Almond consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in adults with prediabetes

OBJECTIVE: The authors tested the hypothesis that in adults with prediabetes; an almond-enriched American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet improves measures of insulin sensitivity and other cardiovascular risk factors compared with an ADA nut-free diet. METHODS: DESIGN: Randomized parallel-group trial. SETTING: Outpatient dietary counseling and blood analysis. SUBJECTS: Sixty-five adult participants with prediabetes. INTERVENTION: Sixteen weeks […]

Effects of Peanut Processing on Masticatory Performance during Variable Appetitive States

Background. Current evidence indicates that peanut consumption reduces cardiovascular disease risk; while posing little threat to positive energy balance. However; questions have been raised as to whether inter- and intraindividual variability in mastication in response to peanut form and processing properties may influence these health effects; since mastication has the potential to alter the bioaccessibility […]

Major dietary protein sources and risk of coronary heart disease in women

BACKGROUND: With the exception of fish; few major dietary protein sources have been studied in relation to the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). Our objective was to examine the relation between foods that are major dietary protein sources and incident CHD. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively followed 84 136 women aged 30 to 55 […]

Nuts and Berries for Heart Health

Nuts are nutrient-dense foods with complex matrices rich in unsaturated fatty acids and other bioactive compounds; such as L-arginine; fiber; minerals; tocopherols; phytosterols; and polyphenols. By virtue of their unique composition; nuts are likely to beneficially impact heart health. Epidemiologic studies have associated nut consumption with a reduced incidence of coronary heart disease in both […]

Nutritional recommendations for preventing coronary heart disease in women: Evidence concerning whole foods and supplements

AIMS: Some food groups and supplements have been recommended for preventing coronary heart disease (CHD) in women. In this article; evidence on recommendations for some of these food groups (whole grains; fruits; vegetables; fish; nuts; and soy) and supplements (phytosterols; antioxidants; folic acid; and B-complex vitamins) is reviewed. Additionally; gender differences in nutritional requirements and […]

Berries: emerging impact on cardiovascular health

Berries are a good source of polyphenols; especially anthocyanins; micronutrients; and fiber. In epidemiological and clinical studies; these constituents have been associated with improved cardiovascular risk profiles. Human intervention studies using chokeberries; cranberries; blueberries; and strawberries (either fresh; or as juice; or freeze-dried); or purified anthocyanin extracts have demonstrated significant improvements in LDL oxidation; lipid […]

The uses and properties of almond oil

Almond oil [Oleum amygdalae] has long been used in complementary medicine circles for its numerous health benefits. Although no conclusive scientific data exists currently; almonds and almond oil have many properties including anti-inflammatory; immunity-boosting and anti-hepatotoxicity effects. Further; associations between almond oil and improved bowel transit have been made; which consequently reduces irritable bowel syndrome […]

Fatty acids in serum phospholipids and carotid intima-media thickness in Spanish subjects with primary dyslipidemia

BACKGROUND: Low rates of incident ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cardiac death occur in Spain despite a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. High consumption of unsaturated fatty acid-rich foods; such as olive oil; nuts; and seafood; might underlie this paradox. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether serum phosphatidylcholine enrichment in oleic; linoleic; alpha-linolenic; and n-3 (omega-3) […]