The lipid messenger OEA links dietary fat intake to satiety

The association between fat consumption and obesity underscores the need to identify physiological signals that control fat intake. Previous studies have shown that feeding stimulates small-intestinal mucosal cells to produce the lipid messenger oleoylethanolamide (OEA) which; when administered as a drug; decreases meal frequency by engaging peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-alpha (PPAR-alpha). Here; we report that duodenal […]

The effect of Korean pine nut oil on in vitro CCK release; on appetite sensations and on gut hormones in post-menopausal overweight women

Appetite suppressants may be one strategy in the fight against obesity. This study evaluated whether Korean pine nut free fatty acids (FFA) and triglycerides (TG) work as an appetite suppressant. Korean pine nut FFA were evaluated in STC-1 cell culture for their ability to increase cholecystokinin (CCK-8) secretion vs. several other dietary fatty acids from […]

In vivo and T Cell Cross-Reactivity between Walnut; Cashew and Peanut

Background: Examination of IgE cross-reactivity among nuts has been limited to in vitro experiments. Cross-reactivity studies of nuts at the T cell level are difficult to interpret because of the inability to determine which cellular responses are from a true sensitization and which are due to cross-reactivity. Using a mouse model in which the sensitizing […]

Suppression of implanted MDA-MB 231 human breast cancer growth in nude mice by dietary walnut

Walnuts contain components that may slow cancer growth including omega 3 fatty acids; phytosterols; polyphenols; carotenoids; and melatonin. A pilot study was performed to determine whether consumption of walnuts could affect growth of MDA-MB 231 human breast cancers implanted into nude mice. Tumor cells were injected into nude mice that were consuming an AIN-76A diet […]

Priority Areas for Research on the Intake; Composition; and Health Effects of Tree Nuts and Peanuts

This article summarizes the main conclusions drawn from a conference on the health effects of nut consumption and identifies priority areas for future research. Individuals with higher intakes of nuts generally have higher intakes of many beneficial dietary constituents. More information is needed on nut composition; the bioavailability of nutrients; and other bioactive constituents. Better […]

Antioxidant activity; ascorbic acid and total phenol of exotic fruits occurring in Brazil

The antioxidant activity; ascorbic acid and phenolic content were studied in 10 exotic fruits from Brazil: abiu; acerola; wax jambu; cashew; mamey sapote; carambola or star fruit; Surinam cherry; longan; sapodilla and jaboticaba. The ascorbic acid was determined by 2;6-dichloroindophenol titrimetic methods and total phenols were measured colorimetrically using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The antioxidant activity […]

Dose-dependent effects of walnuts on motor and cognitive function in aged rats

Aged rats show decrements in performance on motor and cognitive tasks that require the use of spatial learning and memory. Previously we have shown that these deficits can be reversed by the polyphenolics in fruits and vegetables. Walnuts; which contain the n-3 fatty acids % walnut diet for 8 weeks before motor and cognitive testing. […]

Tree Nut and Peanut Consumption in Relation to Chronic and Metabolic Diseases Including Allergy

The New and Emerging Research session highlighted the emerging understanding of both the positive and negative effects of nuts consumption on health. The limited nature of both experimental and epidemiological evidence for positive relationship(s) between nut intake and health were noted. Study inconsistency and limitations; particularly survey methodology; were explored. Recent results from epidemiologic studies […]