Chemical profiling of Portuguese Pinus pinea L. nuts

BACKGROUND: The first detailed chemical characterisation of Portuguese pine nut (Pinus pinea L.) is reported concerning proximate composition; fatty acid; mineral and vitamin contents. RESULTS: Based on the analysis of 27 different populations; pine nuts were characterised by high contents of fat (47.7 g per 100 g dry matter (DM)); protein (33.8 g per 100 […]

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 […]

The effect of Korean pine nut oil on in vitro CCK release; on appetite sensations and on gut hormones in post-menopausal overweight women

Appetite suppressants may be one strategy in the fight against obesity. This study evaluated whether Korean pine nut free fatty acids (FFA) and triglycerides (TG) work as an appetite suppressant. Korean pine nut FFA were evaluated in STC-1 cell culture for their ability to increase cholecystokinin (CCK-8) secretion vs. several other dietary fatty acids from […]

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 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 […]

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) […]

Impact of Peanuts and Tree Nuts on Body Weight and Healthy Weight Loss in Adults

Nuts (ground and tree) are rich sources of multiple nutrients and their consumption is associated with health benefits; including reduced cardiovascular disease risk. This has prompted recommendations to increase their consumption. However; they are also high in fat (albeit largely unsaturated) and are energy dense. The associations between these properties; positive energy balance; and body […]

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 […]

Possible Benefit of Nuts in Type 2 Diabetes

Nuts; including peanuts; are now recognized as having the potential to improve the blood lipid profile and; in cohort studies; nut consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). More recently; interest has grown in the potential value of including nuts in the diets of individuals with diabetes. Data from […]