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 […]

Elemental composition and chemical characteristics of five edible nuts (almond; Brazil; pecan; macadamia and walnut) consumed in Southern Africa.

The total elemental concentrations and proximate chemical composition of five different tree nuts; almond (Prunus dulcus); Brazil (Bertholletia excelsa); pecan (Carya pecan); macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) and walnut (Juglans nigra) that are consumed in South African households were investigated. In addition; six physicochemical properties of the extracted nut oils; namely acid value; iodine value; saponification value; […]

Macadamia nut consumption modulates favourably risk factors for coronary artery disease in hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Macadamia nuts are rich source of monounsaturated fats (oleic and palmitoleic acids) and contain polyphenol compounds; therefore; their consumption can be expected to impart health benefits to humans. This study was conducted to examine the effects of consuming macadamia nuts in hypercholesterolemic male individuals on plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress; coagulation and inflammation. Seventeen hypercholesterolemic […]

Macadamia nut consumption lowers plasma cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic men.

This study was conducted to assess the cholesterol-lowering potential of macadamia nuts. Seventeen hypercholesterolemic men (mean age 54 y) were given macadamia nuts (40-90 g/d); equivalent to 15% energy intake; for 4 wk. Plasma total cholesterol; LDL cholesterol; HDL cholesterol; triglycerides and homocysteine concentrations and the fatty acid composition of plasma lipids were determined before […]

Serum lipid effects of a high-monounsaturated fat diet based on macadamia nuts.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have identified potential beneficial effects of eating nuts; most of which have substantial amounts of monounsaturated fats. Macadamia nuts are 75% fat by weight; 80% of which is monounsaturated. OBJECTIVE: To examine variations in serum lipid levels in response to a high-monounsaturated fat diet based on macadamia nuts. METHODS: A randomized crossover […]