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Overall, daily breakfasts including two eggs for twelve weeks did not adversely affect lipids during a resistance training program and promoted improvements in plasma TG.

Agave nectar is a fructose-rich liquid sweetener derived from a plant, and is often promoted as a low glycemic alternative to refined sugar. However, little scientific research has been conducted in animals or humans to determine its metabolic and/or health effects. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of agave nectar versus sucrose on weight gain, adiposity, fasting plasma blood glucose, insulin, and lipid levels. Eighteen (n=18) male ICR mice (33.8±1.6 g) were divided into two groups (n=6 for agave nectar and n=12 for sucrose) and provided free access to one of two diets of equal energy densities differing only in a portion of the carbohydrate provided. Diets contained 20% carbohydrate (by weight of total diet) from either raw agave nectar or sucrose. Epididymal fat pads were excised, and blood was collected after 34 days. Weight gain (4.3±2.2 vs. 8.4±3.4 g), fat pad weights (0.95±0.54 vs. 1.75±0.66 g), plasma glucose (77.8±12.2 vs. 111.0±27.9 mg/dL), and insulin (0.61±0.29 vs. 1.46±0.81 ng/mL) were significantly lower (P≤.05) for agave nectar-fed mice compared to sucrose-fed mice respectively. No statistically significant differences in total cholesterol or triglycerides were detected. These results suggest that in comparison to sucrose, agave nectar may have a positive influence on weight gain and glucose control. However, more research with a larger sample of animals and/or with human subjects is warranted.

Consumption of an antioxidant‐rich diet is associated with a lower incidence of heart disease and is thought to be involved with preventing cancer and other inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of twice daily consumption of dried plums as snacks for two weeks on antioxidant capacity and C‐reactive protein in humans compared to cookie consumption. Twenty‐seven women aged 25–54 years were provided with twice daily 100 kcal servings of either dried plums or low‐fat cookies for separate two‐week feeding trials with a two‐week washout period. After an overnight fast, blood samples were collected prior to initiating each feeding trial and after two weeks of each trial. Serum C‐reactive protein was measured using an ELISA assay. The Trolox‐equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay was used to measure antioxidant capacity. Two weeks intake of 100 kcal dried plums resulted in an increase in antioxidant capacity (P<0.05) compared to two weeks intake of 100 kcal cookies. Antioxidant capacity was increased after two weeks of dried plum snack (P=0.039) but decreased with cookie snacks (P=0.018). C‐reactive protein levels did not differ significantly between the two feeding trials. These results suggest that choice of snack may impact health by influencing antioxidant status.This study was supported by the California Dried Plum Board.