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 […]
Design and development of meat-based functional foods with walnut: Technological; nutritional and health impact
With growing understanding of the relationship between diet and health has come the emergence of so-called functional foods. The idea of using food for health purposes and not merely as a source of nutrients opens up a whole new field in the meat industry. In addition to traditional presentations; there a number of ways in […]
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) […]
Anti-inflammatory effects of the Mediterranean diet: the experience of the PREDIMED study
Several epidemiological and clinical studies have evaluated the effects of a Mediterranean diet (Med-Diet) on total cardiovascular mortality; and all concluded that adherence to the traditional Med-Diet is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. However; the molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Since atherosclerosis is nowadays considered a low-grade inflammatory disease; recent studies have explored […]
Almond consumption improved glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Almond consumption is associated with ameliorations in obesity; hyperlipidemia; hypertension; and hyperglycemia. The hypothesis of this 12-week randomized crossover clinical trial was that almond consumption would improve glycemic control and decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease in 20 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (9 male; 11 female; 58 years old; body mass […]
Hazelnut consumption decreases the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation; plasma oxidized LDL level and increases the ratio of large/small LDL in normolipidemic healthy subjects
OBJECTIVE: Nut consumption has beneficial effects on protection for development of atherosclerotic process. METHODS: Single intervention study design was used to determine the effects of hazelnut-enriched diet (1 g/kg/day) during 4 weeks period on atherogenic tendency of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by evaluating susceptibility of LDL to oxidation; alpha-tocopherol content of LDL; LDL subfractions; plasma oxidized […]
Mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
Typical omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in the form of fish oils and alpha linolenic acid from flaxseed oil. Epidemiological studies suggested the benefits of n-3 PUFA on cardiovascular health. Intervention studies confirmed that the consumption of n-3 PUFA provided benefits for primary and secondary prevention of […]