Almond Intake Research Articles

The Effects of Almond Consumption on Cardiovascular Health and Gut Microbiome: A Comprehensive Review.

The consumption of almonds has been associated with several health benefits, particularly concerning cardiovascular and intestinal health. In this comprehensive review, we compile and deliberate studies investigating the effects of almond consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and gut health. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, which contribute to their health-promoting properties. Regular intake of almonds has been shown to improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL cholesterol and enhancing HDL functionality. Additionally, almonds aid in glycemic control, blood pressure reduction, and chronic inflammation amelioration, which are critical for cardiovascular health. The antioxidant properties of almonds, primarily due to their high vitamin E content, help in reducing oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, almonds positively influence body composition by reducing body fat percentage and central adiposity and enhancing satiety, thus aiding in weight management. Herein, we also contemplate the emerging concept of the gut-heart axis, where almond consumption appears to modulate the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and increasing short-chain fatty acid production, particularly butyrate. These effects collectively contribute to the anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective benefits of almonds. By encompassing these diverse aspects, we eventually provide a systematic and updated perspective on the multifaceted benefits of almond consumption for cardiovascular health and gut microbiome, corroborating their broader consideration in dietary guidelines and public health recommendations for CVD risk reduction.

Hyperinsulinemia: an early biomarker of metabolic dysfunction.

Hyperinsulinemia in the absence of impaired glucose tolerance and normal HbA1c is considered indicative of pre-diabetes. Very few Indian studies have focused on hyperinsulinemia particularly in young adults. The present study aimed to determine whether hyperinsulinemia may be present despite HbA1c being normal. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on adolescents and young adults aged 16-25 years living in Mumbai, India. The participants attended various academic institutions and were those who underwent screening as the first step of a clinical trial for studying the efficacy of almond intake in prediabetes. Among this young population (n=1313), 4.2% (n=55) of the participants were found to be prediabetic (ADA criteria) and 19.7% of them had HbA1c levels between 5.7%-6.4%. However, almost, 30.5% had hyperinsulinemia inspite of normal blood glucose levels and normal HbA1c. Among those with HbA1c<5.7 (n=533), 10.5% (n=56) participants had fasting insulin>15 mIU/L and a higher percentage (39.4%, n=260) had stimulated insulin above 80 mIU/L. These participants had higher mean anthropometric markers than those with normal fasting and/or stimulated insulin. Hyperinsulinaemia in the absence of impaired glucose tolerance and normal HbA1c may provide a much earlier indicator of detection for risk of metabolic disease and progression to metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus.

Effects of almond intake on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that almonds can improve oxidative stress indices, but the results are controversial. Therefore, the goal of this research was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of all RCTs that evaluated the effect of almonds on selected oxidative stress indices. A systematic search was conducted up to April 2022 on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We have selected the studies that investigated the effects of almonds on malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) levels in adults. Data were pooled by using the random-effects model. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Seven RCTs involving 424 participants were analyzed. The results indicated that almond intake led to a significant decrease in MDA levels (WMD: -6.63nmol/ml; 95% CI: -8.72 to -4.54; P<0.001). However, no significant effect was observed on Ox-LDL (Hedges' g: -0.12; 95% CI: -0.34 to 0.10; P=0.28). Sensitivity analysis showed that overall estimates were not affected by the elimination of any study. We did not observe any evidence regarding publication bias. The present meta-analysis suggests that almond intake can improve MDA levels and might play a beneficial role in the reinforcement of the antioxidant defense system and amelioration of oxidative stress in adults. There is a need for more studies with larger groups to better estimate this effect.

Almond intake alters the acute plasma dihydroxy-octadecenoic acid (DiHOME) response to eccentric exercise.

This investigation determined if 4-weeks ingestion of nutrient-dense almonds mitigated post-exercise inflammation and muscle soreness and damage. An acute 90-min of eccentric exercise (90-EE) was used to induce muscle damage in 64 non-obese adults not engaging in regular resistance training (ages 30-65 years, BMI < 30 kg/m2). Using a parallel group design, participants were randomized to almond (AL) (57 g/d) or cereal bar (CB) (calorie matched) treatment groups for a 4-week period prior to the 90-EE (17 exercises). Blood and 24-h urine samples were collected before and after supplementation, with additional blood samples collected immediately post-90-EE, and then daily during 4 additional days of recovery. Changes in plasma oxylipins, urinary gut-derived phenolics, plasma cytokines, muscle damage biomarkers, mood states, and exercise performance were assessed. The 90-EE protocol induced significant muscle damage, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), inflammation, reduced strength and power performance, and mood disturbance. Interaction effects (2 group × 7 time points) supported that AL vs. CB was associated with reduced post-exercise fatigue and tension (p = 0.051, 0.033, respectively) and higher levels of leg-back strength (p = 0.029). No group differences were found for post-90-EE increases in DOMS and six cytokines. AL was associated with lower levels of serum creatine kinase immediately- and 1-day post-exercise (p = 0.034 and 0.013, respectively). The 90-EE bout increased plasma levels immediately post-exercise for 13 oxylipins. Interaction effects revealed significantly higher levels for AL vs. CB for 12,13-DiHOME (p < 0.001) and lower levels for 9,10-DiHOME (p < 0.001). Urine levels increased in AL vs. CB for seven gut-derived phenolics including 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone that was inversely related to changes in plasma 9,10-DiHOME (r = -0.029, p = 0.021). These data support some positive effects of almond intake in improving mood state, retaining strength, decreasing muscle damage, increasing the generation of gut-derived phenolic metabolites, and altering the plasma oxylipin DiHOME response to unaccustomed eccentric exercise in untrained adults. The elevated post-exercise plasma levels of 12,13-DiHOME with almond intake support positive metabolic outcomes for adults engaging in unaccustomed eccentric exercise bouts.

The Effects of Consuming Almonds and Almond Oil on Blood Lipids

Introduction: Pharmacological approaches to hyperlipidemia are used in practice to lower lipids, but the benefits in lowering lipid levels also lead to some adverse effects. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to find out how almonds and almond oil affect blood lipids. Methodology: The studies in this systematic review were chosen systematically by searching Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase from the earliest date to March 2021. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts, followed by screening. Search strategy was conducted using the following keywords: Almond, Prunus, Prunus dulcis, amygdalus, oleum amygdalae, P. amygdalus, Prunus dulcis, Prunus amygdalus dulcis, and P. dulcis; human, person, subject, people, patient, participant, individual, volunteer, elder, senior, geriatric, women, men, adult, woman, and man; and LDL, Lipid, Lipid Profile, blood profile, HDL, Low Density Lipoprotein, TAG, Triglyceride, Triacylglycerol, High Density Lipoprotein, Cholesterol, Lipid regulation, TG Lipid Distribution, Total Cholesterol, Cholesterol, TC Lipid Distribution, cholesterol, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL, LDL-C, lipoprotein, hyperlipidaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, and hyperlipaemia. Results: Overall, the studies demonstrate a significant outcome of almond or almond oil on lowering blood lipid levels, except in three studies. We included 40 clinical trials. In all studies, the average daily intake of almonds was between 10 and 100 g/day. For almond oil, it was 500 ml of almond oil daily. The duration of almond consumption ranged from 3 to 30 weeks. Sample sizes in all strata ranged from 12 to 128 participants. In the 17 strata, subjects were described as generally healthy and in 5 strata as overweight or obese. Conclusions: Consuming almonds or almond oil has a significant effect on lowering lipids.

Fecal Metabolites as Biomarkers for Predicting Food Intake by Healthy Adults

The fecal metabolome is affected by diet and includes metabolites generated by human and microbial metabolism. Advances in -omics technologies and analytic approaches have allowed researchers to identify metabolites and better utilize large data sets to generate usable information. One promising aspect of these advancements is the ability to determine objective biomarkers of food intake. We aimed to utilize a multivariate, machine learning approach to identify metabolite biomarkers that accurately predict food intake. Data were aggregated from 5 controlled feeding studies in adults that tested the impact of specific foods (almonds, avocados, broccoli, walnuts, barley, and oats) on the gastrointestinal microbiota. Fecal samples underwent GC-MS metabolomic analysis; 344 metabolites were detected in preintervention samples, whereas 307 metabolites were detected postintervention. After removing metabolites that were only detected in either pre- or postintervention and those undetectable in ≥80% of samples in all study groups, changes in 96 metabolites relative concentrations (treatment postintervention minus preintervention) were utilized in random forest models to 1) examine the relation between food consumption and fecal metabolome changes and 2) rank the fecal metabolites by their predictive power (i.e., feature importance score). Using the change in relative concentration of 96 fecal metabolites, 6 single-food random forest models for almond, avocado, broccoli, walnuts, whole-grain barley, and whole-grain oats revealed prediction accuracies between 47% and 89%. When comparing foods with one another, almond intake was differentiated from walnut intake with 91% classification accuracy. Our findings reveal promise in utilizing fecal metabolites as objective complements to certain self-reported food intake estimates. Future research on other foods at different doses and dietary patterns is needed to identify biomarkers that can be applied in feeding study compliance and clinical settings.

The effect of almond intake on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory markers, and liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Almond intake may be correlated with improvements in several cardiometabolic parameters, but its effects are controversial in the published literature, and it needs to be comprehensively summarized. We conducted a systematic search in several international electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov until April 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of almond consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory markers, and liver enzymes. Data were pooled using the random-effects model method and presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Twenty-six eligible trials were analyzed (n=1750 participants). Almond intake significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and very LDL (p< 0.05). The effects of almond intake on systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, C-peptide, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, C-reactive protein (CRP), hs-CRP (high sensitivity C-reactive protein), interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, ICAM (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule), VCAM (Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule), homocysteine, HDL, ox-LDL, ApoA1, ApoB, and lipoprotien-a were not statistically significant (p> .05). The current body of evidence supports the ingestion of almonds for their beneficial lipid-lowering and antihypertensive effects. However, the effects of almonds on antiinflammatory markers, glycemic control, and hepatic enzymes should be further evaluated via performing more extensive randomized trials.

The Effects of Almond Consumption on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Conflicting findings have been reported regarding the effects of almond consumption on inflammatory markers. This study aimed to summarize the current literature to determine whether almonds can affect inflammatory markers. A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science up to March 2021. Randomized clinical trials that compared almond with no almond consumption were included. The outcomes of interest were changes in circulating C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, TNF-α, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) concentrations. The random-effects model was used to find the mean differences. In total, 18 trials with 847 participants were eligible for the current analysis. Participants' ages ranged from 26.3 to 69.6 y. Combining 16 studies, almond consumption significantly reduced serum concentrations of CRP [weighted mean difference (WMD): -0.25mg/L; 95% CI: -0.43, -0.06 mg/L; I2=0.0%; P-heterogeneity=0.633]. However, the beneficial effect of almond intake only occurred at doses <60g/d. Pooling 11 effect sizes, almond interventions significantly decreased circulating IL-6 concentrations (WMD: -0.11 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.21, -0.01 pg/mL; I2=19.9%; P-heterogeneity=0.254). In subgroup analyses, effects on CRP and IL-6 were nonsignificant in unhealthy participants or those with obesity. In addition, almond consumption had no significant effect on TNF-α (WMD: -0.05 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.11, 0.01 pg/mL; I2=0.0%; P-heterogeneity=0.893; n=6), ICAM-1 (WMD: 6.39ng/mL; 95% CI: -9.44, 22.22 ng/mL; I2=66.6%; P-heterogeneity=0.006; n=7), or VCAM-1 (WMD: -8.31ng/mL; 95% CI: -35.32, 18.71 ng/mL; I2=58.8%; P-heterogeneity=0.033; n=6). In conclusion, almond consumption beneficially affects CRP and IL-6 concentrations in adults. However, it has no beneficial effect on TNF-α, ICAM-1, or VCAM-1. More trials are needed to determine the effects of almonds on inflammation.

Almond intake during pregnancy in rats improved the cognitive performance of adult male offspring

ABSTRACT Background: Based on evidence there are accepted links among early nutrition, epigenetic processes, and cognitive performance. Almond as a nutritious food could exert neuroprotective effects and improve anxiety, learning, and memory. Methods: In the current study, female rats were fed with a diet containing 5% (w/w) almonds during the mating period (two days) and gestation period (21 consecutive days). Then, the effect of the almond diet on short-term memory (Y maze), anxiety (elevated plus maze), and stress adaptation (forced swimming test) were investigated in the adult male offspring. The hippocampus (HIP), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and amygdala (AMY) of offspring were collected, and the level of cyclic AMP response element-binding proteins (CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was assessed by western blotting. Also, Monoamine oxidases (MAO)-A and B activity were evaluated via enzymatic assays. Results: Our results indicated that prenatal almond consumption improved memory, made a modest reduction in anxiety-like behavior, and increased stress adaptation in adult male offspring. Also, molecular assessments showed an increased level of CREB phosphorylation and BDNF in the HIP and PFC of the almond group, while the activity of MAO-A and MAO-B was inhibited by almond consumption in mentioned areas. Discussion: These findings introduce almonds as a beneficial diet during pregnancy, for improving short-term memory, stress adaptation, and cognitive performance in adult offspring.

Daily Almond Consumption Reduces Insulin Resistance and Serum Cholesterol Levels in Overweight Asian Indian Adults with Cardiometabolic Risk – A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of almonds consumption on insulin resistance, glycemia and lipid profile in overweight Asian Indian adults with cardiometabolic risks.MethodsA parallel-arm open-labelled, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 184 adults with cardiometabolic risks (CMR) (92 in each group). Adults with CMR were identified using the harmonizing criteria which includes presence of minimum of 3 of the following conditions: raised blood pressure, dyslipidemia (raised triglycerides and lowered high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), impaired fasting glucose, and central obesity. The intervention group received 43g (1.5 oz) almonds/day for 12 weeks. The control group was instructed to follow their habitual diet except to exclude nuts in any form. The anthropometric, clinical, biochemical and dietary data of the participants were assessed periodically and their change from baseline were analysed using generalized linear model in SAS 9.4 version.ResultsThe study was completed by 165 adults (response rate 82.5%). Their mean age was 40 years and waist circumference 97 ± 9.6 cm at baseline. Significant reductions [mean (95%CI)] in IR (−0.5(−1.0–0.0); P = 0.04), serum total cholesterol (−10.6 mg/dl (−17.8- −3.4); P = 0.004) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−7.5 mg/dl (−14.2- −0.8); P = 0.03) were observed in the intervention group compared to the control group. Within the intervention group, significant reduction of 1% each for body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, 3% fasting glucose and 2% serum triglyceride were noted compared to baseline. Multiple 24hr dietary recall as a compliance marker revealed significant increase in total fat, MUFA, PUFA calories and dietary fibre with a propionate reduction in carbohydrate calories in the intervention group compared to control group.ConclusionsDaily intake of 43g almonds reduced IR, total and LDL serum cholesterol in obese Asian Indians with CMR. Almond consumption also improved the overall quality of the diet.Funding SourcesThe present study was funded by Almond Board of California, Modesto, CA, USA.

Effects of almond on cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

An enhanced risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) still exists even when T2DM patients have tight control on blood sugar. Thus, identification of treatment approaches that address CVD risk factors may be useful for patients beyond the blood sugar management. Although emerging evidence suggests that nuts consumption have beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health, the effects of almond intake in patients with type 2 diabetes are still controversial. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the effect of almond on cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with T2DM through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar to identify relevant RCTs up to March 2021. There was no language and time limitation. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was pooled using a random effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were reported using standard methods. Nine RCTs were included in the final analysis. Almond intake resulted in significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: -5.28 mg/dL; 95% CI, -9.92, -0.64; p=.026) compared with the control group. This lowering effect of LDL-C was robust in subgroups with almond consumption >50 g/day, and baseline LDL-C level <130 mg/dL. However, the effect of almond on total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, weight, body fat, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and CRP was not significant compared with the control group. In summary, the current meta-analysis indicated that almond consumption decreased LDL-C, and had no favorable effect on other cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with T2DM. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the almond.

The effect of almond intake on glycemic control: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Number trials have evaluated the effect of almond intake on glycemic control in adults; however, the results remain equivocal. Therefore, the present meta-analysis aims to examine the effectiveness of almond intake on glycemic parameters. Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI web of science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched up to August 2021 for trials that examined the effect of almond intake on glycemic control parameters including fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, HOMA-IR, and HbA1C. Treatment effects were expressed as mean difference (MD) and the standard deviation (SD) of outcomes. To estimate the overall effect of almond intake, we used the random-effects model. In total, 24 studies with 31 arms were included in our analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that almond intake did not significantly change the concentrations of FBS, HbA1c, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR. In conclusion, there is currently no convincing evidence that almonds have a clear beneficial effect on glycemic control. Future studies are needed before any confirmed conclusion could be drowned.

Almond Bioaccessibility in a Randomized Crossover Trial: Is a Calorie a Calorie?

ObjectiveTo investigate the energy and macronutrient bioaccessibility of almonds in individuals with hyperlipidemia. MethodsIn a previously reported randomized crossover trial, men and postmenopausal women with hyperlipidemia incorporated 3 isoenergetic supplements into a National Cholesterol Education Program Step 2 diet for 1 month each between September 20, 2000, and June 27, 2001. Supplements provided consisted of full-dose almonds (73±5 g/d), half-dose almonds (38±3 g/d) plus half-dose muffins, and full-dose muffins (control). Energy and macronutrients, including individual fatty acids, were measured in the dietary supplements and fecal samples using gas chromatography and Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. Serum was measured for lipids and fatty acids. Bioaccessibility of energy and macronutrients from almond consumption was assessed from dietary intake (7-day food records) and fecal output. ResultsAlmond-related energy bioaccessibility was 78.5%±3.1%, with an average energy loss of 21.2%±3.1% (40.6 kcal/d in the full-dose almond phase). Bioaccessibility of energy and fat from the diet as a whole was significantly less with almond consumption (in both half- and full-dose phases) compared with the control. Bioaccessibility of fat was significantly different between treatment phases (P<.001) and on average lower by 5.1% and 6.3% in the half- and full-dose almond phases, respectively, compared with the control phase. Energy bioaccessibility was significantly different between the treatment phases (P=.02), decreasing by approximately 2% with the inclusion of the full dose of almonds compared with the control. ConclusionEnergy content of almonds may not be as bioaccessible in individuals with hyperlipidemia as predicted by Atwater factors, as suggested by the increased fat excretion with almond intake compared with the control. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00507520.

Beneficial Effects of the Intake of Chocolate-covered Almonds on BowelMovement and Skin Conditions

Background: It has been reported that chocolates and almonds have a wide variety of health benefits. Chocolatecovered almonds (almond chocolates) are popular chocolate confectioneries in Japan. However, their health benefits have not yet been explored to date. To clarify their health benefits, we investigated the beneficial effects of the intake of almond chocolates on bowel movement and skin conditions. Methods: This single-blinded (investigator-blinded) parallel-group comparison study was conducted on women with a tendency toward constipation and subjective symptoms of dry skin. The study included 36 participants who consumed eight pieces (approximately 30 g) of almond chocolates daily in the treatment (intake) group and 35 participants in the control (no intake) group. Bowel movement and skin conditions of these individuals were evaluated based on the records in their diaries and the stratum corneum water content measured before intervention (baseline values) and 4 and 8 weeks after intervention, respectively. In addition, questionnaire surveys about subjective symptoms were administered and an evaluation was conducted based on the obtained responses. Results: The results showed that the intake of almond chocolates significantly improved the respondents’ (participants’) bowel movements (i.e., stool frequency and amount), and the surveys showed improvement in their gastrointestinal and skin conditions. In addition, stratified analysis of individuals with severely dry skin symptoms revealed that intake of almond chocolates significantly improved the stratum corneum water content 8 weeks after the intervention compared with baseline levels (before intervention).

Total Nut, Tree Nut, and Peanut Consumption and Metabolic Status in Southern Italian Adults.

Background: Nut consumption has been associated with cardio-metabolic health benefits. However, studies conducted in the Southern Italian population, where adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been reported being relatively high, are rather scarce. The aim of this study was to test the association between consumption of total and specific types of nuts and metabolic status among adults living in Sicily, Southern Italy. Methods: Demographic and dietary characteristics of 2044 adults living in Southern Italy were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between nut consumption and metabolic status adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results: The energy-adjusted model revealed that higher nut intake was inversely associated with occurrence of hypertension, type-2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. However, the association did not remain significant for the latter after adjusting for the main background characteristics, while an inverse association was stably confirmed for hypertension (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.46–0.80 and OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.26–0.74, respectively) even after adjusting for adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Among individual nut types, most of the associations were null except for higher almond intake, which was inversely associated with occurrence of hypertension (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.49–0.99). Conclusions: Higher nut consumption is associated with overall better metabolic status in individuals living in the Mediterranean area.

The effect of almond intake on lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

A number of clinical trials have examined the effect of almond intake on lipid profile in recent years; however, the results remain equivocal. Therefore, the present study aims to summarize and quantitatively examine the available evidence on the effectiveness of almond intake on lipid parameters by employing a systematic review and meta-analytic approach. Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched up to September 2020 for randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of almond intake on lipid profile in adults. Treatment effects were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and the corresponding standard error (SE) in the concentrations of serum lipids. To estimate the overall effect of almond intake, we employed the random-effect model. In total, 27 studies with 36 effect sizes were included in our analysis (1154 cases and 904 control subjects). The meta-analysis revealed that almond intake significantly changed the concentrations of triglycerides (WMD = -6.68 mg dL-1; 95% CI: -11.62, -1.75, p = 0.008), total cholesterol (WMD = -4.92 mg dL-1; 95% CI: -7.81, -2.03, p = 0.001), and low-density lipoproteins (WMD = -5.65 mg dL-1; 95% CI: -8.75, -2.55, p < 0.001); however it did not have a significant effect on high-density lipoprotein (WMD = -0.21 mg dL-1; 95% CI: -1.26, 0.84, p = 0.697) levels. Meta-regression analysis indicated a linear relationship between the dose of almond and change in TG (P = 0.021). This meta-analysis concludes that almond intake can significantly reduce lipid parameters. To draw straightforward conclusions regarding generalized recommendations for almond intake for improving lipid profile, there is a need for more well-controlled trials exclusively targeting patients with dyslipidaemia.

Technological quality and sensory acceptability of nutritive bars produced with Brazil nut and baru almond coproducts

The intake of almonds and nuts demonstrates benefits to human health due to their bioactive compounds. In Brazil, baru almonds and Brazil nuts are largely explored in communities through cooperatives. The objective of the present work was to develop and evaluate a nutritive bar with Brazil nut (BN) and baru almond (BA) byproducts at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% in formulations. Baru almonds showed higher protein content (24.95 g/100 g) than Brazil nuts (14.74 g/100 g), while Brazil nuts showed higher lipidic content (59.36 g/100 g). All the nutritive bar formulations could be classified as high mineral content, mainly iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium. The firmness (instrumental texture) was the highest for BA100 (217.9 N), while the adhesiveness was the lowest (−23.62 N). The highest acceptability indexes for taste and texture (59 and 67%, respectively) were observed for BN25:BA75 while BA100 achieved the highest acceptability index for odor, color, and global perception (71, 73, and 72%, respectively). Therefore, BN25:BA75 could be the most suitable formulation to be produced as it had a good nutritional content balance and obtained higher acceptance and preference in the sensory evaluation.

A Review on Neuroprotective Effects of Almonds

Almonds are prunes belonging to the family Rosaceae. Almonds are the most popular and very commonly used nuts. These nuts are extremely beneficial included properties of alpha-tocopherol, vitamin E, sucrose, phenolics, folate, brain tryptophan mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is well known that almonds are protective, and preventive nuts for various diseases. The mechanisms have proven its effects in various body systems and functions like immunostimulation, antioxidant action, hypoglycemic action, prebiotic potentials, cholesterol levels, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective. Therefore, this study aims to review the neuroprotective functions of almonds, and a literature search was done in Pub Med, Google Scholar and Science Direct. From the selected database reviews about the neuroprotective effects of almonds were discussed. It is proven that the natural antioxidant property of almonds is said to be neuroprotective. The regular consumption of almonds in diet is said to increase the memory. The few review articles on neural effects of almonds have proven almond to be very effective and neuroprotective in nature compared to the other nuts. Therefore, it is recommended that dietary intake of almonds does not only have effects on cholesterol levels known previously it has major effects in developing and maintaining the neural mechanism.

Effects of Daily Intake of Almonds on Cardiac Autonomic Functions Measured by Heart Rate Variability in Response to Acute Stress: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Objectives Stress is inversely associated with heart rate variability (HRV), an indicator of cardiac autonomic function and a predictor of risk of sudden cardiac death. At times of stress, people tend to favor high sugar and fatty foods, often as snacks, with potential adverse effects on cardiometabolic health. Dietary recommendations for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention emphasize fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and nuts. There is evidence that consumption of nuts can reduce LDL cholesterol and blood pressure and help with weight management, however the impact of nuts on HRV in response to stress is unknown. The ATTIS dietary intervention study investigated the HRV response to acute stress following 6-week substitution of almonds for typical snacks high in refined starch, free sugars and saturated fats, and low in fibre. The study population comprised adults aged 30–70 y, who were habitual snack consumers, and at moderate risk of developing CVD. It was hypothesized that snacking on almonds would increase HRV during stress tasks, when HRV is expected to be reduced due to increased sympathetic activity. Methods A 6-week randomized controlled parallel trial was conducted. Participants were randomized to 1) control snacks (mini-muffins formulated to follow the average UK snack nutrient profile), or 2) dry-roasted whole almonds, both providing 20% estimated energy requirement. Supine HRV was measured (Mega Electronics Emotion Faros 180°, 2-leads wearable ECG-HRV monitor) during resting (5 min), physical stress (blood pressure monitor cuff inflation 200 mmHg, 5 min) and mental stress (Stroop colour-word test, 5 min) tasks pre- and post-intervention. A total of 105 participants (73 females and 32 males; mean age 56.2 y, SD 10.4) completed the trial. Results Almonds significantly increased the beat-to-beat HRV parameter, high-frequency power, during the mental stress test (mean difference 124 ms2; 95% CI 11, 237; P = 0.031) relative to control, indicating increased parasympathetic regulation. There were no treatment effects during resting and the physical stress task. Conclusions Snacking on whole almonds as a replacement for typical snacks increases HRV during mental stress, indicating an increased resilience in cardiac autonomic function and a novel mechanism whereby nuts may be cardioprotective. Funding Sources Almond Board of California.

Whole almond consumption is associated with better diet quality and cardiovascular disease risk factors in the UK adult population: National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) 2008\u20132017

Purpose This work aimed to estimate whole almond consumption in a nationally representative UK survey population and examine associations with diet quality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.Methods Four-day food record data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) 2008–2017 (n = 6802, age ≥ 19 year) were analyzed to investigate associations between whole almond consumption and diet quality, measured by the modified Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) and modified Healthy Diet Score (HDS), and CVD risk markers, using survey-adjusted multivariable linear regression.Results Whole almond consumption was reported in 7.6% of the population. Median intake in whole almond consumers was 5.0 g/day (IQR 9.3). Consumers had higher diet quality scores relative to non-consumers; higher intakes of protein, total fat, monounsaturated, n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fats, fiber, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron; and lower intakes of trans-fatty acids, total carbohydrate, sugar, and sodium. BMI and WC were lower in whole almond consumers compared to non-consumers: 25.5 kg/m2 (95% CI 24.9, 26.2) vs 26.3 kg/m2 (25.9, 26.7), and 88.0 cm (86.2, 89.8) vs 90.1 cm (89.1, 91.2), respectively. However, there were no dose-related fully adjusted significant associations between increasing almond intake (g per 1000 kcal energy intake) and lower CVD risk markers.Conclusions Almond intake is low in the UK population, but consumption was associated with better dietary quality and lower CVD risk factors. Habitual consumption of whole almonds should be encouraged as part of a healthy diet.