The glycemic effect of nut-enriched meals in healthy and diabetic subjects
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The intake of nuts has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes in large cohort studies. One potential contributing mechanism may be the ability of nuts to improve post-meal glycemic response. We; therefore; examined the effect of nuts alone and in combination with white bread on postprandial […]
Crossover study of diets enriched with virgin olive oil; walnuts or almonds. Effects on lipids and other cardiovascular risk markers.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Virgin olive oil (VOO) and nuts are basic components of the Mediterranean diet; a heart-healthy dietary pattern. Nuts have well known cholesterol lowering effects; while evidence is unclear for VOO. We designed a study in hypercholesterolemic patients to assess the effects on serum lipids and other intermediate markers of cardiovascular risk of […]
Effects of one serving of mixed nuts on serum lipids; insulin resistance and inflammatory markers in patients with the metabolic syndrome
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Knowledge of the effect of nut consumption on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components is limited. We assessed the effects of nut intake on adiposity; serum lipids; insulin resistance; and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with MetS. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a randomized; parallel-group; 12-week feeding trial; 50 patients with MetS were given recommendations for […]
Body mass interacts with fat quality to determine the postprandial lipoprotein response in healthy young adults
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Postprandial lipemia predicts the evolution of cardiovascular disease. Obesity is associated with an increase in the magnitude of postprandial lipemia. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the effects of acute ingestion of different types of fat on the postprandial lipemic response. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-one […]
Cultural and historical aspects of Mediterranean nuts with emphasis on their attributed healthy and nutritional properties
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nuts have been part of the human diet since prehistoric times. The aim of the present article is to describe the most important historical and cultural aspects of nut consumption throughout history. DATA SYNTHESIS: We discuss the following historical aspects of nuts originating in the Mediterranean: prehistory; the Egyptian civilization; their spread […]
Nut consumption; weight gain and obesity: Epidemiological evidence
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Short-term trials support that adding tree nuts or peanuts to usual diets does not induce weight gain. We reviewed the available epidemiological evidence on long-term nut consumption and body weight changes. We also report new results from the SUN ("Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra") cohort. METHODS AND RESULTS: Published epidemiologic studies with =1-yr […]
Nutritional recommendations for preventing coronary heart disease in women: Evidence concerning whole foods and supplements
AIMS: Some food groups and supplements have been recommended for preventing coronary heart disease (CHD) in women. In this article; evidence on recommendations for some of these food groups (whole grains; fruits; vegetables; fish; nuts; and soy) and supplements (phytosterols; antioxidants; folic acid; and B-complex vitamins) is reviewed. Additionally; gender differences in nutritional requirements and […]
Cross-sectional association of nut intake with adiposity in a Mediterranean population
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nut intake has been inversely related to body mass index (BMI) in prospective studies. We examined dietary determinants of adiposity in an elderly Mediterranean population with customarily high nut consumption. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 847 subjects (56% women; mean age 67 years; BMI 29.7kg/m(2)) at high cardiovascular […]
Effects of one serving of mixed nuts on serum lipids; insulin resistance and inflammatory markers in patients with the metabolic syndrome
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Knowledge of the effect of nut consumption on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components is limited. We assessed the effects of nut intake on adiposity; serum lipids; insulin resistance; and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with MetS. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a randomized; parallel-group; 12-week feeding trial; 50 patients with MetS were given recommendations for […]
Alpha-linolenic acid and coronary heart disease
AIM: To summarize our present knowledge about vegetable omega-3 fatty acids. DATA SYNTHESIS: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is one of the two essential fatty acids in humans. Epidemiological studies and dietary trials strongly suggest that this fatty acid is important in relation with the pathogenesis (and prevention) of coronary heart disease. Like other n-3 fatty acids […]