Measured energy value of pistachios in the human diet

Previous studies have suggested that lipid from nuts is more poorly absorbed than that from other food sources. If lipid from nuts is poorly absorbed; then the metabolisable energy contained in the nuts is less than that predicted by the Atwater general factors. A crossover feeding study was conducted in which sixteen volunteers consumed pistachios […]

Effect of processing on the drying kinetics and functional value of dried apricot

Apricots can be considered as a good source of phenolic compounds; which are beneficial for human health. Microwaves may be an alternative to the conventional sun or hot air drying techniques used to obtain dried apricot. Nevertheless; their impact on the functional compounds must be taken into account if they are to be recommended as […]

Mediterranean diet and oxidation: nuts and olive oil as important sources of fat and antioxidants

Oxidative stress has been involved in the aetiology of hypertension; insulin resistance; the metabolic syndrome; cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. Several epidemiological studies suggest that a diet rich in natural antioxidants is associated with protective effects against major diseases; especially cardiovascular disease. The Mediterranean diet is rich in fat and foods with important antioxidant […]

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 […]

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 […]