Evaluation of dietary status with respect to trace element intake from dry fruits consumed in Pakistan: a study using instrumental neutron activation analysis

Instrumental neutron activation analysis has been utilized for the quantification of 24 major; minor and trace elements in dried apricots (Prunus armeniaca); dates (Phoenix dectylifera); figs (Ficus carica) and raisins (Vitis vinifera) using a low-power reactor as the neutron source. The weekly intakes of aluminium; arsenic; boron; calcium; chlorine; cobalt; chromium; iron; mercury; potassium; sodium; […]

Effect of Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Walnut on Diet-Induced Hypertriglyceridemia in Mice via Enhancement of Fatty Acid Oxidation in the Liver

The kernel pellicles of walnut are rich in ellagitannins with antioxidative activity. A polyphenol-rich extract from walnuts (WP; 45% polyphenol) was prepared and evaluated for its hypolipidemic effect in high fat diet fed mice. Oral administration of WP (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced liver weight and liver and serum triglycerides (TG). Hepatic beta-oxidation in […]

Antioxidant Activity of Hazelnut Skin Phenolics

Phenolic compounds were extracted from hazelnut skin using 80% (v/v) aqueous acetone or methanol. The crude extracts were applied onto a Sephadex LH-20 column for two fractionations (Fr. I and Fr. II). Fr. I consisting of low-molecular-weight phenolics was eluted by ethanol; whereas Fr. II consisting of tannins was obtained using acetone/water (1:1; v/v) as […]

Functional foods for health: Focus on diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest growing public health problems worldwide. Menopause may present additional challenges for women who have diabetes by increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and making blood glucose control more difficult. Functional foods may have the potential to improve glycemic control; but little evidence is known about the […]

Nuts and novel biomarkers of cardiovascular disease

Nuts are energy-dense foods; rich in total fat and unsaturated fatty acids. The favorable fatty acid profile probably contributes to the beneficial effects of nut consumption observed in epidemiologic studies (prevention of coronary heart disease and diabetes) and feeding trials (cholesterol lowering). Besides fat; the complex matrices of nuts contain many bioactive compounds: vegetable protein; […]

Walnuts and fatty fish influence different serum lipid fractions in normal to mildly hyperlipidemic individuals: a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND: Increased consumption of n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids decreases the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine whether walnuts (plant n-3 fatty acid) and fatty fish (marine n-3 fatty acid) have similar effects on serum lipid markers at intakes recommended for primary prevention of CHD. DESIGN: In a randomized crossover […]

Long-term effects of increased dietary polyunsaturated fat from walnuts on metabolic parameters in type II diabetes

Background/Objectives:Most dietary interventions have metabolic effects in the short term; but long-term effects may require dietary fat changes to influence body composition and insulin action. This study assessed the effect of sustained high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake through walnut consumption on metabolic outcomes in type II diabetes.Subjects/Methods:Fifty overweight adults with non-insulin-treated diabetes (mean age […]