Believe It or ‘Nut’: Why It Is Time to Set the Record Straight on Nut Protein Quality: Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Focus

There are growing public health movements to transition towards diets that are plant-based. However, confusion exists with concerns that plant-based proteins (including nuts) may be inferior with respect to protein quality. The present publication evaluates the evolution of protein quality concepts and explains the protein science related to pistachios. Pistachio nuts are a plant-based complete […]

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Walnut Constituents: Focus on Personalized Cancer Prevention and the Microbiome

Walnuts have been lauded as a ‘superfood’, containing a remarkable array of natural constituents that may have additive and/or synergistic properties that contribute to reduced cancer risk. Walnuts are a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs: alpha-linolenic acid, ALA), tocopherols, antioxidant polyphenols (including ellagitannins), and prebiotics, including fiber (2 g/oz). There is a growing […]

Higher versus lower nut consumption and changes in cognitive performance over two years in a population at risk of cognitive decline: a cohort study

Background: Tree nuts and peanuts (henceforth, nuts) are nutrient-dense foods rich in neuroprotective components; thus, their consumption could benefit cognitive health. However, evidence to date is limited and inconsistent regarding the potential benefits of nuts for cognitive function. Objective: To prospectively evaluate the association between nut consumption and 2-year changes in cognitive performance in older adults at […]

A comparison of the nutritional profile and nutrient density of commercially available plant-based and dairy yogurts in the United States

Introduction: Plant-based yogurts are sustainable alternatives to dairy yogurts, but a nutritional comparison of plant-based yogurts within the context of dairy yogurts has not yet been applied to commercially available products in the United States. Dairy yogurts provide significant dietary nutrients, and substituting plant-based yogurts may have unintended nutritional consequences. The objective of this study […]

Longer-term mixed nut consumption improves brain vascular function and memory: a randomized, controlled crossover trial in older adults

Background: Nut consumption may reduce age-related cognitive decline, but underlying mechanisms are unclear. Objective: To investigate in older adults’ longer-term effects of mixed nut consumption on brain vascular function, which may underlie improvements in cognitive performance. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy individuals (age [mean±SD]: 65±3 years; BMI: 27.9±2.3 kg/m2) were included in a randomized, single-blinded, cross-over trial […]

Nut Consumption Improves Brain and Peripheral Vascular Function, and Memory, New Study Finds

A recent INC-funded study, published in Clinical Nutrition[1], showed that longer-term consumption of nuts as part of a recommended diet significantly improved brain and peripheral vascular function, and memory. The beneficial effects of nut consumption on vascular function may underlie the improvements in cognitive performance, thereby reducing cognitive decline as a result of aging. The […]

Congress Presentations: Nut and Dried Fruit Production Prospects and Expert Sessions

As discussed by industry leaders during the round tables, world tree nut production for 2023/24 has been forecasted at 5.7 million metric tons (kernel basis, except pistachios in-shell), up by 5% from the previous season. Although it is still very early in the season to anticipate the final outcomes, almond, walnut, cashew, hazelnut and pecan […]

May 2023 News Brief

1,300 Professionals from 65 Countries Met in London for the 40th World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress The 40th World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress, the flagship event of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC), took place in London from May 22-24. Nearly 1,300 attendees from 65 countries gathered at JW Marriott Grosvenor […]

Marketing Orders: June 2023

USA: Referendum Order for Cranberries Grown in Certain States This proposed rule by the Agricultural Marketing Service establishes that a referendum will be conducted among eligible cranberry producers to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of cranberries grown in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, […]