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 […]

Nut; corn; and popcorn consumption and the incidence of diverticular disease

CONTEXT: Patients with diverticular disease are frequently advised to avoid eating nuts; corn; popcorn; and seeds to reduce the risk of complications. However; there is little evidence to support this recommendation. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether nut; corn; or popcorn consumption is associated with diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding. DESIGN AND SETTING: The Health Professionals Follow-up Study […]

Impact of Peanuts and Tree Nuts on Body Weight and Healthy Weight Loss in Adults

Nuts (ground and tree) are rich sources of multiple nutrients and their consumption is associated with health benefits; including reduced cardiovascular disease risk. This has prompted recommendations to increase their consumption. However; they are also high in fat (albeit largely unsaturated) and are energy dense. The associations between these properties; positive energy balance; and body […]

The Role of Tree Nuts and Peanuts in the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease: Multiple Potential Mechanisms

Epidemiologic and clinical trial evidence has demonstrated consistent benefits of nut and peanut consumption on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk and associated risk factors. The epidemiologic studies have reported various endpoints; including fatal CHD; total CHD death; total CHD; and nonfatal myocardial infarct. A pooled analysis of 4 U.S. epidemiologic studies showed that subjects in […]

Possible Benefit of Nuts in Type 2 Diabetes

Nuts; including peanuts; are now recognized as having the potential to improve the blood lipid profile and; in cohort studies; nut consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). More recently; interest has grown in the potential value of including nuts in the diets of individuals with diabetes. Data from […]