Impact of a 12-Week Hypocaloric Weight Loss Diet with Mixed Tree Nuts vs. Pretzels on Trimethylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO) Levels in Overweight Adults

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiome metabolite linked to cardiovascular health, can be influenced by dietary factors like choline intake and diet quality. This study compared the effects of mixed tree nuts (MTNs) and pretzels, as part of a 12-week hypocaloric weight loss diet, on TMAO levels and identified dietary predictors. Methods: Plasma samples from […]

A Greater Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Supplemented with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Nuts During Pregnancy Is Associated with Improved Offspring Health at Six Years of Age

Background/Objectives: Children’s health may be influenced by maternal eating habits during pregnancy. A Mediterranean diet (MedDiet)-based pattern has been associated with benefits in infectious disease and allergies in children. Methods: From a total 2228 pregnant women evaluated between 2015 and 2017 in the St. Carlos cohort, 1292 women belonging to the intervention group (IG) undertook […]

Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses on the Consumption of Different Food Groups and the Risk of Overweight and Obesity

Background/objectives: Dietary choices play an essential role in energy balance and weight gain. This systematic umbrella review investigates the association between the intake of various food groups (whole grains, refined grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, eggs, total dairy, red meat, white meat, processed meat, added sugar, and sugar-sweetened beverages) and their associations to the […]

Nut Consumption Is Associated with Cognitive Status in Southern Italian Adults

Background: Nut consumption has been considered a potential protective factor against cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to test whether higher total and specific nut intake was associated with better cognitive status in a sample of older Italian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis on 883 older adults (>50 y) was conducted. A 110-item […]

Effect of Cashew Nut Consumption on Biomarkers of Copper and Zinc Status in Adolescents with Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Children and adolescents with obesity have altered serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels, which are associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and health outcomes. The inclusion of cashew nuts in an adequate diet may provide health benefits and help improve the mineral status of individuals with obesity. Objective: To evaluate the effects of cashew […]

Effects of Longer-Term Mixed Nut Consumption on Lipoprotein Particle Concentrations in Older Adults with Overweight or Obesity

Background: Recently, we reported that longer-term mixed nut intake significantly reduced serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, but these markers may not fully capture lipoprotein-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Objectives: This randomized, controlled, single-blinded, crossover trial in older adults with overweight or obesity examined the effects of longer-term mixed nut consumption on lipoprotein particle size, […]

Tree Nut Allergy in Children—What Do We Know? —A Review

Food allergy represents a significant public health concern, with its prevalence increasing in recent decades. Tree nuts are among major allergenic foods, and allergies to them are frequently linked to severe and potentially life-threatening reactions. Data on the prevalence and natural history of tree nut allergy are limited. Primary nut allergy typically presents with rapid-onset […]

Regulation of Intestinal Inflammation by Walnut-Derived Bioactive Compounds

Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) have shown promising effects in terms of ameliorating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), attributed to their abundant bioactive compounds. This review comprehensively illustrates the key mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of walnuts in IBD management, including the modulation of intestinal mucosa permeability, the regulation of inflammatory pathways (such as NF-kB, COX/COX2, MAPCK/MAPK, […]

The Effects of Almond Consumption on Cardiovascular Health and Gut Microbiome: A Comprehensive Review

The consumption of almonds has been associated with several health benefits, particularly concerning cardiovascular and intestinal health. In this comprehensive review, we compile and deliberate studies investigating the effects of almond consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and gut health. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, which contribute to […]