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 […]
Nuts; inflammation and insulin resistance
The beneficial effects of nut consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been widely documented. These protective effects are mainly attributed to the role of nuts in the metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins. As chronic inflammation is a key early stage in the atherosclerotic process that predicts future CVD events and is closely related to the […]
Nuts; blood lipids and cardiovascular disease
The aim of this paper is to evaluate nut-related epidemiological and human feeding study findings and to discuss the important nutritional attributes of nuts and their link to cardiovascular health. Frequent nut consumption has been found to be protective against coronary heart disease in five large epidemiological studies across two continents. A qualitative summary of […]
Nuts and healthy body weight maintenance mechanisms
Nuts are rich sources of multiple nutrients and phytochemicals associated with health benefits; including reduced cardiovascular disease risk. This has prompted recommendations to increase their consumption. However; they are also high in fat and are energy dense. The associations between these properties; positive energy balance and body weight raise questions about such recommendations. Numerous epidemiological […]
Tree nut consumption improves nutrient intake and diet quality in US adults: an analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004
Recent epidemiologic studies assessing tree nut (almonds; Brazil nuts; cashews; hazelnuts; macadamia nuts; pecans; pine nuts; pistachios; and walnuts) consumption and the association with nutrient intake and diet quality are lacking. This study determined the association of tree nut consumption and nutrient intake and diet quality using a nationally representative sample of adults. Adults 19+ […]
Nut consumption and blood lipid levels: a pooled analysis of 25 intervention trials
Background: Epidemiological studies have consistently associated nut consumption with reduced risk for coronary heart disease. Subsequently; many dietary intervention trials investigated the effects of nut consumption on blood lipid levels. The objectives of this study were to estimate the effects of nut consumption on blood lipid levels and to examine whether different factors modify the […]
Pistachios increase serum antioxidants and lower serum oxidized-LDL in hypercholesterolemic adults
Pistachios are high in lutein; beta-carotene; and gamma-tocopherol relative to other nuts; however; studies of the effects of pistachios on oxidative status are lacking. We conducted a randomized; crossover controlled-feeding study to evaluate 2 doses of pistachios on serum antioxidants and biomarkers of oxidative status in 28 hypercholesterolemic adults (LDL-cholesterol >or=2.86 mmol/L). Participants consumed 3 […]
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 […]