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 […]
Acute effect of nut consumption on plasma total polyphenols; antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation
BACKGROUND: Nuts have been shown to have beneficial effects on human health due to the healthy fat content; however; the effect of antioxidants (i.e. polyphenols) in nuts have not been fully investigated. The present study aimed to assess the immediate effect of a polyphenol-rich meal (75% of energy from nuts: walnuts or almonds) and a […]
Omega-6 fatty acids and risk for cardiovascular disease: a science advisory from the American Heart Association Nutrition Subcommittee of the Council on Nutrition; Physical Activity; and Metabolism; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and Council on Epidem
A large body of literature suggests that higher intakes of omega-6 (or n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) reduce risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). However; for the reasons outlined below; some individuals and groups have recommended substantial reductions in omega-6 PUFA intake. The purpose of this advisory is to review evidence on the relationship between […]
Advances in allergic skin disease; anaphylaxis; and hypersensitivity reactions to foods; drugs; and insects in 2008
This review highlights some of the research advances in anaphylaxis; and hypersensitivity reactions to foods; drugs; and insects and in allergic skin disease that were reported in the Journal in 2008. Key epidemiologic observations include a rise in anaphylaxis in a population-based study and lower rates of peanut allergy in Israel; where infants consume peanut […]
Dried plums (prunes) reduce atherosclerosis lesion area in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Dried plums are a fruit high in pectin with substantial antioxidant activity. Previous studies in rats and man indicate that dried plums or plum fibre lower liver and plasma cholesterol; respectively. The apoE-deficient mouse; which develops atherosclerotic lesions rapidly when fed cholesterol; was used to determine the ability of dried plums to reduce atherosclerosis. Diets […]
Mastication of almonds: effects of lipid bioaccessibility; appetite; and hormone response
BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic and clinical data indicate that nuts can be incorporated into the diet without compromising body weight. This has been attributed to strong satiety properties; increased resting energy expenditure; and limited lipid bioaccessibility. OBJECTIVE: The role of mastication was explored because of evidence that the availability of nut lipids is largely dependent on the […]
Successful oral tolerance induction in severe peanut allergy
Background: Peanut allergy is common; potentially severe and rarely resolves causing impaired quality of life. No disease-modifying treatment exists and there is therefore a need to develop a therapeutic intervention. Aims of the study: The aim of this study was to investigate whether peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) can induce clinical tolerance to peanut protein. Methods: […]
Clinical Features of Four Cases with Cashew Nut Allergy and Cross-Reactivity between Cashew Nut and Pistachio
Background: Few cases of cashew nut (CN) allergy have been reported in Japan. We evaluated the clinical features of 4 cases with CN allergy and investigated the allergens involved. Methods: In order to investigate the cross-reactivity between CN and pistachios; we performed ImmunoCAP inhibition tests using sera of 4 cases with positive histories of CN […]
Viewpoint: dried plum; an emerging functional food that may effectively improve bone health
Osteoporosis is a debilitating disorder that affects both female and male; albeit to a greater extent in women than men. As the demographic shift to a more aged population continues; a growing number of men and women will be afflicted with osteoporosis and a search for potential non-pharmacological alternative therapies for osteoporosis is of prime […]