The role of walnuts (Canarium indicum L.) towards reducing blood cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia is a cardiovascular disease that causes about 18% of cerebrovascular disease and about 56% of heart disease worldwide. High cholesterol levels lead to accumulation of cholesterol. Walnuts have the potential to lower cholesterol levels. The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of walnut consumption in hyperlipidemic patients on lowering cholesterol. This is an experimental research with pre-post test control group design. The research sample in the first year was mothers who had blood cholesterol levels of 200 mg/dl (hypercholesterolemia). A total of fifty (50) mothers consisting of 2 (two) groups, with 25 mothers as the treatment group and 25 mothers as the control group. Statistical analysis using test paired t-test was used to see the difference in the cholesterol levels before and after the intervention of each group. Cholesterol levels in the treatment group decreased from 242.60 mg/dl to 208.12 mg/dl and in the control group from 248.60 mg/dl to 243.16 mg/dl. The results of the paired T-Test analysis in the treatment group showed a value of p = 0.00 meaning that there was a significant difference in cholesterol levels before and after the intervention in the treatment group. In the control group the value of p = 0.75 means that there is no significant difference in cholesterol levels in the control group. Feeding 50 grams/day walnuts for 8 weeks give effect to significant reduction of cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic mothers.