Chronic and acute effects of walnuts on antioxidant capacity and nutritional status in humans: a randomized; cross-over pilot study

BACKGROUND: Compared with other common plant foods; walnuts (Juglans regia) are consistently ranked among the highest in antioxidant capacity. In vitro; walnut polyphenols inhibit plasma and LDL oxidation; while in animal models they lower biomarkers of oxidative stress and raise antioxidant capacity. A limited number of human feeding trials indicate that walnuts improve some measures […]

The effect of a calorie controlled diet containing walnuts on substrate oxidation during 8-hours in a room calorimeter

OBJECTIVE: Dietary macronutrient proportions affect substrate utilization; but in practice people consume foods. We hypothesized that in overweight adults; a calorie controlled diet based on core foods and including walnuts may be advantageous in promoting greater use of fat stores. METHODS: This crossover study tested the effects of diet-related energy expenditure and fat oxidation in […]

Antioxidant activities and chemical profiles of pyroligneous acids from walnut shell

Three kinds of pyroligneous acids were prepared from walnut shell at different temperature ranges (low: 90~150 °C; SP1; middle: 151~310 °C; SP2; and high: 311~550 °C; SP3). The chemical profiles of the acids were established by GC-MS. Antioxidant activities of the acids were investigated from the aspects of DPPH free radical scavenging capacity; hydroxyl free […]

Ellagic acid and polyphenolics present in walnut kernels inhibit in vitro human peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation and alter cytokine production

Tree nuts; including walnuts; are important elicitors of food allergy. We examined the ability of walnut kernel polyphenolics and purified ellagic acid (EA) to modulate cytokine production and cellular proliferation from stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). IL-13 and TNF-alpha production decreased while no change was observed in IL-4 production. Paradoxically; EA and the […]

Effect of whole walnut and walnut-skin extracts on oxidant status in mice

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the intake of whole walnuts and walnut fractions on the oxidant status in mice. METHODS: Thirty-six C57BL/6J male mice were randomized to be fed one of three diets: 1) a standard diet (control group); 2) a standard diet with 10% of whole walnuts (walnut-diet group); or 3) a standard […]

Effects of walnut consumption on endothelial function in type 2 diabetic subjects: a randomized controlled crossover trial

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of daily walnut consumption on endothelial function; cardiovascular biomarkers; and anthropometric measures in type 2 diabetic individuals. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was a randomized; controlled; single-blind; crossover trial. Twenty-four participants with type 2 diabetes (mean age 58 years; 14 women and 10 men) were randomly assigned to one […]

Human cancer cell antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of Juglans regia L.

Several studies suggest that regular consumption of nuts; mostly walnuts; may have beneficial effects against oxidative stress mediated diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Walnuts contain several phenolic compounds which are thought to contribute to their biological properties. The present study reports the total phenolic contents and antioxidant properties of methanolic and petroleum ether […]

Grape Juice; Berries; and Walnuts Affect Brain Aging and Behavior

Numerous studies have indicated that individuals consuming a diet containing high amounts of fruits and vegetables exhibit fewer age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Research from our laboratory has suggested that dietary supplementation with fruit or vegetable extracts high in antioxidants (e.g. blueberries; strawberries; walnuts; and Concord grape juice) can decrease the enhanced vulnerability to […]