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 […]

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 […]

Effects of almond consumption on the reduction of LDL-cholesterol: a discussion of potential mechanisms and future research directions

Abstract: Diet plays a seminal role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Consumption of tree nuts has been shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); a primary target for coronary disease prevention; by 3-19%. Almonds have been found to have a consistent LDL-C-lowering effect in healthy individuals; and in individuals with high cholesterol […]

The impact of pistachio intake alone or in combination with high-carbohydrate foods on post-prandial glycemia

Background/Objectives: Dietary strategies that reduce post-prandial glycemia are important in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD). This may be achieved by addition of high-quality protein and fat contained in pistachio nuts; to carbohydrate-containing foods or meals.Subjects/Methods:A total of 10 healthy volunteers (3 males; 7 females); aged 48.3±6.4 years; Body mass […]

Crossover study of diets enriched with virgin olive oil; walnuts or almonds. Effects on lipids and other cardiovascular risk markers.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Virgin olive oil (VOO) and nuts are basic components of the Mediterranean diet; a heart-healthy dietary pattern. Nuts have well known cholesterol lowering effects; while evidence is unclear for VOO. We designed a study in hypercholesterolemic patients to assess the effects on serum lipids and other intermediate markers of cardiovascular risk of […]

Biological Activity of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Phytoalexins and Selected Natural and Synthetic Stilbenoids

Abstract: The peanut plant (Arachis hypogaea L.); when infected by a microbial pathogen; is capable of producing stilbene-derived compounds that are considered antifungal phytoalexins. In addition; the potential health benefits of other stilbenoids from peanuts; including resveratrol and pterostilbene; have been acknowledged by several investigators. Despite considerable progress in peanut research; relatively little is known […]

Changes of platelet antioxidative enzymes during oxidative stress: The protective effect of polyphenol-rich extract from berries of Aronia melanocarpa and grape seeds

Abstract: Aronia melanocarpa fruits (Rosaceae) and grape seeds (seeds of Vitis vinifera; Vitaceae) are two of the richest plant sources of phenolic substances; and they have been shown to have various biological activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the action of phenolic extracts (at concentrations 5?100??g/mL) of two different […]

Effects of one serving of mixed nuts on serum lipids; insulin resistance and inflammatory markers in patients with the metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Knowledge of the effect of nut consumption on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components is limited. We assessed the effects of nut intake on adiposity; serum lipids; insulin resistance; and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with MetS. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a randomized; parallel-group; 12-week feeding trial; 50 patients with MetS were given recommendations for […]