Almond-enriched Diet Research Articles

Changes in psychological outcomes and sleep quality following energy restriction with and without almonds

Associations between obesity and mental illness have been identified, but they are complex and bidirectional(1). Weight loss interventions have been proposed as a potential strategy to improve mental health in individuals with overweight or obesity, but the evidence remains inconclusive(2). Additionally, the role of specific foods in a weight loss diet and mental health outcomes is not well understood(3). This study aimed to explore the association between weight loss (with and without almonds) and self-administered psychological and sleep assessments, including the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants (n = 140, 47.5 ± 10.8 years) with overweight or obesity (BMI: 30.7 ± 2.3 kg/m2) were randomised to an energy-controlled almond-enriched diet (AED) or nut-free diet (NFD). Psychological and sleep assessments were conducted at baseline, after 3 months of weight loss, and after 6 months of weight maintenance. Data were analysed using mixed-effects models and linear regression. For POMS, total mood disturbance score (TMDS) (60.2%, p = 0.01), fatigue-inertia (21.2%, p = 0.003), and vigor-activity (19.9%, p<0.001) improved over time (with no different between groups), with improvements associated with the magnitude of weight loss (TMDS: β = 0.059, p = 0.02; fatigue-inertia: β = 0.268, p = 0.016; vigor-activity: β=-0.194, p = 0.048). No significant changes were observed in tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, or confusion-bewilderment. A significant group x time interaction (p = 0.048) was found for the PSS, which increased in the NFD group (10.1%) and decreased in the AED (1%) during the weight maintenance phase. No significant changes were observed for the ZSDS. The PSQI demonstrated significant improvement in both groups over time for sleep quality (11.3%, p<0.001), sleep latency (24.3%, p<0.001), sleep disturbance (39.2%, p = 0.04), and daytime dysfunction (290.4%, p<0.001), but not for sleep duration or habitual sleep efficiency. Summed scores, generating the global sleep score (GSS), demonstrated an overall significant improvement in both groups over time (33.5%, p<0.001), and these improvements were associated with weight loss (GSS: β = 0.863, p<0.001). The findings emphasise the importance of evaluating mental health outcomes in weight loss interventions and highlight the potential influence of weight management on mood and sleep quality. Further research is warranted to explore the impact of diet composition on perceived stress and other mental health outcomes.

Almond Consumption during Energy Restriction Lowers Truncal Fat and Blood Pressure in Compliant Overweight or Obese Adults

Background: The inclusion of almonds in an energy-restricted diet has been reported both to enhance or to have no effect on weight loss. Their effects specifically on visceral body fat stores during energy restriction have not been widely examined. In addition, almond consumption has been associated with reduced blood pressure (BP), but whether this is linked to or independent of changes in body composition has to our knowledge not been examined.Objective: We evaluated the effects of consuming almonds as part of an energy-restricted diet on body composition, specifically visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and BP, compared to a nut-free energy-restricted diet.Methods: A randomized controlled 12-wk clinical trial of 86 healthy adults [body mass index (in kg/m2): 25–40] was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 energy-restricted (500-kcal deficit/d) diets: an almond-enriched diet (AED) (15% energy from almonds) or a nut-free diet (NFD). A linear mixed-model analysis on primary outcomes such as body weight, body fat, VAT, and BP was performed on all participants [intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis] and compliant participants (complier analysis).Results: Body weight, truncal and total fat percentage, VAT, and systolic BP decreased after 12 wk of energy restriction in both the ITT and complier analyses (P < 0.05). The complier analysis (but not the ITT analysis) indicated a greater mean ± SEM reduction in truncal fat (AED: −1.21% ± 0.26%; NFD: −0.48% ± 0.24%; P = 0.025), total fat (AED: −1.79% ± 0.36%; NFD: −0.74% ± 0.33%; P = 0.035), and diastolic BP (AED: −2.71 ± 1.2 mm Hg; NFD: 0.815 ± 1.1 mm Hg; P = 0.029), and a greater tendency for VAT loss (AED: −8.19 ± 1.8 cm2; NFD: −3.99 ± 1.7 cm2; P = 0.09) over time in the AED group than the NFD group.Conclusions: Moderate almond consumption by compliant overweight and obese individuals during energy restriction results in greater proportional reductions of truncal and total body fat as well as diastolic BP and hence may help to reduce metabolic disease risk in obesity. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02360787.

Minimal changes in telomere length after a 12-week dietary intervention with almonds in mid-age to older, overweight and obese Australians: results of a randomised clinical trial

Diet is a modifiable risk factor for chronic disease and a potential modulator of telomere length (TL). The study aim was to investigate associations between diet quality and TL in Australian adults after a 12-week dietary intervention with an almond-enriched diet (AED). Participants (overweight/obese, 50-80 years) were randomised to an AED (n 62) or isoenergetic nut-free diet (NFD, n 62) for 12 weeks. Diet quality was assessed using a Dietary Guideline Index (DGI), applied to weighed food records, that consists of ten components reflecting adequacy, variety and quality of core food components and discretionary choices within the diet. TL was measured by quantitative PCR in samples of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and whole blood. There were no significant associations between DGI scores and TL at baseline. Diet quality improved with AED and decreased with NFD after 12 weeks (change from baseline AED + 9·8 %, NFD - 14·3 %; P < 0·001). TL increased in neutrophils (+9·6 bp, P = 0·009) and decreased in whole blood, to a trivial extent (-12·1 bp, P = 0·001), and was unchanged in lymphocytes. Changes did not differ between intervention groups. There were no significant relationships between changes in diet quality scores and changes in lymphocyte, neutrophil or whole blood TL. The inclusion of almonds in the diet improved diet quality scores but had no impact on TL mid-age to older Australian adults. Future studies should investigate the impact of more substantial dietary changes over longer periods of time.

Study protocol for a 9-month randomised controlled trial assessing the effects of almonds versus carbohydrate-rich snack foods on weight loss and weight maintenance

IntroductionEpidemiological studies indicate an inverse association between nut consumption and body mass index (BMI). However, clinical trials evaluating the effects of nut consumption compared with a nut-free diet on adiposity...

Effect of a 12-Week Almond-Enriched Diet on Biomarkers of Cognitive Performance, Mood, and Cardiometabolic Health in Older Overweight Adults.

Long term nut consumption is associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease and better cognitive function. This study examined supplementing habitual diets with almonds or carbohydrate-rich snack foods (providing 15% energy) on biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic health, mood and cognitive performance. Participants (overweight/obese, 50–80 years) were randomised to an almond-enriched diet (AED) or isocaloric nut-free diet (NFD) for 12 weeks. Body weight, blood lipids, glucose, insulin, blood pressure (BP), arterial stiffness, cell adhesions molecules, C reactive protein (CRP), mood, and cognitive performance (working memory primary outcome), dietary profiles and energy intake/expenditure were measured at baseline and Week 12 in 128 participants (n = 63 AED, n = 65 NFD). Compared with NFD, AED was associated with altered macro and micronutrient profiles, but no differences in energy intake or expenditure. The AED significantly reduced triglycerides and SBP but there were no other changes in cardiometabolic biomarkers, mood, or cognitive performance. The inclusion of almonds in the diet improves aspects of cardiometabolic health without affecting cognitive performance or mood in overweight/obese adults.

Effect of almonds consumption on anthropometric measurements and blood parameters in overweight and obese females in a weight reduction program

AbstractNuts are good sources of dietary fiber, magnesium, polyunsaturated fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants, all of which may have health benefits and associated with increased sensations of satiety and could have beneficial effects on weight control. This study aims to determine the effects of a balanced hypocaloric almond (30 g/day) enriched diet (AED) compared to a balanced hypocaloric almond free diet (AFD) on anthropometric measurements and blood parameters. Study was a 3-months, randomized, controlled trial with four serial measurements on 32 overweight and obese (BMI: ≥ 25 kg/m2) women, aged 25–50 years. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups (16 AED and 16 AFD). Individualized hypocaloric diets of AED considering the energy recommendation, 30 g/day of almonds was added as a snack. Demographic characteristics, nutritional habits, physical activity levels of subjects were determined by a questionnaire. 24-hour dietary intakes for 3 consecutive days (one day week-end) were recorded at the beginning, 1rd, 2nd, and 3rd months of the study. Anthropometric measurements (height, body weight, waist, hip and neck circumferences) were taken and body composition was determined by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), BMI, waist/hip circumference ratio (WHR) and waist circumference/height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Fasting blood glucose, insulin level, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglycerides, serum iron, haemoglobin, TSH, CRP were determined prior to and at the end (3rd month) of the study. At the beginning of the study no statistically significant difference was found between anthropometric measurements of the groups (p &gt; 0.05). Body weight, BMI, waist, hip circumferences, WHR, WHtR, percentage of body fat, body fat mass were decreased significantly in almond and control groups compared with the beginning and 1rd, 2nd., 3rd months of the study (p = 0.001). Significant reductions in HbA1c and LDL-cholesterol levels were determined in almond group (p &lt; 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found in insulin, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and HOMA-IR levels compared to the prior and end of study in both groups (p &lt; 0.05). Balanced hypocaloric diet caused weight loss and improvements in anthropometric and blood parameters in both groups, but better improvement was determined with almond enriched diet. Almonds as a snack could be recommended as a healthy choice in weight reduction diets. Almonds fiber and protein content may have beneficial effects on weight reduction.

Comparative effects of different types of tree nut consumption on blood lipids: a network meta-analysis of clinical trials

Recent evidence has confirmed that nuts are one of the best food groups at reducing LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol (TC). However, the comparative effects of different types of nuts on blood lipids are unclear. This network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials aimed to assess the comparative effects of walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, cashews, and almonds on typical lipid profiles. We conducted literature searches to identify studies comparing ≥2 of the following diets-walnut-enriched, pistachio-enriched, hazelnut-enriched, cashew-enriched, almond-enriched, and control diets-for the management of triglycerides (TGs), LDL cholesterol, TC, and HDL cholesterol. Random-effects network meta-analyses, ranking analyses based on the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curves, and sensitivity analyses according to the potential sources of heterogeneity across the included studies were performed for each outcome. Thirty-four trials enrolling 1677 participants were included in this study. The pistachio-enriched diet was ranked best for TG (SUCRA: 85%), LDL cholesterol (SUCRA: 87%), and TC (SUCRA: 96%) reductions. For TG and TC reductions, the walnut-enriched diet was ranked as the second-best diet. Regarding LDL cholesterol reduction, the almond-enriched diet was ranked second best. The pistachio-enriched and walnut-enriched diets were more effective at lowering TG, LDL cholesterol, and TC compared with the control diet. Regarding TG and TC reductions, the pistachio-enriched diet was also more effective than the hazelnut-enriched diet. For TG reduction, the walnut-enriched diet was better than the hazelnut-enriched diet. However, these findings are limited by the low quality of evidence ratings. In addition, the quality of this network meta-analysis was limited by the small number and generally poor reporting of available studies. The pistachio-enriched and walnut-enriched diet could be better alternatives for lowering TGs, LDL cholesterol, and TC compared with other nut-enriched diets included in this study. The findings warrant further evaluation by more high-quality studies.This network meta-analysis was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO as CRD42019131128.

An almond-enriched diet improves biomarkers of cardiometabolic health and increases alertness without changing cognitive performance in older overweight adults

AbstractLongitudinal studies report that regular nut consumption is associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease and better cognitive function. Thus, nuts may improve cardiovascular and neurocognitive health – especially in ‘at-risk’ populations (e.g. overweight/obese). This study examined the effect of supplementing habitual diets of overweight/obese individuals for 12 weeks with either almonds or carbohydrate rich (CHO-rich) snack foods on biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic health, mood and cognitive performance. Participants (n = 151; overweight/obese, 50–80 years) were randomised to replace 15% energy intake with either almonds (Almond) or isocaloric CHO-rich snack foods (Comparator). Body weight, blood lipids, glucose, insulin, blood pressure (BP), arterial stiffness, mood and cognitive performance (memory, executive function, speed of processing) were measured at baseline and 12 weeks. One hundred and twenty eight participants (78F:50M, n = 63 almond, n = 65 control) completed the intervention (M ± SD: age 64 ± 8years, BMI 30.3 ± 3.6kg/m2, stable medication use: 32% BP and 19% lipid lowering). Compared with the CHO-rich comparator foods, there were a number of significant improvements associated with almond consumption. These included reduced serum triglycerides (M ± SEM, almond: 1.30 ± 0.062 to 1.16 ± 0.062 mmol/L vs CHO-rich 1.13 ± 0.061 to 1.17 ± 0.061 mmol/L, p = 0.005 whole population). In those with cholesterol below the ATPIII cut point of &lt; 6.2mmol/L (84% of sample), almond consumption reduced total cholesterol (almond: 5.12 ± 0.13 to 4.93 ± 0.12 mmol/L vs CHO-rich 5.24 ± 0.13 to 5.21 ± 0.11 mmol/L, p &lt; 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (almond: 3.03 ± 0.11 to 2.87 ± 0.11 mmol/L vs CHO-rich 2.98 ± 0.10 to 3.07 ± 0.10 mmol/L, p = 0.002).). Additionally in a non-BP medicated subgroup only (n = 87, 68% of sample), there was a reduction in systolic BP (almond: 130.73 ± 2.19 to 127.02 ± 2.19 mmHg vs control:128.63 ± 2.32 to 129.48 ± 2.32mmHg, p = 0.035; and improved self-rated alertness (almond 54.73 ± 2.32 to 58.64 ± 2.32 vs CHO-rich 61.75 ± 2.28 to 61.13 ± 2.28, p = 0.048). The inclusion of almonds in the diet has the ability to improve aspects of cardiometabolic health and mood in overweight/obese adults. The lack of change in cognitive performance may reflect the fact that the study population was cognitively high performing at baseline. Future research should be directed at examining the effects of this relatively simple, cost-effective nutritional intervention in populations at greater risk of cardiometabolic and cognitive decline.

A baru almond-enriched diet reduces abdominal adiposity and improves high-density lipoprotein concentrations: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Nut consumption is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease. Baru almonds have a high protein content and high quantities of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a baru almond-enriched diet on body composition and markers of lipid metabolism in overweight and obese women. A randomized, placebo-controlled, 8-wk clinical trial of 46 overweight and obese women was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 normocaloric and isoenergetic diets: baru almond-enriched diet or baru almond-free diet. Both groups received dietary instructions. Body composition was assessed by anthropometry and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profile, and plasma fatty acids, as well as apolipoproteins, angiopoietin-like-3, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein expression, were determined at the beginning and end of the study. The consumption of baru almonds reduced waist circumference (-2.45 cm; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.90 to -0.23; P = 0.03), cholesteryl ester transfer protein expression (-0.23 mcg/mL; 95% CI, -1.24 to-0.08; P = 0.03), and increased high-density lipoprotein concentrations (+4.82 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.03-8.88; P = 0.04) compared with baru almond-free diet. A baru almond-enriched diet for 8-wk reduced abdominal adiposity and improved high-density lipoprotein in overweight and obese women. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as RBR-2 wpryx.

Effects of almond consumption on the post-lunch dip and long-term cognitive function in energy-restricted overweight and obese adults.

The post-lunch dip in cognition is a well-established phenomenon of decreased alertness, memory and vigilance after lunch consumption. Lunch composition reportedly influences the post-lunch dip. Moreover, dieting is associated with cognitive function impairments. The negative effects of dieting have been reversed with nut-supplemented diets. The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the acute effect of an almond-enriched high-fat lunch or high-carbohydrate lunch on the post-lunch decline in cognitive function, and (2) evaluate the effects of chronic almond consumption as part of an energy-restricted diet on the memory and attention domains of cognitive function. In total, eighty-six overweight and obese adults were randomised to consume either an almond-enriched diet (AED) or a nut-free control diet (NFD) over a 12-week weight loss intervention. Participants were also randomised to receive either an almond-enriched high-fat lunch (A-HFL) (>55 % energy from fat, almonds contributing 70-75 % energy) or a high-carbohydrate lunch (HCL) (>85 % energy from carbohydrates) at the beginning and end of the weight loss intervention. Memory and attention performance indices decreased after lunch consumption (P<0·001). The A-HFL group ameliorated the decline in memory scores by 57·7 % compared with the HCL group (P=0·004). Both lunch groups had similar declines in attention. Moreover, memory and attention performance indices increased after the 12-week intervention period (P<0·05) with no difference between the AED and NFD groups. In conclusion, almond consumption at a midday meal can reduce the post-lunch dip in memory. However, long-term almond consumption may not further improve cognitive function outcomes in a weight loss intervention.

Almond Consumption during Energy Restriction Lowers Truncal Fat and Blood Pressure in Compliant Overweight or Obese Adults

Background: The inclusion of almonds in an energy-restricted diet has been reported both to enhance or to have no effect on weight loss. Their effects specifically on visceral body fat stores during energy restriction have not been widely examined. In addition, almond consumption has been associated with reduced blood pressure (BP), but whether this is linked to or independent of changes in body composition has to our knowledge not been examined.Objective: We evaluated the effects of consuming almonds as part of an energy-restricted diet on body composition, specifically visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and BP, compared to a nut-free energy-restricted diet.Methods: A randomized controlled 12-wk clinical trial of 86 healthy adults [body mass index (in kg/m2): 25–40] was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 energy-restricted (500-kcal deficit/d) diets: an almond-enriched diet (AED) (15% energy from almonds) or a nut-free diet (NFD). A linear mixed-model analysis on primary outcomes such as body weight, body fat, VAT, and BP was performed on all participants [intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis] and compliant participants (complier analysis).Results: Body weight, truncal and total fat percentage, VAT, and systolic BP decreased after 12 wk of energy restriction in both the ITT and complier analyses (P < 0.05). The complier analysis (but not the ITT analysis) indicated a greater mean ± SEM reduction in truncal fat (AED: −1.21% ± 0.26%; NFD: −0.48% ± 0.24%; P = 0.025), total fat (AED: −1.79% ± 0.36%; NFD: −0.74% ± 0.33%; P = 0.035), and diastolic BP (AED: −2.71 ± 1.2 mm Hg; NFD: 0.815 ± 1.1 mm Hg; P = 0.029), and a greater tendency for VAT loss (AED: −8.19 ± 1.8 cm2; NFD: −3.99 ± 1.7 cm2; P = 0.09) over time in the AED group than the NFD group.Conclusions: Moderate almond consumption by compliant overweight and obese individuals during energy restriction results in greater proportional reductions of truncal and total body fat as well as diastolic BP and hence may help to reduce metabolic disease risk in obesity. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02360787.

Effects of an Almond‐Enriched Energy Restricted Diet on Body Composition, Visceral Adipose Tissue and Blood Pressure in Obese Adults

BACKGROUNDAlmonds are a good source of protein and monounsaturated fats and their effects on differential rates of visceral and subcutaneous body fat loss, in conjunction with energy restriction, have not been widely examined. Increasing the proportion of protein in an energy‐restricted diet enhances satiety, energy expenditure and greater relative fat mass loss. In addition, monounsaturated fats are oxidized preferentially and a diet higher in the unsaturated: saturated fat ratio may reduce subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) but more importantly, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) during weight loss. The promotion of VAT loss is important clinically as this may translate into a reduction in the risk for metabolic diseases. In addition, emerging evidence indicates food‐derived peptides such as arginine reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Almonds contain a high level of arginine, a peptide that helps to reduce blood pressure (BP).METHODSObese adults (n=28, age: 35.7±11.4 yr, body mass index: 33.1±2.7 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to a 12 week energy restricted (500 kcal deficit) almond‐enriched diet (AED) (n=14) or an energy restricted nut‐free diet (NFD) (n=14). Participants in the AED group were asked to consume dry‐roasted, lightly salted almonds comprising of 15% energy in the individualized energy‐restricted diet. Participants in the NFD group were asked to avoid all nuts during the intervention period. The primary outcomes for this analysis were changes in weight, body composition, VAT and BP pre‐ and post‐study. Body composition was assessed using DEXA. VAT was predicted using multivariate anthropometric models. Resting BP was assessed using automated instruments.RESULTSBody weight, trunk fat percent, total fat percent, VAT and systolic BP decreased after 12 weeks on energy restriction (p&lt;0.05). Diastolic BP remained unchanged with weight loss. Both groups lost similar amounts of body weight over time. The AED group lost more trunk fat percent and total fat percent over time compared to the NFD group (p&lt;0.05). The AED group also had a greater trend for VAT loss over time compared to the NFD group. Both groups had similar reductions in systolic BP with weight loss.CONCLUSIONConsumption of almonds during a weight loss regimen resulted in greater improvements in trunk and total body composition compared to the nut‐free weight loss regimen. The overall improvements in body composition with almond consumption coupled with greater trend for VAT loss may help to reduce metabolic disease risk. In addition, consumption of lightly salted almonds had similar blood pressure reducing effects as the nut‐free intervention.Support or Funding InformationAlmond Board of California

A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of an Almond-enriched, Hypocaloric Diet on Liver Function Tests in Overweight/Obese Women.

Background:Gradual weight reduction has been shown to be associated with improvements in liver enzymes. However, some evidence demonstrated that liver enzymes may transiently increase immediately after a diet-induced weight loss.Objectives:This study was designed to assess the effects of a hypocaloric, almond-enriched diet (AED) compared with a hypocaloric nut-free diet (NFD) on liver function tests in the context of a three-month weight reduction program in overweight/obese women.Patients and Methods:This randomized controlled clinical trial was registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with ID number of IRCT2013062313751N1. Overweight and obese Iranian women [n = 108; age = 42.7 y, body mass index = 29.6 kg/m2] were randomly assigned to consume an AED or NFD. The carefully planned hypocaloric diets were identical for both groups except for the AED group who consumed 50 grams of almonds daily for three months. Anthropometric measurements and laboratory measurements including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were assessed before and immediately after the intervention.Results:Of 108 participants, 50 women in AED group and 50 women in NFD group completed the protocol of the study (response rate: 92.6 %). The AED led to a median weight loss of 3.79 kg (interquartile range: 4.4 kg). Significant decreases within AED and NFD were observed in ALT (-16.6 ± 16.3 and -11.7 ± 16.8, P < 0.001, respectively). Similar significant decreases were observed in AST (-13.6 ± 15.7 and -7.7 ± 16.1; P < 0.001, respectively). The decrease in GGT was also significant in both groups (-11.4 ± 21.6 and -6.2 ± 19.8; P < 0.001 respectively). ALT, AST and GGT decreased significantly in the AED group compared to the NFD group (P < 0.001).Conclusions:AED improved liver enzymes in obese women. However, mild, transient increases in ALT and AST values can be observed immediately after an NFD in women.

An almond-enriched diet increases plasma α-tocopherol and improves vascular function but does not affect oxidative stress markers or lipid levels

Vascular dysfunction is one of the major causes of cardiovascular (CV) mortality and increases with age. Epidemiological studies suggest that Mediterranean diets and high nut consumption reduce CV disease risk and mortality while increasing plasma α-tocopherol. Therefore, we have investigated whether almond supplementation can improve oxidative stress markers and CV risk factors over 4 weeks in young and middle-aged men.Healthy middle-aged men (56 ± 5.8 years), healthy young men (22.1 ± 2.9 years) and young men with two or more CV risk factors (27.3 ± 5 years) consumed 50 g almond/day for 4 weeks. A control group maintained habitual diets over the same period.Plasma α-tocopherol/cholesterol ratios were not different between groups at baseline and were significantly elevated by almond intervention with 50 g almond/day for 4 weeks (p < 0.05). Plasma protein oxidation and nitrite levels were not different between groups whereas, total-, HDL- and LDL-cholesterols and triglycerides were significantly higher in healthy middle-aged and young men with CV risk factors but were not affected by intake. In the almond-consuming groups, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) improved and systolic blood pressure reduced significantly after 50 g almonds/day for 4 weeks, but diastolic blood pressure reduced only in healthy men.In conclusion, a short-term almond-enriched diet can increase plasma α-tocopherol and improve vascular function in asymptomatic healthy men aged between 20 and 70 years without any effect on plasma lipids or markers of oxidative stress.

A randomized trial of the effects of an almond-enriched, hypocaloric diet in the treatment of obesity

Background: Increased consumption of nuts has been advocated because of their health benefits, but the role of nuts in the treatment of obesity is unclear given their high energy density.Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a hypocaloric, almond-enriched diet (AED) compared with a hypocaloric nut-free diet (NFD) on body weight and cardiovascular disease risk factors in the context of an 18-mo behavioral weight-management program.Design: Overweight and obese individuals [n = 123; age = 46.8 y, BMI (in kg/m2) = 34.0] were randomly assigned to consume an AED or NFD and instructed in traditional behavioral methods of weight control. Anthropometric and metabolic measurements were made at baseline, 6 mo, and 18 mo.Results: Those in the AED group lost slightly but significantly less weight than did those in the NFD group at 6 mo (−5.5 compared with −7.4 kg; P = 0.04), but there were no differences at 18 mo. No significant differences in body composition were found between the groups at 6 or 18 mo. The AED, compared with the NFD, was associated with greater reductions in total cholesterol (P = 0.03), total:HDL cholesterol (P = 0.02), and triglycerides (P = 0.048) at 6 mo, and no differences were observed between the groups at 18 mo.Conclusions: The AED and NFD groups experienced clinically significant and comparable weight loss at 18 mo. Despite smaller weight loss in the AED group at 6 mo, the AED group experienced greater improvements in lipid profiles. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00194428.