Effect of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods given at 2 levels of intensity of dietary advice on serum lipids in hyperlipidemia: a randomized controlled trial

CONTEXT: Combining foods with recognized cholesterol-lowering properties (dietary portfolio) has proven highly effective in lowering serum cholesterol under metabolically controlled conditions. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a dietary portfolio administered at 2 levels of intensity on percentage change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) among participants following self-selected diets. DESIGN; SETTING; AND PARTICIPANTS: A parallel-design […]

Brazil nuts intake improves lipid profile; oxidative stress and microvascular function in obese adolescents: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a chronic disease associated to an inflammatory process resulting in oxidative stress that leads to morpho-functional microvascular damage that could be improved by some dietary interventions. In this study; the intake of Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa); composed of bioactive substances like selenium; alpha- e gamma- tocopherol; folate and polyunsaturated fatty acids; have […]

In vivo Antigenotoxic and Anticlastogenic Effects of Fresh and Processed Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) Apple Juices

Cashew apple juice and cajuina (processed juice) are drinks widely consumed in northeast Brazil. In vitro studies have shown that both juices have antimutagenic activity as well as antioxidant effects. These juices contain vitamins; carotenoids; and phenolic compounds. This in vivo study assessed the antigenotoxic and anticlastogenic effects of both drinks against genotoxicity and mutagenicity […]

Current guidelines for nut consumption are achievable and sustainable: a hazelnut intervention

Nuts are known for their hypocholesterolaemic properties; however; to achieve optimal health benefits; nuts must be consumed regularly and in sufficient quantity. It is therefore important to assess the acceptability of regular consumption of nuts. The present study examined the long-term effects of hazelnut consumption in three different forms on 'desire to consume' and 'overall […]

Effect of a traditional Mediterranean diet on apolipoproteins B; A-I; and their ratio. A randomized; controlled; trial

Objectives: Apolipoprotein (Apo)B; ApoA-I; and their ratio could predict coronary heart disease (CHD) risk more accurately than conventional lipid measurements. Our aim was to assess the effect of a traditional Mediterranean diet (TMD) on apolipoproteins. Methods: High-cardiovascular risk subjects (n =551; 308 women and 243 men); aged 55 to 80; were recruited into a large; […]

Influence of body mass index and serum lipids on the cholesterol-lowering effects of almonds in free-living individuals

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Short-term (4-9 weeks) human feeding trials have shown nut consumption to reduce serum total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL). We hypothesized that individual levels of BMI; LDL; TC and triglycerides modify the cholesterol-lowering effect of almonds in a 24-week almond supplementation trial in a free-living population. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed secondary […]

Cardiovascular Effects of Consumption of Black Versus English Walnuts

English walnuts have been shown to decrease cardiovascular disease risk; however; black walnuts do not appear to have not been studied for their cardioprotective effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of English versus black walnut consumption on blood lipids; body weight; fatty-acid composition of red blood cell (RBC) membranes; and […]

Nuts; hypertension and endothelial function

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: High blood pressure (BP) is considered a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Among lifestyle factors; diet plays a key role in the prevention and control of high BP. Therefore; it is important to elucidate which dietary components can exert beneficial effects on BP through modulation of endothelial function (EF) or by […]

Cranberry Proanthocyanidins Mediate Growth Arrest of Lung Cancer Cells through Modulation of Gene Expression and Rapid Induction of Apoptosis.

Abstract: Cranberries are rich in bioactive constituents purported to enhance immune function; improve urinary tract health; reduce cardiovascular disease and more recently; inhibit cancer in preclinical models. However; identification of the cranberry constituents with the strongest cancer inhibitory potential and the mechanism associated with cancer inhibition by cranberries remains to be elucidated. This study investigated […]