Long term association of nut consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Long-term associations between nut consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors are not well known. We investigated the relationship between nut consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors including dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), and obesity in a cohort of Iranian adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was conducted within the framework of the Isfahan Cohort Study on 1387 healthy participants. The participants were followed up for 12 years. A validated food frequency questionnaire was completed, and anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and fasting serum lipids and blood sugar were evaluated in three phases. Mixed-effects binary logistic regression was applied to examine the associations between nut consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors. The participants were classified according to the tertiles of nut consumption as cut-points, and associations were evaluated between the thirds of nut intake. Subjects in the last third were less likely to have hypercholesterolemia [OR (95% CI): 0.76 (0.60-0.97)], hypertriglyceridemia [OR (95% CI): 0.74 (0.58-0.93)], and obesity [OR (95% CI): 0.79 (0.50-0.98)] but more likely to have DM [OR (95% CI): 1.85 (1.27-2.68)] than those in the first third. However, after adjustment for various potential confounders, the associations remained significant only for obesity [OR (95% CI): 0.67 (0.48-0.94)] and DM [OR (95% CI): 2.23 (1.37-3.64)]. CONCLUSION: After adjustment for potential confounders, we observed an inverse association for nut consumption and obesity but positive association for DM and nut intake. On the basis of our findings, it is suggested that incorporation of nuts into people's usual diet may have beneficial effects for individuals with lower risk such as subjects without DM.
Effect of Nut Consumption on Erectile and Sexual Function in Healthy Males: A Secondary Outcome Analysis of the FERTINUTS Randomized Controlled Trial.
Lifestyle risk factors for erectile and sexual function include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, psychological stress, and adherence to unhealthy diets. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of mixed nuts supplementation on erectile and sexual function. Eighty-three healthy male aged 18-35 with erectile function assessment were included in this FERTINUTS study sub-analysis; a 14-week randomized, controlled, parallel feeding trial. Participants were allocated to (1) the usual Western-style diet enriched with 60 g/day of a mixture of nuts (nut group; n = 43), or (2) the usual Western-style diet avoiding nuts (control group; n = 40). At baseline and the end of the intervention, participants answered 15 questions contained in the validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and peripheral levels of nitric oxide (NO) and E-selectin were measured, as surrogated markers of erectile endothelial function. Anthropometrical characteristics, and seminogram and blood biochemical parameters did not differ between intervention groups at baseline. Compared to the control group, a significant increase in the orgasmic function (p-value = 0.037) and sexual desire (p-value = 0.040) was observed during the nut intervention. No significant differences in changes between groups were shown in peripheral concentrations of NO and E-selectin. Including nuts in a regular diet significantly improved auto-reported orgasmic function and sexual desire.
Mixed Nut Consumption May Improve Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults.
Emerging research indicates that nuts are a source of health-promoting compounds demonstrating cardioprotective benefits. However, most studies have assessed the effect of single nuts rather than a nut mixture. The objective of this study was, therefore, to examine the effect of mixed-nut consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in overweight and obese adults. In a randomized, parallel-arm, controlled trial, 48 participants consumed isocaloric (250 kcal) amounts of pretzels or mixed-nuts. Body weight (BW) (p = 0.024), BMI (p = 0.043), and insulin levels (p = 0.032) were significantly lower in the nut group compared to the pretzel group. Mixed-nut consumption also significantly reduced glucose (p = 0.04) and insulin (p = 0.032) levels after 4 and 8 weeks compared to baseline, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase of the nut group was significantly lower than the pretzel group (p = 0.002). No significant differences were detected between groups for triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C. However, pretzel consumption increased triglycerides (p = 0.048) from 4 weeks to 8 weeks. Moreover, LDL-C increased (p = 0.038) while HDL-C transiently decreased (p = 0.044) from baseline to 4 weeks. No significant lipid changes were detected within the nut group. Our results suggest that supplementing the diet with mixed-nuts could improve CVD risk factors by improving BW and glucose regulation in comparison to a common carbohydrate-rich snack without promoting the negative effects on lipids detected with pretzels.
Effects of a Mediterranean eating plan on the need for glucose-lowering medications in participants with type 2 diabetes: a subgroup analysis of the PREDIMED trial.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of two Mediterranean eating plans (Med-EatPlans) versus a low-fat eating plan on the need for glucose-lowering medications. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: From the PREDIMED trial, we selected 3,230 participants with type 2 diabetes at baseline. These participants were randomly assigned to one of three eating plans: Med-EatPlan supplemented with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), Med-EatPlan supplemented with mixed nuts, or a low-fat eating plan (control). In a subgroup (15%), the allocation was done in small clusters instead of using individual randomization, and the clustering effect was taken into account in the statistical analysis. In multivariable time-to-event survival models, we assessed two outcomes: 1) introduction of the first glucose-lowering medication (oral or injectable) among participants on lifestyle management at enrollment and 2) insulin initiation. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 3.2 years, in multivariable analyses adjusting for baseline characteristics and propensity scores, the hazard ratios (HRs) of starting a first glucose-lowering medication were 0.78 (95% CI 0.62-0.98) for Med-EatPlan + EVOO and 0.89 (0.71-1.12) for Med-EatPlan + nuts, compared with the control eating plan. After a median follow-up of 5.1 years, the adjusted HRs of starting insulin treatment were 0.87 (0.68-1.11) for Med-EatPlan + EVOO and 0.89 (0.69-1.14) for Med-EatPlan + nuts compared with the control eating plan. CONCLUSIONS: Among participants with type 2 diabetes, a Med-EatPlan + EVOO may delay the introduction of new-onset glucose-lowering medications. The Med-EatPlan did not result in a significantly lower need for insulin.
Brazil nut intake increases circulating miR-454-3p and miR-584-5p in obese women.
The Brazil nut is an excellent source of selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient for human health. In this study, we hypothesized that Brazil nut intake modulates circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in obese women and aimed to evaluate the effects of this nut intake on circulating miRNAs in women with obesity or metabolic syndrome (MetS). A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 54 subjects recruited from the Clinical Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: a Brazil nut group (BN group, n = 29) and a control group (CO group, n = 25); both were monitored for 2 months. BN group members were instructed to consume 1 Brazil nut (approximately 1261 μg/Se) per day; CO group members were instructed not to consume any. Biochemical parameters related to Se status and 25 circulating miRNAs in plasma were evaluated in all patients both at baseline and after 2 months. Expression levels of 2 miRNAs (miR-454-3p and miR-584-5p) were significantly increased after Brazil nut intake. To investigate the effect of MetS on circulating miRNAs at baseline, we performed comparisons between women with MetS (n = 23) and women without MetS (others, n = 31). Circulating miR-375 levels were significantly lower (P = .012) in women with MetS. In conclusion, our findings suggested that a daily intake of 1 Brazil nut increased circulating miR-454-3p and miR-584-5p expression levels in obese women, and our network analysis indicated a link between Se intake, vitamin D metabolism, and calcium homeostasis.
Effects of nut and seed consumption on markers of glucose metabolism in adults with prediabetes: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
The primary aim was to investigate the effects of nut and seed consumption on markers of glucose metabolism in adults with prediabetes. Studies with a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, comparing the effects of a diet containing nuts or seeds against a diet without nuts or seeds in adults with prediabetes, were considered eligible. Primary outcome measures included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour plasma glucose (PG) during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations. Studies were identified by searching PubMed and Scopus electronic databases and by checking full texts and reference lists of relevant records. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. We included 5 RCTs involving 371 adults with prediabetes or at risk of diabetes; 3 RCTs investigated the effects of whole nut consumption and 2 the effects of ground flaxseed consumption. Consumption of 57 g/day pistachios or mean intake of 60 g/day almonds for 4 months improved FPG and fasting plasma insulin (FPI) concentrations, insulin resistance, cellular glucose uptake in lymphocytes and β-cell function. Consumption of 56 g/day walnuts for 6 months was not found to affect FPG or HbA1c concentrations. Consumption of 13 g/day flaxseed for 3 months improved FPG and FPI concentrations and insulin resistance. In a second study, however, flaxseed consumption was not found to affect markers of glucose metabolism. The risk of bias was generally low, thus the reported results could be reliable. Further investigation of nut and seed consumption effects in the field of prediabetes is warranted.
Scientists Sequence the Complete Almond Genome
Researchers have identified 46-kilobase gene cluster encoding five basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, bHLH1 to bHLH5. One of these transcription factors, specifically the bHLH2, is involved in the amygdalin biosynthetic pathway. Thanks to the findings, it could be possible to prevent the formation of the cyanogenic diglucoside amygdalin, resulting in the sweet kernel trait.
Sánchez-Pérez, R., Pavan, S., Mazzeo, R., Moldovan, C., Cigliano, R. A., Del Cueto, J., ... & López-Marqués, R. L. (2019). Mutation of a bHLH transcription factor allowed almond domestication. Science, 364(6445), 1095-1098.
Prunes Intake May Have a Favorable Effect on Bone Health
A total of twenty-seven postmenopausal women were included in this crossover study. Participants were asked to consume six prunes (∼42 g) or two (∼14 g) per day for 2 weeks, after a 2-week washout period, then they crossed over and consumed the other amount of prunes. Serum C-telopeptide, beta-crosslinked (CTX) was used as a measure of bone resorption. Peripheral artery tonometry (PAT) was used to assess microvascular function. The study results observed that participants who consumed six prunes per day experimented a trend in CTX reduction (a decrease in bone resorption).
Al-Dashti, Y.A., Holt, R.R., Carson, J.G., Keen, C.L., Hackman, R.M. (2019). Effects of Short-Term Dried Plum (Prune) Intake on Markers of Bone Resorption and Vascular Function in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Crossover Trial. Journal of Medicinal Food, doi: 10.1089/jmf.2018.0209.
Al-Dashti, Y.A., Holt, R.R., Carson, J.G., Keen, C.L., Hackman, R.M. (2019). Effects of Short-Term Dried Plum (Prune) Intake on Markers of Bone Resorption and Vascular Function in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Crossover Trial. Journal of Medicinal Food, doi: 10.1089/jmf.2018.0209.
Scientists Sequence the Complete Almond Genome
Researchers have identified 46-kilobase gene cluster encoding five basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, bHLH1 to bHLH5. One of these transcription factors, specifically the bHLH2, is involved in the amygdalin biosynthetic pathway. Thanks to the findings, it could be possible to prevent the formation of the cyanogenic diglucoside amygdalin, resulting in the sweet kernel trait.
Sánchez-Pérez, R., Pavan, S., Mazzeo, R., Moldovan, C., Cigliano, R. A., Del Cueto, J., ... & López-Marqués, R. L. (2019). Mutation of a bHLH transcription factor allowed almond domestication. Science, 364(6445), 1095-1098.