Nuts may help regulate genes linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular well-being
A recent systematic review published in Nutrition Reviews found that eating nuts may beneficially modulate the expression of human genes related to chronic diseases, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind nuts’ health benefits.
The review examined 13 clinical trials investigating how the consumption of various nuts —including Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, mixed nuts, and pistachios— affects gene expression in humans. The findings suggest that eating nuts positively influences genes involved in antioxidant defense, inflammatory pathways, and vascular health. For example, Brazil nuts were shown to upregulate antioxidant genes and downregulate proinflammatory markers like tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6. Mixed nuts reduced expression of genes linked to vascular inflammation, while pistachios appeared to protect telomeres by reducing oxidation.
These findings suggest that nut consumption may exert a multi-faceted impact on gene regulation, potentially slowing disease progression related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular risk.
Wendling, A. L., Ribeiro, M. G. C., Kravchychyn, A. C. P., & Hermsdorff, H. H. M. (2025). Effect of Nut Consumption on Human Gene Expression: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. Nutrition Reviews, nuaf023.