Differential effects of walnuts vs almonds on improving metabolic and endocrine parameters in PCOS

Background/Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly associated with insulin resistance; dyslipidemia and increased inflammation; which all benefit from dietary intake of monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and n-3 PUFA). Our goal was to compare the effects of MUFA-rich almonds vs n-3/n-6 PUFA-rich walnuts on metabolic and endocrine parameters in PCOS.Subjects/Methods: Thirty-one PCOS […]

Almond tree and organic fertilization for soil quality improvement in southern Italy

The semi-arid Mediterranean region; characterized by long dry periods followed by heavy bursts of rainfall; is particularly prone to soil erosion. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the soil quality under different practices of bio-physical amelioration which involve the soil-plant system (almond trees) and microorganism-manure. This study; carried out in the South […]

Effects of almond dietary supplementation on coronary heart disease lipid risk factors and serum lipid oxidation parameters in men with mild hyperlipidemia

Objectives: Oxidation and level of plasma lipids are closely implicated in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). Dietary almond supplementation may participate in beneficial effects on CHD lipid risk factor levels and their susceptibility to oxidative modification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with almond on serum […]

Most-probable-number determination of salmonella levels in naturally contaminated raw almonds using two sample preparation methods

Pathogens occurring in particulate foods may be unevenly distributed; which may impact interpretation of most-probable-number (MPN) values. The MPN analysis of Salmonella in naturally contaminated raw almonds was conducted using two sample preparation methods. Raw almond kernels (3;698 samples) and inshell almonds (455 samples) were collected from almond processors throughout California during the 2006 and […]

Characteristics of some almond kernel and oils.

The proximate properties; the fatty acid and mineral contents of different almond kernel varieties were determined. The crude protein contents of kernels ranged between 12.7% (guara) and 16.3% (cristomorto). The oil yields from these kernels were established between 48.8% (cristomorto) and 55.7% (ferragnes). The acidity value of oils were found between 1.389 and 3.559%. In […]

Effect of increasing climatic water deficit on some leaf and stomatal parameters of wild and cultivated almonds under Mediterranean conditions.

The prevailing environmental conditions; temperature in particular; drive seasonal changes both in leaf development and stomatal characteristics. In order to ascertain the effect of increases in climatic water deficit on some leaf and stomatal parameters under field conditions; a study was carried out on two sets of leaves (spring and summer) on a large sample […]

Almond consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in adults with prediabetes

OBJECTIVE: The authors tested the hypothesis that in adults with prediabetes; an almond-enriched American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet improves measures of insulin sensitivity and other cardiovascular risk factors compared with an ADA nut-free diet. METHODS: DESIGN: Randomized parallel-group trial. SETTING: Outpatient dietary counseling and blood analysis. SUBJECTS: Sixty-five adult participants with prediabetes. INTERVENTION: Sixteen weeks […]