Detection of hazelnuts and almonds using commercial ELISA test kits

Three commercial sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kits for the detection of hazelnuts and almonds were evaluated. Limits of detection and dynamic ranges were determined for hazelnuts and almonds spiked into cooked oatmeal; dipping chocolate; and muffins (baked). The limit of detection values varied from 1 to 38 mug/g; depending on the food matrix […]

Effect of almond-enriched high-monounsaturated fat diet on selected markers of inflammation: a randomised; controlled; crossover study

Frequent consumption of nuts lowers the risk of CHD. While lowering blood lipids is one of the mechanisms for cardioprotection; the present study sought to determine whether monounsaturated fat-rich almonds also influence other CHD risk factors such as inflammation and haemostasis. This was a randomised; controlled; crossover feeding study with twenty-five healthy adults (eleven men; […]

Effectiveness of Sanitizers; Dry Heat; Hot Water; and Gas Catalytic Infrared Heat Treatments to Inactivate Salmonella on Almonds

The majority of almond-related foodborne outbreaks have been associated with Salmonella. Therefore; it is necessary to find an effective method to inactivate these organisms on raw almond prior to market distribution. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of sanitizers (strong or mild electrolyzed water; ozonated water; and distilled water); dry heat treatment; and […]

The effect of including a conventional snack (cereal bar) and a nonconventional snack (almonds) on hunger; eating frequency; dietary intake and body weight

BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of being overweight and obesity; dietary strategies to curb hunger levels and increase satiety at lower energy intakes are sought. The frequency of eating and type of snack may influence total energy intake. The present study aimed to assess the impact of providing either a conventional snack (cereal bar) or […]

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 […]