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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Possible Benefit of Nuts in Type 2 Diabetes

Nuts; including peanuts; are now recognized as having the potential to improve the blood lipid profile and; in cohort studies; nut consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). More recently; interest has grown in the potential value of including nuts in the diets of individuals with diabetes. Data from […]