Effects of plant-based diets on plasma lipids
Dyslipidemia is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease; peripheral vascular disease; and stroke. Current guidelines recommend diet as first-line therapy for patients with elevated plasma cholesterol concentrations. However; what constitutes an optimal dietary regimen remains a matter of controversy. Large prospective trials have demonstrated that populations following plant-based diets; particularly vegetarian and vegan diets; […]
Nuts as part of a healthy cardiovascular diet
The increasing trend of obesity has been associated with a greater prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and may lead to more vascular disease. Nuts; a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids and fiber; have been shown to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Numerous studies […]
Dietary n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: From biochemistry to clinical implications in cardiovascular prevention
Linoleic acid (LA) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA) belong to the n-6 (omega-6) and n-3 (omega-3) series of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA); respectively. They are defined "essential" fatty acids since they are not synthesized in the human body and are mostly obtained from the diet. Food sources of ALA and LA are most vegetable oils; […]
Nuts and novel biomarkers of cardiovascular disease
Nuts are energy-dense foods; rich in total fat and unsaturated fatty acids. The favorable fatty acid profile probably contributes to the beneficial effects of nut consumption observed in epidemiologic studies (prevention of coronary heart disease and diabetes) and feeding trials (cholesterol lowering). Besides fat; the complex matrices of nuts contain many bioactive compounds: vegetable protein; […]
Walnuts and fatty fish influence different serum lipid fractions in normal to mildly hyperlipidemic individuals: a randomized controlled study
BACKGROUND: Increased consumption of n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids decreases the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine whether walnuts (plant n-3 fatty acid) and fatty fish (marine n-3 fatty acid) have similar effects on serum lipid markers at intakes recommended for primary prevention of CHD. DESIGN: In a randomized crossover […]
A systematic review of the evidence supporting a causal link between dietary factors and coronary heart disease
BACKGROUND: Although a wealth of literature links dietary factors and coronary heart disease (CHD); the strength of the evidence supporting valid associations has not been evaluated systematically in a single investigation. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE for prospective cohort studies or randomized trials investigating dietary exposures in relation to CHD. We used […]
Almonds have a neutral effect on serum lipid profiles: a meta-analysis of randomized trials
Almond consumption may be associated with improvements in serum lipid profiles. The aim was to evaluate the influence of almonds on lipid parameters to help define the role of almonds as a lipid modulator. MEDLINE; EMBASE; Cochrane CENTRAL; and the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database were searched through July 2008; with no language restrictions; for randomized […]
Effects of walnut consumption on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis and systematic review
BACKGROUND: Consumption of nuts has been associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease events and death. Walnuts in particular have a unique profile: they are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids; which may improve blood lipids and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to conduct a literature review and a meta-analysis to combine […]
Nut consumption and risk of heart failure in the Physicians' Health Study I
BACKGROUND: Heart failure is highly prevalent among older adults and is associated with high cost and societal burden. Although previous studies have reported beneficial effects of dietary factors on heart failure predictors; no previous study has examined whether frequent consumption of nuts is associated with a lower risk of heart failure in a large prospective […]
Omega-6 fatty acids and risk for cardiovascular disease: a science advisory from the American Heart Association Nutrition Subcommittee of the Council on Nutrition; Physical Activity; and Metabolism; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and Council on Epidem
A large body of literature suggests that higher intakes of omega-6 (or n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) reduce risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). However; for the reasons outlined below; some individuals and groups have recommended substantial reductions in omega-6 PUFA intake. The purpose of this advisory is to review evidence on the relationship between […]