Nut Consumption Research Articles

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Its Influence on Anthropometric and Fitness Variables in High-Level Adolescent Athletes.

The objectives of the present research were to analyze adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD), to observe which variables most affect AMD, and to analyze whether AMD affects physical fitness and anthropometric parameters in high-level adolescent athletes. A total of 96 adolescent athletes in the under-16, under-18, and under-20 categories selected by the Athletics Federation of the Region of Murcia, of whom 47 were male (age = 18.31 ± 2.31 years old) and 49 female (age = 17.27 ± 1.44 years old), participated in this study. They completed the KIDMED questionnaire to discover their AMD, as well as an anthropometric and physical condition assessment. Results: The findings show that 61.45% had an excellent degree of AMD, 31.25% a moderate one, and 7.30% a poor one. The parameters that most conditioned AMD were the consumption of fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, breakfast cereals, and dairy products (p = 0.011-0.000). AMD did not show significant differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness (p = 0.057-0.996). Conclusions: The majority of high-level adolescent athletes have a moderate or excellent AMD. The degree of AMD seems to have no influence on physical fitness and anthropometric parameters in this population.

Is certain food and nutrients associated with the risk of lung cancer? A systematic review

This review explores the intricate relationship between dietary factors and lung cancer risk based on a thorough examination of relevant literature and articles. The findings highlight a significant association between specific dietary elements and lung cancer risk. Increased intake of fiber, fruit, and vitamin C is linked to a notable 9% reduction in risk, particularly for squamous cell carcinoma. Notably, vegetables exhibit a risk reduction for current smokers, while offal, red meat, and processed meat may elevate risk, especially in heavy smokers. Contradictory evidence surrounds dairy products, with fermented dairy inversely correlated. Beer and cider consumption are associated with an increased risk, primarily among current smokers. In contrast, avocados demonstrate a promising link to decreased lung cancer risk. Vitamin K intake shows an inverse relationship, particularly in males and ever smokers. High retinol intake may elevate risk, potentially modifying the effects of tobacco exposure. Nuts consumption is significantly linked to reduced lung cancer risk and overall cancer mortality. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) demonstrate a noteworthy risk reduction for lung cancer, with supplementation improving overall survival in patients with the disease. Palmitic acid, a component of saturated fatty acids, is implicated in promoting lung metastasis, emphasizing the intricate nature of dietary influences on cancer. In summary, while lung cancer is primarily associated with tobacco smoking, this review underscores the multifaceted interplay between diet and lung cancer risk. Further research is crucial to unravel underlying mechanisms and provide definitive evidence on the impact of specific dietary factors, emphasizing the importance of continued exploration in this complex field.

Nuts and seeds - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023.

Nuts and seeds have been part of diets in most of the world for millenniums, and they have also been consumed in the Nordic and Baltic countries for centuries. Consumption of nuts and seeds is linked with various health outcomes. Therefore, when updating the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR), summarizing the best evidence on key health outcomes from the consumption of nuts and seeds is essential. This study aims to evaluate the updated evidence on the consumption of nuts and seeds and health outcomes regarded relevant for the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as their dose-response relationship presented in updated systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The scoping review is built on a de novo systematic review and an umbrella review published in 2022 on the consumption of nuts and seeds and its various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Intake of nuts and seeds is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, with evidence assessed as probable. This conclusion is mirrored by evidence from trials on biomarkers for chronic diseases. An intake of a serving of nuts of 28-30 g/day compared to not eating nuts is estimated to translate into approximately 20% relative reduction in the risks of cardiovascular disease and premature deaths. For cancers, consumption of a serving of nuts is inversely associated with cancer mortality. However, for type 2 diabetes, there are mixed and inconclusive results. Additionally, there are inverse associations between nut consumption and respiratory and infectious disease mortality. Allergies for nuts are seen among 1-2% of the population. Overall, the current evidence supports dietary recommendations to increase nut consumption to a serving of nuts and seeds per day for people without allergies to these foods.

Association of adherence to the Chinese version of the MIND diet with reduced cognitive decline in older Chinese individuals: Analysis of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey.

Current evidence suggests that the Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment among North American and Oceanian populations. However, there has been limited exploration of whether this association extends to the Asian population. This study aimed to assess the correlation between the Chinese version of the MIND (cMIND) diet and cognitive impairment in older Chinese individuals. We utilized data from the 2008 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Participants aged ≥65 years with normal cognitive function at baseline were enrolled. The cMIND diet score (cMINDDS) was calculated by assessing dietary patterns based on survey responses. The Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was employed to diagnose cognitive impairment in participants. We stratified the analysis by cMINDDS and conducted additional sensitivity analyses. The cohort consisted of 6411 participants. Over a 3-year follow-up, 1165 (18.6%) individuals who initially had normal cognitive function developed cognitive impairment. A linear association was observed between cMINDDS and cognitive impairment. The increased cMINDDS was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment (quartile 1 vs. quartile 4: the adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.60, 0.97], p trend = 0.023). Regarding food composition, higher consumption of fresh fruits and nuts was associated with a decreased risk of cognitive impairment (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: [0.66, 0.89] and OR = 0.70, 95% CI [0.58, 0.86], respectively). Adherence to the cMIND diet was associated with lower risks of cognitive impairment in older Chinese individuals. The cMIND diet, based on the MIND dietary pattern, could serve as a preventive measure against cognitive impairment.

Prey responses to foxes are not determined by nativeness

Introduced predators are thought to be responsible for the decline and extinction of their native prey. The prey naivety hypothesis provides a mechanism for these declines, suggesting that native prey are vulnerable to introduced predators as their coevolutionary history is insufficiently long for antipredator behaviours to fully develop. The prey naivety hypothesis thus predicts that prey will be less responsive to introduced predators than to native predators. Australia's endemic small mammals are thought to be vulnerable to predation by red foxes because they are less responsive to – or naive of – a predator with whom they have only co‐occurred since the 19th century. To test whether nativeness determines antipredator behaviours we compared small mammal behavioural responses to fox scent outside (Australia) and inside the foxes' native range (North America and Israel). We conducted giving‐up density experiments in the deserts of these three regions and evaluated small mammal antipredator responses to fox scent. To place these results in a broader context, we then integrated our results into a global meta‐analysis of studies assessing prey responsiveness to fox scent. All small mammals similarly increased their vigilance in response to fox scent, regardless of their coevolutionary history with foxes. Australian small mammals responded with greater wariness to fox scent, by decreasing time at food patches in response to fox scent more than Israeli and American small mammals did. However, we found no evidence that this behaviour influenced foraging as nut consumption was unaffected. Our meta‐analysis revealed that globally, small mammals respond with similar wariness to fox scent regardless of whether foxes are their native predator. We found no evidence that Australian small mammals respond in a maladaptive manner, compared to the foxes' native prey. Our results suggest that animals can develop antipredator behaviours to introduced predators to the same magnitude as native prey.

Daily Cashew and Brazil Nut Consumption Modifies Intestinal Health in Overweight Women on Energy-Restricted Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Brazilian Nuts Study)

BackgroundIncreased intestinal permeability and dysbiosis are related to obesity. Nuts can provide nutrients and bioactive compounds that modulate gut microbiota and inflammation, enhancing the beneficial effects of weight loss. ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of consuming cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale L.) and Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K) on intestinal permeability and microbiota, fecal SCFAs and pH, inflammation, and weight loss in energy restriction condition. MethodsIn this 8-week randomized controlled trial, 40 women with overweight or obesity were assigned to energy-restricted groups (−500 kcal/d): control group (free of nuts) or Brazilian nuts group (BN: 30 g of cashew nuts and 15 g of Brazil nuts per day). Permeability was analyzed by the lactulose/mannitol test and the microbiota by sequencing the 16S gene in the V3-V4 regions. Plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-6, IL-10, IL-8, IL-17A) and C-reactive protein were analyzed. ResultsIn total, 25 women completed the intervention. Both groups lost weight without statistical differences. Lactulose excretion increased only in the control group (P < 0.05). The BN consumption increased fecal propionic acid and potentially beneficial bacteria, such as Ruminococcus, Roseburia, strains NK4A214 and UCG-002 from the Ruminococcaceae family, but also Lachnospiraceae family, Bacteroides, and Lachnoclostridium, when compared to the control group. Changes in intestinal permeability were correlated to a greater reduction in body fat (kg), and IL-8, and increases in Ruminococcus abundance. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate a positive impact of BN consumption within an energy-restricted context, linked to the augmentation of potentially beneficial bacteria and pathways associated with body fat reduction. Besides, BN consumption mitigated increased intestinal permeability, although its capacity to diminish permeability or enhance weight loss proved limited.This trial was registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials as ReBEC (ID: RBR-3ntxrm).

Metabolisable energy from nuts and patterns of nut consumption in the Australian population: a secondary analysis of the 2011-12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey.

Nut intake is not associated with increased body weight, which may be explained by their metabolisable energy, among other factors. Therefore, total energy intake may be overestimated among nut consumers. This study aimed to describe the metabolisable energy from nuts and nut consumption patterns in the Australian population. A nut-specific database was expanded to include metabolisable energy of nuts (based on nut type and form) and applied to the 2011-12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS). Participants were Australians aged 2 years and older from the 2011-12 NNPAS (n = 12,153, with n = 4,765 nut consumers). Mean metabolisable energy intake was compared with mean energy intake using Atwater factors in nut consumers. Additionally, nut consumption patterns were explored, including the proportion of nuts consumed at meals and snacks. Among nut consumers, mean metabolisable energy from nuts based only on nut type was 241.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 232.0, 250.5) kJ/day and mean metabolisable energy considering both nut type and form was 260.7 (95% CI: 250.2, 271.2) kJ/day. Energy intake from nuts using Atwater factors was 317.6 (95% CI: 304.8, 330.3) kJ/day. Nuts were more likely to be consumed at snack occasions, with approximately 63% of nut intake occurring as a snack. Application of metabolisable energy to the 2011-12 NNPAS has a significant impact on calculation of energy intake from nuts. Nut consumption patterns identified a majority of nut consumption occurring as snacks. These findings may inform strategies to support nut consumption in Australia.

Foods and nutrients consumption and the risk of gallstone disease: A nested case-control study in Rosario, Argentina

The etiology of Gallstone Disease (GD) is multivariate and it involves genetics and environmental factors. Nutritional exposure is considered the main environmental influence that contributes to gallstone formation. The aim of this study was to assess the association between diet and GD. A nested case-control study based on a previous representative screening of asymptomatic subjects living in Rosario, Argentina, was carried out. Participants underwent a personal interview. Food and nutrient intake were estimated by applying a food-frequency questionnaire, a food photography atlas, and software for food composition. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted by potential confounders. A total of 120 patients, 51 cases and 69 controls, were studied. Statistically significant differences in average daily energy intake were found between cases and controls (p = 0.002). Total fats, chicken with skin, sausages, and cold cuts intakes were higher in the cases group. However, the control group was characterized by a statistically significant higher consumption of vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, chicken without skin, and skimmed dairy products. Multiple logistic regression showed that GD risk diminished with red and yellow vegetables (OR = 0.037; p = 0,0004) and nuts consumption (OR = 0.201; p = 0.019). Instead, GD risk increases with total fats (OR = 7.959; ρ = 0.0205), fatty cattle meat (OR = 18.163; p = 0.0063), and chicken with skin consumption (OR: 10.595; p = 0.0050). Phosphorus consumption decreases GD risk (OR = 0.055; p = 0.0035). A number of meals also acted as a protective factor. Also, caloric intake was a risk factor. Each 100 kilocalories daily consumed; the risk increases by 12%.

Chronic almond nut snacking alleviates perceived muscle soreness following downhill running but does not improve indices of cardiometabolic health in mildly overweight, middle-aged, adults.

As a popular food snack rich in protein, fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and phytonutrients, almond nut consumption is widely associated with improvements in cardiometabolic health. However, limited data exists regarding the role of almond consumption in improving exercise recovery. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the impact of chronic almond snacking on muscle damage and cardiometabolic health outcomes during acute eccentric exercise recovery in mildly overweight, middle-aged, adults. Using a randomized cross-over design, 25 mildly overweight (BMI: 25.8 ± 3.6 kg/m2), middle-aged (35.1 ± 4.7 y) males (n = 11) and females (n = 14) performed a 30-min downhill treadmill run after 8-weeks of consuming either 57 g/day of whole almonds (ALMOND) or an isocaloric amount (86 g/day) of unsalted pretzels (CONTROL). Muscle soreness (visual analogue scale), muscle function (vertical jump and maximal isokinetic torque) and blood markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase (CK) concentration) and inflammation (c-reactive protein concentration) were measured pre and post (24, 48, and 72 h) exercise. Blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic health (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol), body composition and psycho-social assessments of mood (POMS-2 inventory), appetite and well-being were measured pre and post intervention. Downhill running successfully elicited muscle damage, as evidenced by a significant increase in plasma CK concentration, increased perception of muscle soreness, and impaired vertical jump performance (all p < 0.05) during acute recovery. No effect of trial order was observed for any outcome measurement. However, expressed as AUC over the cumulative 72 h recovery period, muscle soreness measured during a physical task (vertical jump) was reduced by ~24% in ALMOND vs. CONTROL (p < 0.05) and translated to an improved maintenance of vertical jump performance (p < 0.05). However, ALMOND did not ameliorate the CK response to exercise or isokinetic torque during leg extension and leg flexion (p > 0.05). No pre-post intervention changes in assessments of cardiometabolic health, body composition, mood state or appetite were observed in ALMOND or CONTROL (all p > 0.05). Chronic almond supplementation alleviates task-specific perceived feelings of muscle soreness during acute recovery from muscle damaging exercise, resulting in the better maintenance of muscle functional capacity. These data suggest that almonds represent a functional food snack to improve exercise tolerance in mildly overweight, middle-aged adults.

Nutrition Education in College Students Using Diffusion of Innovation Theory: An Interventional Study

Abstract Objective: To determine the consumption of nuts and oilseeds in college students and to enhance their awareness to improve the consumption through a nutrition education programme. Materials and Methods: An interventional study amongst the students of a college at the University of Delhi with the use of Diffusion of Innovation Theory. Results: There was a low consumption (&lt;5 g/day) of nuts and oilseeds amongst 46% of participants with only 2.4% meeting the recommended intake (&gt;30 g/day). Post-intervention, knowledge, attitude and most of the practices significantly improved (P &lt; 0.05), with 11.3% consuming &gt;30 g/day. Participants reached the decision phase of Diffusion of Innovation Theory favouring adoption, but only a few were implementing the recommended changes. Conclusion: There is a need to improve awareness and practice about nuts and oilseeds consumption in young college students.

Nutritional Status, Daily Nutrition Intake, and Dietary Patterns of Korean Adults With Low Vision and Blindness

Introduction: The preparation of healthy foods and maintaining a standard body weight and shape may be challenging for people with low vision and blindness (i.e., visual impairments) without the assistance of a sighted person. The purpose of this study was to compare the nutrition-related characteristics of individuals with and without visual impairments. Methods: This study employed four public datasets provided by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted between 2013 and 2016 at 1-year intervals. The selected datasets included a set of questions to assess the health and nutritional status, and 115 items from a food frequency questionnaire for dietary assessment. A total of 260 respondents visual impairments and their counterparts (n = 260) were included in this study. Results: The mean age of individuals with visual impairments was 32.58 years (SD = 9.56) and 67.8% were women. They consumed excessive sodium and insufficient vitamin A, beta-carotene, and calcium, based on the recommendations for Korean adults’ nutrition intake. In k-means clustering, two dietary patterns were identified among the respondents with visual impairments: Cluster 1 (n = 33) showed higher consumption of kimchi (t = 2.05, p = .046), beverages (t = 8.78, p &lt; .001), sweets (t = 10.02, p &lt; .001), and oil and nuts (t = 10.20, p &lt; .001) than Cluster 2 (n = 227). Discussion: Robust quantitative research is required to establish the baseline nutrition profile of this marginalized population. The findings of this study support the need for interventions to address the unmet food and nutrition needs of individuals with visual disabilities. Implications for Practitioners: The information and education about healthy eating and balanced nutrient intake should be provided in an accessible format for people with visual impairments in a timely manner.

Atitude perante a alimentação saudável: é eficaz no diagnóstico da COVID-19?

ABSTRACT Objective Healthy nutritional habits play a critical role in preventing many diseases, including infectious diseases. This study was planned and conducted to determine the protective measures, changes in eating habits, attitudes towards healthy nutrition of participants diagnosed with COVID-19 in during the pandemic. Methods 873 university students included in the cross-sectional study. A web-based questionnaire was conducted to gather information about demographics, COVID-19 protective measures, eating habits and Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition to assess attitudes and thoughts about healthy eating among university students. Results The majority (63.9%) of the participants were not diagnosed with COVID-19. Although both groups paid similar attention to COVID-19 measures, diagnosed participants reported increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, eggs and nuts more than those undiagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Undiagnosed participants had significantly higher scores for emotion related to nutrition, malnutrition and general health compared to diagnosed participants (p&lt;0.05). An inverse and significant association was observed between the Attitude Scale Healthy Nutrition score and the COVID-19 diagnosis status. After full adjustments, participants in the high group of Attitude Scale Healthy Nutrition score group had lower odds of being diagnosed COVID-19 (Odds ratio: 0.80, 95% confidence interval: 0.53-1.19), than those in the low group. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in the eating habits of individuals. Whether or not to be diagnosed was observed as an effective factor in these changes. This study suggests that healthy eating habits and attitude towards healthy nutrition may be associated with the status of diagnosed COVID-19.

O desbaste de plantas afeta as características físico-químicas e compostos bioativos das cultivares de noz-pecã ‘Barton’ e ‘Melhorada’

ABSTRACT The production and consumption of pecan nuts have been on the rise in recent times, which renders it necessary to study the best production practices to increase the yield, enhance the flavor, and maintain the bioactive components in the final product. The present study, therefore, aimed to verify the effects of tree thinning on the physicochemical characteristics and bioactive components in pecan under the cultivation conditions of Santa Rosa, Rio Grande do Sul. The pecan plants were submitted to two types of management - with thinning and without thinning, following which the fruits were evaluated for physical (size, weight, and color) and chemical (physicochemical composition, oxidative stability, fatty acid profile, and tocopherols) attributes. The results revealed that the thinning of plants increased the size and mass of both nuts and kernels while reducing the acid content and peroxides in the kernels and increasing the γ-tocopherol levels. The other quality evaluations did not reveal any significant alterations after plant thinning.

Salivary protein biomarkers for diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OSCC (Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma) is a major health challenge in many parts of the world. It occurs most commonly in males and is associated with tobacco, pan, or areca nut consumption. One of the major challenges associated with the management of OSCC is late diagnosis. As a result, the treatment required is more aggressive, expensive, and has poor prognostic value. On the other hand, early diagnosis of OSCC can be life-saving with less aggressive treatment and a better prognosis. A diagnostic method for early diagnosis of OSCC is greatly needed. A lot of research efforts have been made to identify biomarkers that can act as tools to classify the tumor status of the patient. Various biological fluids and tissues have been explored for such studies. Saliva appears to be the most attractive biological sample with many potential advantages over other matrices such as blood or tissue. Saliva as a diagnostic fluid has the advantage of ample availability, being non-invasive and being in the vicinity of the tumor, and having a less complex composition. Our paper provides an updated review of the state of the art of research in the area of salivary biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma. The paper gives an account of methods for saliva collection, followed by a brief description of various protein biomarkers discovered to date, along with their status quo.

Preventing Parental Behavior Regarding Childhood Chewing Betel Habits In Preschool Children

&lt;em&gt;In Nefoneke village, Kec. Takari District, Kupang, 79.5% of people consume betel nut, and they often teach their children to consume it in a unique way. A community service aims to increase the knowledge and attitude of preschool teachers, health cadres, and parents of preschool children about the dangers of betel nut consumption. The service involves collaborating with Posyandu cadres and mothers with children under five to socialize about the dangers of betel nut consumption, demonstrating proper tooth brushing, and creating booklets for distribution. Community education, cadre training, and mentoring are also provided to mothers to serve as role models for their children. Results show that 5 Family Welfare Education cadres, health cadres, and Early Education teachers have been trained in recognizing the dangers of betel nut consumption for pregnant women and children. The knowledge and attitudes of these cadres and teachers have increased from 50 to 80, and the "OLOK" system has been implemented, with 89% of Early Education children using this method.&lt;/em&gt;

Determinants of Supply Response of Coconut Cultivation in Sri Lanka

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L) is a major plantation crop grown in Sri Lanka. The output has been mainly used for local consumption of fresh nuts, coconut-based industries within the country, and coconut exports. The instability of coconut supply seriously affects local as well as export market potentials. Identification of various factors and the extent to which those affected the current coconut supply have not been examined in the recent empirical work. This study examines the supply response of coconut in Sri Lanka, using Nerlovian Partial Adjustment model. The study used time series data of total coconut production, output price, rainfall, fertilizer amount, land extent, technology, and the presence of fertilizer subsidy for a period of 30 years (1985-2015) for the analysis. Among the different types of functional forms tested, the log-linear model was selected as the best fit model (R2=0.894). The model was tested for autocorrelation and heteroscedasticity using the Durbin-Watson statistic and the Breusch-pagan test, respectively. The results revealed that the variables, i.e.two years lagged price, one year lagged rainfall, and two years lagged fertilizer amount affect the coconut production significantly (p&lt;0.05). The short-run and long-run price elasticities were estimated for two years lagged output price.The output price is the most influential factor in short run with the elasticity of 0.33 (two year lagged price variables were considered) while rainfall is the most important determinant of coconut production in Sri Lanka. The study concludes that coconut production in the country tends to change as a response to the changes in coconut price both in the short-run and long-run. Further, rainfall and amount of fertilizer applied are the two main factors that determine the coconut supply in Sri Lanka.

Mixed nut consumption improves brain insulin sensitivity: a randomized, single-blinded, controlled, crossover trial in older adults with overweight or obesity

BackgroundImproving brain insulin sensitivity, which can be assessed by measuring regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) responses to intranasal insulin, may prevent age-related metabolic and cognitive diseases. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate longer-term effects of mixed nuts on brain insulin sensitivity in older individuals with overweight/obesity. MethodsIn a randomized, single-blinded, controlled, crossover trial, 28 healthy adults (mean ± standard deviation: 65 ± 3 years; body mass index: 27.9 ± 2.3 kg/m2) received either daily 60-g mixed nuts (15 g of walnuts, pistachio, cashew, and hazelnuts) or no nuts (control) for 16 weeks, separated by an 8-week washout period. Throughout the study, participants were instructed to adhere to the Dutch food-based dietary guidelines. During follow-up, brain insulin action was assessed by quantifying acute effects of intranasal insulin on regional CBF using arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, effects on peripheral insulin sensitivity (oral glucose tolerance test), intrahepatic lipids, and cardiometabolic risk markers were assessed. ResultsBody weight and composition did not change. Compared with control, mixed nut consumption improved regional brain insulin action in 5 clusters located in the left (difference in CBF responses to intranasal insulin: −4.5 ± 4.7 mL/100 g/min; P < 0.001; −4.6 ± 4.8 mL/100 g/min; P < 0.001; and −4.3 ± 3.6 mL/100 g/min; P = 0.007) and right occipital lobes (−4.3 ± 5.6 mL/100 g/min; and −3.9 ± 4.9 mL/100 g/min; P = 0.028). A fifth cluster was part of the left frontal lobe (−5.0 ± 4.6 mL/100 g/min; P < 0.001). Peripheral insulin sensitivity was not affected. Intrahepatic lipid content (−0.7%-point; 95% CI: −1.3%-point to −0.1%-point; P = 0.027), serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (−0.24 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.44 to −0.04 mmol/L; P = 0.019), and systolic blood pressure (−5 mm Hg; 95% CI: −8 to −1 mm Hg; P = 0.006) were lower after the mixed nut intervention. ConclusionsLonger-term mixed nut consumption affected insulin action in brain regions involved in the modulation of metabolic and cognitive processes in older adults with overweight/obesity. Intrahepatic lipid content and different cardiometabolic risk markers also improved, but peripheral insulin sensitivity was not affected.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04210869.

The habit of indiscriminate spitting in betel chewing

Betel nut consumption is a customary practice in Simalungun society and is frequently observed during typical and routine events. Nevertheless, there persists a group of individuals who are inclined towards crude expectoration behavior, depositing residual betel within various locations, including public domains such as markets. The focus of this investigation is to conduct an in-depth inquiry into the antecedents of such indiscriminate spitting tendencies exhibited among traders of betel nuts within the Saribudolok Traditional Market, located within the jurisdiction of the Simalungun Regency. This qualitative investigation utilized a phenomenological strategy. Seven informants were interviewed. These include betel nut sellers, visitors or purchasers, healthcare practitioners, and market managers. Observations were also made by the researchers throughout the data collection process. The triangulation technique was employed to verify all the data collected through the interviews and observations. Additionally, the researcher utilized a matrix to categorize the data based on the research objectives and questions. The data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model, revealing that the practice of carelessly spitting betel residue among traders who consume betel is due to inadequate knowledge of healthy and hygienic living habits as well as unawareness of the dangers associated with spitting betel residue. The lack of education provided by health workers on the hazards of careless spitting and the consequent risk of disease transmission also contributes to this behavior.

Factors related to the level of iron adequacy of adolescent girls in Indonesia

Anemia remains a nutritional problem in Indonesia, where more than 50% of the incidence is due to iron deficiency caused by low quality and quantity of food consumed and iron intake sources. Low iron intake did not affect iron adequacy. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with iron adequacy among adolescent girls in Indonesia. This study used a cross-sectional design and secondary data from the National Survey of Food Consumption (NSFC) in Indonesia in 2014. The number of participants was 11.766 adolescent girls aged 10-18 years. Data were collected using the NSFC 2014 questionnaire and the food consumption collection method using a food recall 24 hour. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test and Logistic Regression to identify the factors influencing iron adequacy. The results showed that the iron intake of adolescent girls in Indonesia was 10 mg/day, with an adequate iron level of 42,9%. Logistic regression showed that the most influential factors (p&lt;0,05) were age, place of residence, economic status, and consumption of cereals, vegetables, nuts, fruits, and animal foods. In conclusion, the factors associated with the iron adequacy level of adolescent girls in Indonesia are age, region of residence, economic status, and consumption of cereals, vegetables, nuts, fruits, and animal foods.

The effect of daily peanut consumption on indicators of metabolic health among healthy young women

Background:Regular consumption of nuts and peanuts may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease due to the bioactive compounds found within them. Previous research suggests that including nuts and seeds as part of an overall healthy dietary pattern may help manage blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose levels, but few studies have examined the specific effect of dry-roasted, skinless peanuts on these outcomes. Objective:The objective was to examine the effect of regular consumption of dry-roasted, skinless peanuts on markers of metabolic health among women. Methods:This was a pre-post test study. Eligible women were randomized into either the intervention group (49 g peanuts/day, n=30) or the control group (participants’ usual diet minus peanuts, n=28) for 12 weeks. Anthropometrics, cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure levels were measured at baseline and end-line. Results:There were no significant between-group differences for any of the outcomes of interest. For the peanut group, there was a significant within-group decrease in systolic blood pressure (-7.0 mmHg; 95% CI: 1.3, 12.6), and a significant increase in total: HDL cholesterol ratio from baseline to endline (0.2; 95% CI: -0.3, 0.02). There was a significant within-group decrease in diastolic blood pressure for the control group (-6.3 mmHg; 95% CI: 2.0, 10.6). Conclusion:Among healthy young women, the addition of daily peanuts to a usual diet does not appear to negatively affect body composition as measured by BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the effect of peanut consumption on indicators of cardiovascular health in different populations. Keywords: Nuts, Peanuts, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Metabolic Health, Women