Anti-inflammatory effects of the Mediterranean diet: the experience of the PREDIMED study

Several epidemiological and clinical studies have evaluated the effects of a Mediterranean diet (Med-Diet) on total cardiovascular mortality; and all concluded that adherence to the traditional Med-Diet is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. However; the molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Since atherosclerosis is nowadays considered a low-grade inflammatory disease; recent studies have explored […]

Almond consumption improved glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Almond consumption is associated with ameliorations in obesity; hyperlipidemia; hypertension; and hyperglycemia. The hypothesis of this 12-week randomized crossover clinical trial was that almond consumption would improve glycemic control and decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease in 20 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (9 male; 11 female; 58 years old; body mass […]

Hazelnut consumption decreases the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation; plasma oxidized LDL level and increases the ratio of large/small LDL in normolipidemic healthy subjects

OBJECTIVE: Nut consumption has beneficial effects on protection for development of atherosclerotic process. METHODS: Single intervention study design was used to determine the effects of hazelnut-enriched diet (1 g/kg/day) during 4 weeks period on atherogenic tendency of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by evaluating susceptibility of LDL to oxidation; alpha-tocopherol content of LDL; LDL subfractions; plasma oxidized […]

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa)

Brazil nuts were shelled and separated as kernel and brown skin; whole nuts were also used. Soluble phenolics from each portion as well as the whole nut were extracted using 70% acetone under reflux conditions. Insoluble-bound phenolics were subsequently extracted into diethyl ether–ethyl acetate mixture (1:1; v/v) after alkaline hydrolysis. Both soluble and insoluble-bound phenolic […]

Phytosterols and tocopherols content of pulps and nuts of Brazilian fruits.

Fruits and nuts from the North and Northeast regions of Brazil were collected to determine their phytosterol and tocopherol content. The species studied were Cotia nut (Aptandra spruceana M.); Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.); Mucajá (Couma rigida M.); Red Açaí (Euterpe oleracea M.); Inajá (Maximiliana maripa D.); Jenipapo (Genipa Americana L.); Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) […]

The phytochemical composition and antioxidant actions of tree nuts

In addition to being a rich source of several essential vitamins and minerals; mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids; and fiber; most tree nuts provide an array of phytochemicals that may contribute to the health benefits attributed to this whole food. Although many of these constituents remain to be fully identified and characterized; broad classes include […]

Nutritional concerns; health and survival in old age

The ageing process is-apart from chance or good luck-not only influenced by factors intrinsic to the individual; but also by extrinsic factors that include environmental and lifestyle variables. This paper deals with the epidemiological evidence for the role of dietary patterns and key nutritional concerns in relation to survival and ageing related disorders that present […]

Mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Typical omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in the form of fish oils and alpha linolenic acid from flaxseed oil. Epidemiological studies suggested the benefits of n-3 PUFA on cardiovascular health. Intervention studies confirmed that the consumption of n-3 PUFA provided benefits for primary and secondary prevention of […]

Health benefits of nuts in prevention and management of diabetes

The effects of tree nuts on risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD); in particular blood lipids; have been investigated in a number of studies and the beneficial effects are now recognized. The beneficial effects of nuts on CHD in cohort studies have also been clearly demonstrated. However; while there is also reason to believe […]