Almonds Reduce Biomarkers of Lipid Peroxidation in Older Hyperlipidemic Subjects ,

Abstract

Nut consumption has been associated with reduced coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. In addition to cholesterol-lowering properties, almonds have been shown to lower oxidized LDL concentrations. However, little is known regarding their effects on other markers of oxidative stress. The dose-response effects of whole almonds, taken as snacks, were compared with low-saturated fat (<5% energy) whole-wheat muffins (control) in the therapeutic diets of hyperlipidemic subjects. In a randomized crossover study, 27 hyperlipidemic men and women consumed 3 isoenergetic (mean 423 kcal/d or 1770 kJ/d) supplements each for 1 mo. Supplements consisted of full-dose almonds (73 +/- 3 g/d), half-dose almonds plus half-dose muffins (half-dose almonds), and full-dose muffins (control). Subjects were assessed at wk 0, 2 and 4. Mean body weights differed < or = 300 g between treatments, although the weight loss on the half-dose almond treatment was greater than on the control (P < 0.01). At 4 wk, the full-dose almonds reduced serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P = 0.040) and creatinine-adjusted urinary isoprostane output (P = 0.026) compared with the control. Serum concentrations of alpha- or gamma-tocopherol, adjusted or unadjusted for total cholesterol, were not affected by the treatments. Almond antioxidant activity was demonstrated by their effect on 2 biomarkers of lipid peroxidation, serum MDA and urinary isoprostanes, and supports the previous finding that almonds reduced oxidation of LDL-C. Antioxidant activity provides an additional possible mechanism, in addition to lowering cholesterol, that may account for the reduction in CHD risk with nut consumption.

Health Benefits of Nut Consumption

“…Recent well controlled intervention studies with walnuts [71,72,73,74], almonds [75], hazelnuts [76], pistachios [77], macadamias [78], and peanuts [79] showed LDL-cholesterol reductions ranging from 4% to 11% versus comparator diets, confirming the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of various nut types. A Mediterranean diet supplemented with 30 g of mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts) per day also showed beneficial effects on the lipid profile compared with advice on a low-fat diet in diabetic and non diabetic participants in the PREDIMED study, a randomized trial of dietary intervention for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease [80].…”

Almond Consumption Decreases Fasting and Post Prandial Blood Glucose Level in Female Type 2 Diabetes Subject

“…Population studies indicate that individuals who regularly consume nuts have reduced risk for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes [1] . The beneficial role of almonds has been established with respect to serum lipid profile [2] however, its beneficial effects on glycemia are still to be established.…”

Effects of Dark Chocolate and Almonds on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Randomized Controlled‐Feeding Trial

“…A recent meta‐analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials has shown that intake of almonds improved the lipid profile by decreasing total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and triglycerides 6. Furthermore, almonds improve other cardiovascular risk factors, including insulin resistance,7 endothelial dysfunction,8 inflammation,9 and oxidative stress 10…”