Randomised controlled trial of cardioprotective diet in patients with recent acute myocardial infarction: results of one year follow up

OBJECTIVE: To test whether a fat reduced diet rich in soluble dietary fibre; antioxidant vitamins; and minerals reduces complications and mortality after acute myocardial infarction. DESIGN: Randomised; single blind; controlled trial. SETTING: Primary and secondary care research centre for patients with myocardial infarction. SUBJECTS–505 patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction. Those with definite or possible […]

Recent discoveries in inclusive food-based approaches and dietary patterns for reduction in risk for cardiovascular disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss new evidence-based dietary recommendations founded on an inclusive food strategy and to address the challenges that are posed by integrating a growing list of heart healthy foods into the diet without increasing energy intake beyond that required to achieve a healthy body weight. RECENT FINDINGS: New food-based dietary recommendations issued […]

Peanut consumption improves indices of cardiovascular disease risk in healthy adults

BACKGROUND: Diets containing nuts reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. This has primarily been attributed to their fatty acid composition; but other constituents may also contribute. Peanuts; the most widely consumed "nut" (actually a legume); are a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA); magnesium and folate; but their effects on CVD risk factors are […]

Effects of pistachios on cardiovascular disease risk factors and potential mechanisms of action: a dose-response study

BACKGROUND: Nut consumption lowers cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Studies are lacking about the effects of pistachios; a nutrient-dense nut; on CVD risk factors; dose-response relations; and lipid-lowering mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effects of 2 doses of pistachios; added to a lower-fat diet; on lipids and lipoproteins; apolipoprotein (apo)-defined lipoprotein subclasses; and plasma fatty acids. […]

Adherence to Mediterranean diet and health status: meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review all the prospective cohort studies that have analyzed the relation between adherence to a Mediterranean diet; mortality; and incidence of chronic diseases in a primary prevention setting. DESIGN: Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. DATA SOURCES: English and non-English publications in PubMed; Embase; Web of Science; and the Cochrane Central Register of […]

Consumption of restructured meat products with added walnuts has a cholesterol-lowering effect in subjects at high cardiovascular risk: a randomized; crossover; placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND: Diet and lifestyle are modifiable factors involved in the development and prevention of non-communicable diseases; including cardiovascular disease. Nut consumption; particularly walnut intake; has been inversely related to incident coronary heart disease (CHD) in observational studies and to improved lipid profiles in short-term feeding trials. OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential functional effect associated with […]

Small changes in snacking behavior: the potential impact on CVD mortality

OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential public health impact on CHD and stroke mortality of replacing one 'unhealthy' snack with one 'healthy' snack per person; per day; across the UK population. METHODS: Nutritional information was obtained for different 'unhealthy' (such as crisps; chocolate bars; cakes and pastries) and 'healthy' snack products (such as fresh fruit; dried […]