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 […]

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 […]

Alpha-linolenic acid and coronary heart disease

AIM: To summarize our present knowledge about vegetable omega-3 fatty acids. DATA SYNTHESIS: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is one of the two essential fatty acids in humans. Epidemiological studies and dietary trials strongly suggest that this fatty acid is important in relation with the pathogenesis (and prevention) of coronary heart disease. Like other n-3 fatty acids […]

Role of cell walls in the bioaccessibility of lipids in almond seeds

BACKGROUND: Certain nutrients and phytochemicals in almonds may confer protection against cardiovascular disease; but little is known about factors that influence their bioavailability. A crucial and relevant aspect is the amount of these dietary components available for absorption in the intestine; which is a concept referred to as bioaccessibility. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the role played […]

A systematic review of the effects of nuts on blood lipid profiles in humans

The inverse association of nut consumption and risk markers of coronary heart disease (lipids) has sparked the interest of the scientific and lay community. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to investigate the effects of nuts on the lipid profile. Medline and Web of Science databases were searched from the […]

Nut and seed consumption and inflammatory markers in the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis

Nuts and seeds are rich in unsaturated fat and other nutrients that may reduce inflammation. Frequent nut consumption is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The authors examined associations between nut and seed consumption and C-reactive protein; interleukin-6; and fibrinogen in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. This 2000 cross-sectional analysis […]