Prospective study of nut consumption; long-term weight change; and obesity risk in women
BACKGROUND: Data concerning the long-term association between nut consumption and weight change in a free-living population are sparse. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the relation between nut consumption and long-term weight change. DESIGN: The participants were 51;188 women in the Nurses' Health Study II aged 20-45 y; who had no cardiovascular disease; diabetes; or […]
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 […]