Effect of raisin consumption on oxidative stress and inflammation in obesity

Aim: Oxidative stress can initiate increased inflammation that elevates risk for cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of daily consumption of raisins on markers of oxidative stress; inflammation and endothelial activation in response to an acute high-fat meal in overweight individuals. Methods: Seventeen overweight men and women consumed 90 […]

Adherence to a DASH-Style Diet and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke in Women

BACKGROUND: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has been shown to lower blood pressure; but little is known about its long-term effect on cardiovascular end points. Our objective was to assess the association between a DASH-style diet adherence score and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke in women. METHODS: In this […]

Almonds reduce biomarkers of lipid peroxidation in older hyperlipidemic subjects

Nut consumption has been associated with reduced coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. In addition to cholesterol-lowering properties; almonds have been shown to lower oxidized LDL concentrations. However; little is known regarding their effects on other markers of oxidative stress. The dose-response effects of whole almonds; taken as snacks; were compared with low-saturated fat (

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 […]

The effect of nuts on inflammation

Inflammation is one of the recognised mechanisms involved in the development of atherosclerotic plaque and insulin resistance. Inflammatory or endothelial markers such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP); Interleukin-6 (IL-6); fibrinogen; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and Intracellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) have been identified as independent predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or diabetes in human prospective studies. […]

Substituting walnuts for monounsaturated fat improves the serum lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic men and women in Spain.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that walnuts reduce serum cholesterol levels in normal young men. OBJECTIVE: To assess the acceptability of walnuts and their effects on serum lipid levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidizability in free-living hypercholesterolemic persons. DESIGN: Randomized; crossover feeding trial. SETTING: Lipid clinic at a university hospital. PATIENTS: 55 men and women […]

Dietary a-linolenic acid reduced inflammatory and lipid cardiovascular risk factors in hypercholesterolemic men and women.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. We previously reported that a diet high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) reduces lipid and inflammatory cardiovascular disease risk factors in hypercholesterolemic subjects. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the effects of a diet high in ALA on serum proinflammatory cytokine concentrations and cytokine production by cultured peripheral blood […]