Almond consumption decreases android fat mass percentage in adults with high android subcutaneous adiposity but does not change HbA1c in a randomized controlled trial
The purpose of this study was to determine if the mixed evidence of almond consumption on HbA1c stems from testing people with different body fat distributions (BFD) associated with different risks of glucose intolerance. A 6-month RCT in 134 adults was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to the almond (A) or control (C) group based […]
A Comprehensive Review of Almond Clinical Trials on Weight Measures, Metabolic Health Biomarkers and Outcomes, and the Gut Microbiota.
This comprehensive narrative review of 64 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 14 systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses provides an in-depth analysis of the effect of almonds on weight measures, metabolic health biomarkers and outcomes, and the colonic microbiota, with extensive use of figures and tables. Almonds are a higher energy-dense (ED) food that acts like a […]
Dried Plum Consumption Improves Total Cholesterol and Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Healthy Postmenopausal Women.
Dried plums contain bioactive components that have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to determine if dried plum consumption reduces the risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women, specifically examining lipid profiles, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, and inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. We conducted a 6-month, parallel-design controlled […]
Longitudinal changes in adherence to the portfolio and DASH dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors in the PREDIMED-Plus study
Background & aims: The Portfolio and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets have been shown to lower cardiometabolic risk factors in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, the Portfolio diet has only been assessed in RCTs of hyperlipidemic patients. Therefore, to assess the Portfolio diet in a population with metabolic syndrome (MetS), we conducted a […]
Date Palm Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera): Effects on Vascular Health and Future Research Directions
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally, presenting an immense public and economic burden. Studies on cardioprotective foods and their bioactive components are needed to address both personal and public health needs. Date fruit is rich in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, certain micronutrients, and dietary fiber, which can impact vascular health, and have the […]
Association of Major Dietary Protein Sources With All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: Prospective Cohort Study
Background Dietary recommendations regarding protein intake have been focused on the amount of protein. However, such recommendations without considering specific protein sources may be simplistic and insufficient. Methods and Results We included 102 521 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative between 1993 and 1998, and followed them through February 2017. During 1 876 […]
The association between left ventricular hypertrophy and consumption of nuts, including peanuts, pine nuts, and almonds
Background and aims: Studies have reported that nut consumption is potentially beneficial in preventing cardiovascular disease. However, data are insufficient regarding the association between nut consumption and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Methods and results: In the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study, the participants were 34,617 men and 12,257 women who completed a food-frequency questionnaire for nut consumption and […]
Nut consumption, risk of cardiovascular mortality, and potential mediating mechanisms: The Women's Health Study
Background: The link between nut consumption and cardiovascular (CV) mortality remains unclear. Objective: to examine whether nut consumption is associated with CV mortality and estimate the proportion of reduced risk of CV mortality explained by intermediate factors. Methods: We studied 39,167 women from the Women's Health Study; 28,034 provided blood samples. Nut consumption was self-reported at baseline and […]
Nut and legume consumption and human health: an umbrella review of observational studies
Consumption of nuts and legumes has been associated with several health benefits. The aim of this study was to systematically review existing meta-analyses of observational studies on nut and legume intake and non-communicable diseases, and assess the level of evidence. Out of the six meta-analyses focussed on legume and 15 on nut intake, a possible […]
Mediterranean Diet Maintained Platelet Count within a Healthy Range and Decreased Thrombocytopenia-Related Mortality Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial
There is little information on the dietary modulation of thrombosis-related risk factors such as platelet count. We aimed to assess the effects of Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on platelet count and related outcomes in an older population at high cardiovascular risk. In participants of the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) study, we assessed whether an intervention […]