A Dietary Model of Partial Meat Replacement with Walnuts Demonstrates Changes in the Nutrient Profile and Quality of the United States Population’s Diet.
The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of partial meat replacement with walnuts using a dose–escalation approach on nutrient intake and diet quality in the usual US diet. Food modeling was implemented using the nationally representative 2015–2018 National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES), with a focus on non-nut consumers, which included 2707 children and adolescents and 5190 adults. Walnuts replaced meat in a dose-escalating manner (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 oz walnuts per day replaced 1, 2, 3, and 4 oz meat, respectively). Diet quality was estimated using the population ratio method of the 2015 Healthy Eating Index. The usual intake of nutrients was estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. Significant differences were determined using non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals. The partial replacement of meat with walnuts demonstrated significant increases in the mean intake of fiber, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids and significant decreases in cholesterol and vitamin B12 in the modeled diets for children, adolescents, and adults. Additionally, the partial replacement of meat with walnuts improved overall diet quality. Walnut consumption at 1–2 oz as a replacement for some meat may improve nutrient intake and diet quality across age groups.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu15214518
Isolation, Identification, Activity Evaluation, and Mechanism of Action of Neuroprotective Peptides from Walnuts: A Review
As human life expectancy increases, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases in older adults has increased in parallel. Walnuts contain bioactive peptides with demonstrated neuroprotective effects, making them a valuable addition to the diet. We here present a comprehensive review of the various methods used to prepare, isolate, purify, and identify the neuroprotective peptides found in walnuts. We further summarise the different approaches currently used to evaluate the activity of these peptides in experimental settings, highlighting their potential to reduce oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and promote autophagy, as well as to regulate the gut microflora and balance the cholinergic system. Finally, we offer suggestions for future research concerning bioavailability and improving or masking the bitter taste and sensory properties of final products containing the identified walnut neuroprotective peptides to ensure successful adoption of these peptides as functional food ingredients for neurohealth promotion. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15184085
Effect of Nut Consumption on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Although previous epidemiological studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between nut consumption and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the evidence remains inconclusive and contentious. The aim of our study was to further conduct a meta-analysis of observational studies to explore the latest evidence of the influence of nut consumption on NAFLD. This meta-analysis included a comprehensive search of all articles published in the PubMed and Web of Science online databases as of April 2023. A total of 11 articles were included, comprising 2 prospective cohort studies, 3 cross-sectional studies, and 7 case–control studies, and a random effects model was used to evaluate the relationship between nuts and NAFLD. Results showed that the odds ratio (OR) of NAFLD was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.81–0.99, p < 0.001) when comparing the highest and lowest total nut intake, indicating a significant negative correlation. Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed that the protective effect of nuts on NAFLD was more significant in females (OR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.78–0.98, I2 = 76.2%). In summary, our findings provide support for a protective relationship between nut intake and risk of NAFLD. Further exploration of the association between other dietary components and NAFLD is an important avenue for future research. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102394
Dried Fruits: Bioactives, Effects on Gut Microbiota, and Possible Health Benefits-An Update
Dried fruits contain many bioactive compounds broadly classified as phytochemicals including phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, proanthocyanidins, stilbenes, chalcones/dihydrochalcones, and phytoestrogens. These compounds have antioxidant effects that may benefit health. Dried fruits are also a diverse group of foods with varying fibre contents. The evaluation of the biological activity of these bioactive compounds, including their bioaccessibility and bioavailability, may contribute to the understanding of the health effects of dried fruits. Limited evidence suggests that dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, dates, and prunes) affect human gut microbiota composition in a potentially beneficial manner (in terms of effects on Bifidobacteria, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcaceae, Klebsiella spp., and Prevotella spp.). There is little epidemiological evidence about the association of dried fruit consumption with cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality, as well as the risk of type 2 diabetes or obesity. Clinical trial evidence for the effects of dried fruit consumption on cardiovascular risk factors, including glycaemic control, is mixed. Clinical trial evidence suggests prunes might preserve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Consumption of dried fruits is associated with higher-quality diets. Studies are needed to increase our understanding of the health effects of dried fruits and the underlying biological mechanisms. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071611
Phytochemical Composition and Health Benefits of Figs (Fresh and Dried): A Review of Literature from 2000 to 2022
With their rich history dating back 6000 years, figs are one of the oldest known plants to mankind and are a classical fruit in the Mediterranean diet. They possess a diverse array of bioactive components, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and tocopherols, which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their health-promoting effects addressing gastrointestinal, respiratory, inflammatory, metabolic, and cardiovascular issues. This review summarizes the updated information on the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and other functional properties of fresh and dried figs cultivated in various parts of the world, highlighting variation in phenolic composition based on cultivar, harvesting time, maturity stage, processing, and fig parts. Additionally, the review delves into the bio-accessibility and bio-availability of bioactive components from figs and their potential influence on cardiovascular health, diabetes, obesity, and gut/digestive health. Data suggest that the intake of figs regularly in the diet, alone or with other dried fruits, increases select micronutrient intake and is associated with higher diet quality, respectively. Research in animal and human models of health and disease risk provide preliminary health benefits data on figs and their extracts from fig parts; however, additional well-controlled human studies, particularly using fig fruit, will be required to uncover and verify the potential impact of dietary intake of figs on modern day health issues. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112623
Believe It or ‘Nut’: Why It Is Time to Set the Record Straight on Nut Protein Quality: Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Focus
There are growing public health movements to transition towards diets that are plant-based. However, confusion exists with concerns that plant-based proteins (including nuts) may be inferior with respect to protein quality. The present publication evaluates the evolution of protein quality concepts and explains the protein science related to pistachios. Pistachio nuts are a plant-based complete protein providing all nine EAAs in addition to an array of nutrients and phytochemicals. They have a PDCAAS of 73 and 81%, (raw and roasted pistachios, respectively), higher than that of many other tree nuts. From an environmental perspective transitioning towards plant-based diets (including nuts) could have potential to reduce total/green water footprints. Dietary guidelines are evolving yet nuts such as pistachios do not always have a clear place within these. Now appears to be a pertinent time to look at protein quality from the perspective of whole daily diets and dietary patterns, factoring in both health and environmental outcomes. Given updated modes of thinking, nuts such as pistachios have an important role to play in terms of providing ready-to-eat, good-quality, plant-based protein within daily diets. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092158
Composition and Biological Properties of Blanched Skin and Blanch Water Belonging to Three Sicilian Almond Cultivars
The almond industry produces, by bleaching and stripping, two by-products: blanched skin (BS) and blanch water (BW). The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional and polyphenolic profile, as well as the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and potential prebiotic effects of BS and BW from three different Sicilian cultivars. The total phenols and flavonoids contents were ≥1.72 and ≥0.56 g gallic acid equivalents and ≥0.52 and ≥0.18 g rutin equivalents/100 g dry extract (DE) in BS and BW, respectively. The antioxidant activity, evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging ability, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, was ≥3.07 and ≥0.83 g trolox equivalent/100 g DE in BS and BW, respectively. Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside was the most abundant flavonoid detected in both by-products. No antimicrobial effect was recorded, whereas BS samples exerted antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus 1 (EC50 160.96 μg/mL). BS also showed high fibre (≥52.67%) and protein (≥10.99) contents and low fat (≤15.35%) and sugars (≤5.55%), making it nutritionally interesting. The present study proved that the cultivar is not a discriminating factor in determining the chemical and biological properties of BS and BW. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061545
Where We Are and Where We Are Going in Nut Research.
Nuts have been part of the human diet for thousands of years. Traditionally, nuts have been incorporated as an ingredient in many dishes, and over the years, nuts have been consumed in various forms from raw or minimally processed to more processed forms and eaten as snacks as well as included within recipes for main dishes. In the last decades of the 20th century, the prevailing belief that dietary fat was harmful was at the basis of nuts being discouraged due to their high fat content. However, this perspective started to change following the first scientific studies demonstrating the potential health benefits of nut consumption. In 1992–1993, seminal publications from Loma Linda University showed that walnut consumption significantly reduced serum cholesterol and that the frequency of nut consumption was inversely associated with coronary heart disease incidence according to data from the Adventist Health Study cohort. Since then, many randomized clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and in vitro/in vivo mechanistic studies have explored and described the role of the consumption of different types of nuts on reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, management of lipid disorders, and glycaemic control, without undue effects on body weight or overall adiposity, among other cardiometabolic and health-related risk factors and conditions. More recently, several studies have examined the potential beneficial effects of nuts on the gastrointestinal system, cognitive performance, fertility, and different types of cancer, as well as the potential mechanisms implicated in the observed benefits. Importantly, landmark studies, such as the Adventist Health Study, the Nurses’ Health Study, the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, the Physicians’ Health Study, and the PREDIMED trial, have consistently reported that frequent nut consumption was associated with a lower risk of different cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality. Based on the available scientific evidence, specific health claims have been accepted for nuts. Particularly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized qualified health claims for nuts in general and for walnuts and macadamias in particular concerning heart disease prevention when daily consuming one and one-half oz (42 g). However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has only agreed on a specific health claim for walnuts regarding beneficial effects on endothelial function. At the same time, nuts have been recommended over the last two decades by several health organizations and agencies worldwide. Due to the accumulating evidence on nut consumption and health outcomes, we thought it would be important to recapitulate and examine in detail what is well known and established, and what avenues of knowledge are still lacking in nut research. It is for this reason that we organized the NUTS 2022 Conference with the slogan: Where we are and where we are going in nut research.
The NUTS 2022 Conference offered the unique opportunity to bring together experts in the field of nut research from around the world with the following aims: (a) to summarize all the evidence related to the beneficial effects of nuts on health; (b) to identify new topics, needs, and opportunities in nut research; (c) to share knowledge with food industry and set new primary objectives for the future; and (d) to develop these scientific proceedings summarizing the current knowledge and new opportunities of research in the nut–health axis. We believed it would be important and extremely useful to summarize and discuss future lines of nut research in the context of a multidisciplinary group of investigators with expertise in different fields for the benefit of: (1) the investigators, since it allows us to interact, share new ideas, and establish collaborations in the future; (2) the food industry, because they need to know that we know relatively little and that knowledge needs to be invested in; and (3) health agencies, because they need the most up-to-date knowledge to establish appropriate public health recommendations. The NUTS 2022 Conference took place on 20–21 October 2022, and was organized in Reus by the University Rovira i Virgili together with Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere i Virgili (IISPV) and the Ciber Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN) of Instituto de Salud Carlos III of Spain. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071691.
Effect of Nuts on Gastrointestinal Health
Nuts are high nutrient-dense foods containing healthy lipids, dietary fiber, and bioactive phytochemicals, including vitamins and minerals. Although the beneficial effect of nut consumption on different chronic diseases has been well documented, especially in relation to their cardiometabolic benefits, less scientific evidence is available on their possible beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health. In this narrative review, we summarize the most important findings and new research perspectives in relation to the importance of nut consumption on gastrointestinal health. The integrity of the cell wall structure, cell size and particle size after mastication are known to play a crucial role in energy, nutrient and bioactive release from nuts during digestion, therefore affecting bioaccessibility. Other mechanisms, such as cell wall composition, thickness and porosity, as well as stability of the membranes surrounding the oil bodies within the cell, are also important for energy extraction. As the undigested nutrients and phytochemicals are delivered to the colon, effects on gut microbiota composition are predicted. Although the overall effect of nut consumption on microbial alpha- and beta-diversity has been inconsistent, some scientific evidence suggests an increase in fecal butyrate after almond consumption, and a beneficial role of walnuts on the prevention of ulcerative colitis and protection against the development of gastric mucosal lesions. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071733.
Bioactives, Effects on Gut Microbiota, and Possible Health Benefits—An Update.
Dried fruits contain many bioactive compounds broadly classified as phytochemicals including phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, proanthocyanidins, stilbenes, chalcones/dihydrochalcones, and phytoestrogens. These compounds have antioxidant effects that may benefit health. Dried fruits are also a diverse group of foods with varying fibre contents. The evaluation of the biological activity of these bioactive compounds, including their bioaccessibility and bioavailability, may contribute to the understanding of the health effects of dried fruits. Limited evidence suggests that dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, dates, and prunes) affect human gut microbiota composition in a potentially beneficial manner (in terms of effects on Bifidobacteria, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcaceae, Klebsiella spp., and Prevotella spp.). There is little epidemiological evidence about the association of dried fruit consumption with cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality, as well as the risk of type 2 diabetes or obesity. Clinical trial evidence for the effects of dried fruit consumption on cardiovascular risk factors, including glycaemic control, is mixed. Clinical trial evidence suggests prunes might preserve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Consumption of dried fruits is associated with higher-quality diets. Studies are needed to increase our understanding of the health effects of dried fruits and the underlying biological mechanisms. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071611.