Almonds have a neutral effect on serum lipid profiles: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

Almond consumption may be associated with improvements in serum lipid profiles. The aim was to evaluate the influence of almonds on lipid parameters to help define the role of almonds as a lipid modulator. MEDLINE; EMBASE; Cochrane CENTRAL; and the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database were searched through July 2008; with no language restrictions; for randomized […]

Potential prebiotic properties of almond (Amygdalus communis L.) seeds

Almonds are known to have a number of nutritional benefits; including cholesterol-lowering effects and protection against diabetes. They are also a good source of minerals and vitamin E; associated with promoting health and reducing the risk for chronic disease. For this study we investigated the potential prebiotic effect of almond seeds in vitro by using […]

Fatty acid composition of California grown almonds

Eight almond (Prunus dulcis L.) cultivars from 12 different California counties; collected during crop years 2004 to 2005 and 2005 to 2006; were extracted with petroleum ether. The extracts were subjected to GC-MS analyses to determine fatty acid composition of soluble lipids. Results indicated palmitic (C16:0); oleic (C18:1); linoleic (C18:2); and alpha-linolenic (C18:3) acid; respectively; […]

Mastication of almonds: effects of lipid bioaccessibility; appetite; and hormone response

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic and clinical data indicate that nuts can be incorporated into the diet without compromising body weight. This has been attributed to strong satiety properties; increased resting energy expenditure; and limited lipid bioaccessibility. OBJECTIVE: The role of mastication was explored because of evidence that the availability of nut lipids is largely dependent on the […]

Role of cell walls in the bioaccessibility of lipids in almond seeds

BACKGROUND: Certain nutrients and phytochemicals in almonds may confer protection against cardiovascular disease; but little is known about factors that influence their bioavailability. A crucial and relevant aspect is the amount of these dietary components available for absorption in the intestine; which is a concept referred to as bioaccessibility. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the role played […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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) […]