A study in the Journal of Food Science and Nutrition set out to explore how consistent walnut consumption affects dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia, the imbalance of lipids like LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol, is one of the most commonly related health conditions to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
In the study, researchers examined walnut consumption as part of a low-calorie diet and lifestyle modification in a sample of 120 randomly chosen individuals. The sample was then split into a control group (60 people) and an intervention group (60 people). Both groups were instructed to partake in a low-calorie diet guided by diet counseling and 30 to 45 minutes of exercise over a period of 90 days. The control group was not given walnuts, while the intervention group received 30g of walnuts per day. Blood lipid parameters and anthropometric measurements were assessed in both groups and it was found that the walnut intervention group saw a significant reduction in body weight (5.4%) and body mass index (4.0%) in comparison to the control group (1.9% and 2.1%). Total cholesterol (11.5%), LDL cholesterol (15.3%), triglycerides (11.2%), VLDL cholesterol (9.0%), and enhanced HDL cholesterol (6.0%) were all significantly lower in the walnut intervention group.
In conclusion, the results of the study point show that consuming 30g of walnuts each day as part of a small lifestyle change may improve blood lipid profiles and help with weight loss.
Shivakumara, C. S., Sunil, L., Satish, A., & Devi, C. U. (2022). The Impact of Daily Walnuts Consumption and Lifestyle Changes on Dyslipidemia. J Food Sci Nutr, 8(129), 2.