Effect of pistachio nuts on serum lipid levels in patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia.

BACKGROUND: Elevated serum cholesterol levels play an important role in the development of coronary artery disease. Previous studies have suggested that nut consumption benefits lipid profile. Pistachio nuts are widely available; inexpensive and frequently consumed by the general population. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether substituting 20% of the daily caloric intake in the form of pistachio […]

Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on cardiovascular risk factors.

Researchers observed 772 asymptomatic individuals at high risk of CVD from the multicenter; randomized; primary prevention trial of cardiovascular disease (PREDIMED). Participants were assigned to a low-fat diet or to one of two Mediterranean diets. Those consuming the Mediterranean diets received either one liter of olive oil per week or 30 grams of nuts per […]

Effect of a Mediterranean-style diet on endothelial dysfunction and markers of vascular inflammation in the metabolic syndrome.

CONTEXT: The metabolic syndrome has been identified as a target for dietary therapies to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease; however; the role of diet in the etiology of the metabolic syndrome is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a Mediterranean-style diet on endothelial function and vascular inflammatory markers in patients with the metabolic […]

The traditional and emerging role of nuts in healthful diets.

Throughout history; nuts have been a staple food providing energy; protein; essential fatty acids; vitamins; and minerals. Today; nuts are classified as part of the USDA Food Guide Pyramid's Meat/ Meat Alternate Group. Foods in this group contribute protein as well as important vitamins and minerals to the diet. Nuts are also being studied for […]

Serum lipid effects of a high-monounsaturated fat diet based on macadamia nuts.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have identified potential beneficial effects of eating nuts; most of which have substantial amounts of monounsaturated fats. Macadamia nuts are 75% fat by weight; 80% of which is monounsaturated. OBJECTIVE: To examine variations in serum lipid levels in response to a high-monounsaturated fat diet based on macadamia nuts. METHODS: A randomized crossover […]

Walnuts Reduce Aortic ET-1 mRNA Levels in Hamsters Fed a High-Fat; Atherogenic Diet. University of California; Davis;

Walnut consumption is associated with reduced coronary vascular disease (CVD) risk; however; the mechanisms responsible remain incompletely understood. Recent clinical studies suggested that these mechanisms involve non-plasma lipid-related effects on endothelial function. Male Golden Syrian hamsters (12 groups; n=10-15) were fed for 26 wk atherosclerotic; high-fat; hyperlipidemic diets with increasing concentrations of whole walnuts (61-150 […]