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 […]
The Effect of Mediterranean Diet on Metabolic Syndrome and its Components
Objectives: The aim of this study was to meta-analyze epidemiological studies and clinical trials that have assessed the effect of a Mediterranean diet on metabolic syndrome (MS) as well as its components. Background: The Mediterranean diet has long been associated with low cardiovascular disease risk in adult population. Methods: The authors conducted a systematic review […]
Effects of different forms of hazelnuts on blood lipids and a-tocopherol concentrations in mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Diets high in nuts reduce cholesterol; probably due to their favorable lipid profile and other bioactive substances. However; the physical form of the nut may be important as the cell wall of intact nuts may limit the hypocholesterolemic effect of nuts by reducing lipid bioavailability. Therefore; we investigated the effects on blood lipids of […]
Effects of almond dietary supplementation on coronary heart disease lipid risk factors and serum lipid oxidation parameters in men with mild hyperlipidemia
Objectives: Oxidation and level of plasma lipids are closely implicated in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). Dietary almond supplementation may participate in beneficial effects on CHD lipid risk factor levels and their susceptibility to oxidative modification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with almond on serum […]
Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Kernels and Shells of Mexican Pecan (Carya illinoinensis).
The phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of pecan kernels and shells cultivated in three regions of the state of Chihuahua; Mexico; were analyzed. High concentrations of total extractable phenolics; flavonoids; and proanthocyanidins were found in kernels; and 5-20-fold higher concentrations were found in shells. Their concentrations were significantly affected by the growing region. Antioxidant activity […]