Survival and growth of salmonella in high-moisture pecan nutmeats; in-shell pecans; inedible nut components; and orchard soil
Outbreaks of salmonellosis associated with almonds have raised interest in better understanding the behavior of Salmonella on other tree nuts. We undertook a study to determine the survival and growth characteristics of Salmonella on high-moisture (water activity of 0.96 to 0.99) pecan nutmeats; in-shell pecans; and inedible components (shuck; shell; and middle septum tissue) of […]
Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Kernels and Shells of Mexican Pecan (Carya illinoinensis).
The phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of pecan kernels and shells cultivated in three regions of the state of Chihuahua; Mexico; were analyzed. High concentrations of total extractable phenolics; flavonoids; and proanthocyanidins were found in kernels; and 5-20-fold higher concentrations were found in shells. Their concentrations were significantly affected by the growing region. Antioxidant activity […]
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 […]
Factors affecting infiltration and survival of salmonella on in-shell pecans and pecan nutmeats
A study was done to determine the infiltration and survival characteristics of Salmonella in pecans. The rate of infiltration of water into in-shell nuts varied among six varieties evaluated and was significantly (alpha = 0.05) affected by the extent of shell damage. The rate of infiltration at -20 or 4 degrees C was lower than […]
The lipid messenger OEA links dietary fat intake to satiety
The association between fat consumption and obesity underscores the need to identify physiological signals that control fat intake. Previous studies have shown that feeding stimulates small-intestinal mucosal cells to produce the lipid messenger oleoylethanolamide (OEA) which; when administered as a drug; decreases meal frequency by engaging peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-alpha (PPAR-alpha). Here; we report that duodenal […]
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 […]
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 […]
Tree Nuts and Peanuts as Components of a Healthy Diet
Nuts have been part of the diet for thousands of years. In 2003; a Qualified Health Claim was approved; stating that eating 1.5 oz (42 g) of nuts per day may reduce the risk of heart disease. Usual intakes fall short of this recommendation. About one-third of Americans report consuming nuts (tree nuts or peanuts) […]
Impact of Peanuts and Tree Nuts on Body Weight and Healthy Weight Loss in Adults
Nuts (ground and tree) are rich sources of multiple nutrients and their consumption is associated with health benefits; including reduced cardiovascular disease risk. This has prompted recommendations to increase their consumption. However; they are also high in fat (albeit largely unsaturated) and are energy dense. The associations between these properties; positive energy balance; and body […]
The Role of Tree Nuts and Peanuts in the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease: Multiple Potential Mechanisms
Epidemiologic and clinical trial evidence has demonstrated consistent benefits of nut and peanut consumption on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk and associated risk factors. The epidemiologic studies have reported various endpoints; including fatal CHD; total CHD death; total CHD; and nonfatal myocardial infarct. A pooled analysis of 4 U.S. epidemiologic studies showed that subjects in […]