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 […]
The Role of Tree Nuts and Peanuts in the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease: Multiple Potential Mechanisms
Epidemiologic and clinical trial evidence has demonstrated consistent benefits of nut and peanut consumption on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk and associated risk factors. The epidemiologic studies have reported various endpoints; including fatal CHD; total CHD death; total CHD; and nonfatal myocardial infarct. A pooled analysis of 4 U.S. epidemiologic studies showed that subjects in […]
In Vitro Activity of Almond Skin Polyphenols for Scavenging Free Radicals and Inducing Quinone Reductase
Observational studies and clinical trials suggest nut intake; including almonds; is associated with an enhancement in antioxidant defense and a reduction in the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Almond skins are rich in polyphenols (ASP) that may contribute to these putative benefits. To assess their potential mechanisms of action; we tested the in vitro […]
Release of protein; lipid; and vitamin E from almond seeds during digestion
The evaluation of the bioaccessibility of almond nutrients is incomplete. However; it may have implications for the prevention and management of obesity and cardiovascular disease. This study quantified the release of lipid; protein; and vitamin E from almonds during digestion and determined the role played by cell walls in the bioaccessibility of intracellular nutrients. Natural […]
Variability of Oil Content and of Major Fatty Acid Composition in Almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) and Its Relationship with Kernel Quality
Oil content and fatty acid composition were determined for two years in the kernel oil of eight cultivars and 47 advanced self-compatible almond genotypes developed in an almond breeding program. Considerable variation between genotypes was found for all parameters. Oil content ranged from 48% to 67% of the total kernel dry weight but was consistent […]
Effect of almonds on insulin secretion and insulin resistance in nondiabetic hyperlipidemic subjects: a randomized controlled crossover trial
Nuts appear to have a marked effect in cohort studies in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD); but their demonstrated ability to lower cholesterol can only explain a proportion of the reduction in risk. Our aim was to assess whether improvement in carbohydrate metabolism provides a further explanation for the effect of nuts […]
The effect of walnut intake on factors related to prostate and vascular health in older men
BACKGROUND: Tocopherols may protect against prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: We assessed the effect of walnuts; which are rich in tocopherols; on markers of prostate and vascular health in men at risk for prostate cancer. We conducted an 8-week walnut supplement study to examine effects of walnuts on serum tocopherols and prostate specific […]