]