Nut Consumption Research Articles

Does medication use affect blood pressure and lipid-lowering in tree nut and peanut interventions? A meta-analysis of randomised control trials

Including nuts in the diet has been associated with improvements in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors including high blood pressure (BP) and hyperlipidaemia (1–2). However, few studies have investigated if the same benefits exist for medicated and unmedicated populations. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of nut intake on BP and lipids, with a sub-analysis evaluating response differences according to BP and lipid-lowering medication usage. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Sciences databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of longer than 3 weeks duration that assessed the effects of whole tree nuts or peanuts on BP and lipid responses. The American Diabetes Association Quality Criteria checklist was used to assess the risk of bias, and studies with a negative rating were removed from the meta-analysis. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted, with subgroup analyses performed based on medication use (medicated, unmedicated, unreported, and mixed-use). Inter-study heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 test statistic. Data from 107 articles describing 98 studies (61 parallel, and 37 cross-over designs) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, significant benefits of nut consumption were observed for triglycerides (TG) (mean difference [MD]: −0.11 mmol/L, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: −0.16, −0.06, p < 0.01, I2: 32.95%), total cholesterol (TC) (MD: −0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.22, −0.08, p < 0.01, I2: 61.84%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (MD: −0.12 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.19, −0.06, p < 0.01, I2: 52.7%), but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic BP, or diastolic BP. Among unmedicated populations, nut intake resulted in a significant decrease in TG (MD: −0.16 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.30, −0.03, I2: 75.93%), and TC (MD: −0.21 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.39, −0.03, I2: 86.59%), while in those with unreported medication use, there were significant decreases in TG (MD: −0.08 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.15, −0.01, I2: 0%), TC (MD: −0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.22, −0.07, I2: 0%) and LDL-C (MD: −0.12 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.19, −0.06, I2: 0.44%). No significant effects were observed for BP and lipids in the mixed medication group. While there were significant improvements in lipid profiles overall with tree nuts and peanuts consumption, we observed no benefits for BP. Furthermore, significant beneficial effects on lipids were only observed in those with unreported and no medication use. Few studies investigated effects in medicated participants only (n = 1 study for lipids), and the precise proportion of medication use within the mixed medicated group remains unclear. Consequently, it remains uncertain whether the lipid-lowering properties of consuming nuts remain when hyperlipidaemia is managed with medications. Further studies are needed to explore the influence of medication in combination with dietary approaches on responses to additional CVD risk factors.

Effects of lactobacillus pentosus postbiotics on fibrotic response in arecoline-induced oral fibrogenesis

Background/purposeOral submucous fibrosis (OSF), characterized by excessive collagen deposition by myofibroblasts, is often linked to Areca nuts consumption. Probiotics consumption has shown protective effects against fibrotic diseases, and recently, their metabolic byproducts, known as postbiotics, have demonstrated superior advantages over probiotics. However, studies on the therapeutic impact of postbiotics on OSF have been scarce. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of PostBio GK4, a postbiotic derived from Lactobacillus pentosus GK4, on OSF and explore its underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsThe cytotoxicity of GK4 in normal buccal mucosal fibroblasts (BMFs) and fibrotic BMFs (fBMFs) were assessed. Following this, we evaluated the effects of GK4 on collagen contraction, migratory, and wound healing capacities in arecoline-induced fibrotic BMFs. Next, Western blotting and ELISA were employed to assess GK4's impact on fibrosis-related proteins such as COL1A1, and α-SMA, as well as on TGF-β and Smad2/3 signaling pathway. ResultsArecoline was shown to stimulate cell migratory, contractile and wound healing abilities as well as the expression of α-SMA and COL1A1 in BMFs. Treatment with GK4 reduced all arecoline-induced phenomena in BMFs. Moreover, GK4 diminished the increased expression of TGF-β and Smad2/3. ConclusionOur findings proposed that GK4 may exert a suppressive effect on arecoline-induced myofibroblast activities via the inhibition of TGF-β and Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Therefore, GK4 holds promise as an adjunct therapeutic approach for intervening in OSF. Further in-vivo and clinical studies are warranted to validate these observations.

Identification of New Allergens in Macadamia Nut and Cross-Reactivity with Other Tree Nuts in a Spanish Cohort.

The consumption of macadamia nuts has increased due to their cardioprotective and antioxidant properties. However, this rise is consistent with an increase in the cases of macadamia nut allergy, leading to severe reactions. Although two Macadamia integrifolia allergens (Mac i 1 and Mac i 2) have been identified in Australian and Japanese patients, the allergenic sensitization patterns in Western European populations, particularly in Spain, remain unclear. For this purpose, seven patients with macadamia nut allergy were recruited in Spain. Macadamia nut protein extracts were prepared and, together with hazelnut and walnut extracts, were used in Western blot and inhibition assays. IgE-reactive proteins were identified using MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry (MS). Immunoblotting assays revealed various IgE-binding proteins in macadamia nut extracts. Mass spectrometry identified three new allergens: an oleosin, a pectin acetylesterase, and an aspartyl protease. Cross-reactivity studies showed that hazelnut extract but not walnut extract inhibited macadamia nut oleosin-specific IgE binding. This suggests that oleosin could be used as marker for macadamia-hazelnut cross-reactivity. The results show an allergenic profile in the Spanish cohort different from that previously detected in Australian and Japanese populations. The distinct sensitization profiles observed highlight the potential influence of dietary habits and environmental factors exposure on allergenicity.

Recent Innovations on the Reuse of Almond and Hazelnut By-Products: A Review

Nuts consumption has increased significantly in the last 10 years, especially driven by the stimulated awareness of their possible beneficial health effects. Increased nuts consumption is linked to an obvious accumulation of by-products and waste. With the view of the circular economy, the aim of this review is to analyse the recent and innovative approaches able to valorise the by-products derived from almonds and hazelnuts, two important nut products of the Italian scene, with historical and traditional importance. The most important solutions are concerned with reuse of almond hull, shell, skin, oil cake, and hazelnut shell; skin and oil cake are often considered waste or by-products. Many interesting implications in the feed and food sectors have been detected in the last ten years, aimed at designing innovative materials developed from by-products and extraction of bioactive molecules for different purposes. The perspective chosen to discuss the topic is related to the sustainability of these processes, in terms of both the environment and economy. The circular economy supports a zero-waste approach, which should not also be meant as a zero-cost process in terms of the level of technology that has been partially developed.

Search for Operating Conditions in the Thermal Pistachio Splitting in Fountain Confined Conical Spouted Beds

AbstractThe worldwide consumption of pistachio nuts has been increasing over the last decades due to their high nutritional value. Given that only split nuts are commercialised, the closed-shell nuts, which account for most of the harvested ones, must be split by mechanical or thermal processes. However, there is hardly any information about the splitting mechanism based on thermal treatments. Accordingly, the thermal splitting of pistachio nuts in conical spouted beds has been approached, and the effect of the air inlet temperature, the draft tube aperture ratio and the air inlet diameter on the splitting mechanism has been analysed. Batch drying tests have been carried out in the proposed technology at an air inlet temperature range of 40–120 $${}^{\circ }\text {C}$$ ∘ C using configurations with and without draft tube. The operating temperature and dryer configuration that allows attaining up to 60% of split pistachios and preserving their quality are 80 $${}^{\circ }\text {C}$$ ∘ C , an inlet diameter of 0.05 m and an open-sided draft tube with an aperture ratio of 80%.

Food insecurity is associated with low diet quality and unhealthy cooking and eating habits in Iranian women

BackgroundFood insecurity affects diet and nutrition intakes. We explored the relationship between food insecurity and dietary intakes in a group of Iranian women.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was performed on 190 healthy females aged 20–55 years attending primary healthcare centers in Shiraz. Food insecurity was evaluated by Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, which is a validated tool for assessing food insecurity in developing countries. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The association of dietary patterns and food insecurity was assessed by linear regression.ResultsAssessment of dietary intakes revealed that consumption of red meat, poultry, fish, dairy, fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and nuts decreased whereas that of grains, processed meats, potato, and sugary foods increased with increasing food insecurity. Among nutrients, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, calcium, and magnesium decreased while fat and sodium increased as food insecurity increased. Three major dietary patterns were detected. Healthy dietary patterns showed inverse associations with food insecurity in the crude (β = -0.422 and − 0.435, P < 0.001) and adjusted (adjusted for age, marital status, and educational level) (β = -0.475 and − 0.341, P < 0.001) models of regression analysis but unhealthy pattern did not show an association with food insecurity. Compared to food secure participants, a higher percentage of food insecure individuals indicated unhealthy eating habits, such as skipping breakfast, lower snack ingestion, more fast and fried food consumption, and using unhealthy cooking methods.ConclusionOverall, this study showed that food insecurity was associated with less healthy diet and unhealthy cooking and eating habits.

Food Demand and Nutritional Habits of Consumers During the Covid-19 Outbreak: A Case Study in Türkiye

The Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected the entire world, has caused changes in many areas of life worldwide. These changes have also influenced and continue to influence consumer behaviors. During the restrictions, people staying at home and only going out for essential needs such as grocery shopping has caused changes in their shopping and consumption habits. The changing consumer behaviors related to the process have brought about many studies. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, it has caused significant changes in the attitudes and behaviors of individuals in the world and in Türkiye. Numerous studies have been conducted to understand these changes. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the pandemic on the food demand and nutritional habits of individuals residing in Tekirdağ province. To achieve this, a survey was conducted with consumers living in Tekirdağ. According to the research's predicted 10% margin of error and 99% significance level, the sample size was calculated to be 166 people. Factor analysis was applied during the statistical analysis of the findings. Based on the results of the factor analysis, it was found that the desire of individuals to consume organic products and their awareness of healthy nutrition were high. The negative conditions that occurred during the pandemic increased the desire of individuals to eat. It has shown that consumers are more sensitive about healthy eating during the Covid-19 pandemic process. An increase in the consumption of food products that form the basis of a healthy diet, such as fruits, vegetables and eggs, and a corresponding decrease in the consumption of carbonated drinks and prepackaged food also support this finding. However, the high increase in the consumption of pastries and nuts can be given as examples of the negative effects of the need to stay at home and the restriction of physical activities due to the Covid-19 outbreak. In addition, their buying behavior changed, and the number of people who procure food products through online shopping increased. The aim of this study is to inform consumers and researchers working on this subject about how food consumption of consumers has changed after Covid-19.

Nut consumption during pregnancy is associated with decreased risk of peer problems in 5-year-old Japanese children.

Nuts are nutrient-dense foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids, protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The present prebirth cohort study examined the association between maternal nut intake during pregnancy and the risk of childhood behavioral problems in 5-year-old Japanese children. Study subjects were 1199 mother-child pairs. Dietary intake was assessed using a diet history questionnaire. Emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity problems, peer problems, and low prosocial behavior were assessed using the parent-reported version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Adjustments were made for a priori-selected nondietary confounders and potentially related dietary factors. Compared with mothers who had not eaten nuts during pregnancy, mothers who had eaten nuts had a significantly reduced risk of peer problems in children; the adjusted odds ratio was 0.64 (95% confidence interval: 0.42-0.97). There were no measurable associations between maternal consumption of nuts during pregnancy and the risk of childhood emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity problems, and low prosocial behavior. Maternal consumption of nuts during pregnancy may be associated with a decreased risk of peer problems in 5-year-old children.

Association Between Dietary Habits and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Thai Adults: A Case-Control Study.

The prevalence of T2DM is escalating in Thailand affecting over 10% of adults aged 20-79 years old. It is imperative to identify modifiable risk factors that can potentially help mitigate the risk of developing diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary habits and type 2 diabetes in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This case-control study involved 300 individuals aged 25-74 years residing in Chiang Mai, Thailand including 150 newly diagnosed T2DM patients (cases) and 150 community residents without diabetes (controls). Dietary habits were assessed based on Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Socio-demographic characteristics and anthropometric information of the participants were collected. Data analysis was performed using the STATA-17. The case group participants were older and had a higher proportion of males compared to the control group. The case group exhibited a significantly higher consumption of meat, beans, nuts, soft drinks, and topping seasonings (p<0.001), conversely, a lower intake of vegetables (p<0.001), fruits (p=0.006), fish, rice (p<0.001), eggs (p=0.032), milk products, coffee, and tea (p<0.001) compared to the control group. Furthermore, the case group demonstrated a higher level of certain dietary practices such as a greater frequency of having meals with family, not removing visible fat from food (p<0.001), and eating snacks between meals compared to controls. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for potential confounding factors not removing visible fat from food (aOR 5.61, 95% CI: 2.29-13.7, p<0.001) and using topping seasonings (aOR 3.52 95% CI: 1.69-7.32 p=0.001) were significantly associated with the risk of T2DM, whereas daily vegetable intake (aOR 0.32 95% CI: 0.15-0.68 p=0.003) was inversely associated with T2DM. The study findings caution against the consumption of food rich in fat and using salty seasonings, while advocating for an increased intake of vegetables to prevent the prevalence of T2DM.

Clinical, Laboratory and Neurodevelopmental Findings in Children from the Yanomami-Ninam Population Chronically Exposed to Methylmercury.

Despite legal safeguards, the Yanomami community faces challenges such as unauthorized incursions by gold miners, resulting in environmental degradation, particularly from mercury. This jeopardizes the health and food security of indigenous individuals, especially due to the consumption of contaminated fish. Ethnic and racial disparities persist in indigenous healthcare, marked by troubling health indicators such as malnutrition, anemia, and infectious diseases. This cross-sectional study, conducted in October 2022 in the Yanomami Indigenous Territory in the Amazon Forest, Brazil, presented clinical, laboratory, and neurodevelopmental findings in Yanomami children chronically exposed to methylmercury. The results revealed that Yanomami children exhibited weights and heights below expectations (median Z-scores of -1.855 for weight for age and -2.7 for height for age), a high prevalence of anemia (25%), low vaccination coverage (15%), and low IQ (average 68.6). The Total Hair Mercury (Total Hg) levels ranged from 0.16 µg/g to 10.20 µg/g (mean: 3.30 µg/g; median: 3.70 µg/g). Of 117 children tested, 93 children (79.4%) had levels ≥ 2.0 µg/g (had no significant difference between sex). Among the 58 children for whom it was possible to estimate the Total Intelligence Quotient (TIQ), the average value was 68.6, ranging from 42 to 92 points (median: 69.5; standard deviation: 10.5). Additionally, the lowest score on the IQ test was associated with 5 times the risk of having high levels of mercury in their hair, 2,5 fold the risk of having an older age, and almost 8 times the risk of consuming fish, adjusting for nut consumption. Notwithstanding the study's limitations, results suggest that mercury contamination from illegal mining activities on indigenous lands may negatively impact neurodevelopment in older indigenous children, particularly those fish consumers, despite the inherent benefits of fish consumption. Addressing other socio-environmental concerns is crucial for enhancing the overall health of the population.

The relationship between dietary inflammatory index and metabolic syndrome and its components: a case study in Kashi urban, Xinjiang.

This paper examines the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components among Uygur adults in Kashi, Xinjiang. The study used the multi-stage random cluster sampling method to investigate the adult residents of Uighu aged over 18 years old in one county and one township/street of three cities in Kashi between May and June 2021. All dietary data collected were analyzed for energy and nutrient intake with a nutritional analysis software, followed by a calculation of DII. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between DII and the risks of MS and its components. The maximum DII value across our 1,193 respondents was 4.570 to 4.058, with an average value of 0.256. When we analyzed the DII as a continuous variable, we determined the anti-inflammatory diet has been identified as a mitigating factor for metabolic syndrome (OR = 0.586, 95% CI = 0.395-0.870), obesity (OR = 0.594, 95% CI = 0.395-0.870), elevated fasting glucose levels (OR = 0.422, 95% CI = 0.267-0.668), and hypertension (OR = 0.698, 95% CI = 0.488-0.996). When the model was adjusted by sex, age, and occupation, we found a significant correlation between high- and low-density lipoproteinemia and DII (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.040-2.323). The present study identified four distinct dietary patterns among the population under investigation. There was a linear trend in the incidence of MS and hypertension across low, middle, and high levels of fruits and milk dietary pattern model (p = 0.027; p = 0.033), within this dietary pattern may serve as protective factors against MS and hypertension, suggesting that fruits and milk within this dietary pattern may serve as protective factors against MS and hypertension. And the linear trend in the incidence of elevated fasting glucose and obesity across the low, medium, and high scores of meet and eggs dietary pattern (p = 0.006; p < 0.001), suggest that a diet rich in meat may potentially contribute to an increased risk of developing elevated fasting glucose levels and obesity. An observed linear trend in the incidence rate of high fasting blood glucose across low, moderate, and high scores of dried fruits and nuts dietary pattern (p = 0.014), indicating that increased consumption of nuts acted as a protective factor against elevated fasting blood glucose levels and contributed to their reduction. The dietary inflammation index was integrated with the findings from the study on the dietary patterns of the sampled population, revealing that an anti-inflammatory diet demonstrated a protective effect against metabolic syndrome, obesity, high fasting blood glucose, and hypertension in this specific population. laying the foundation for further research.

Adherence to an energy-restricted Mediterranean diet is associated with the presence and burden of carotid atherosclerosis in people with type 1 diabetes.

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced CVD; however, the evidence in T1D is scarce. We aimed to analyse the relationships between adherence to the energy-restricted Mediterranean diet (erMEDd) and carotid atherosclerosis. We included children with T1D without CVD, with ≥1 of the following: age ≥40years, diabetic kidney disease, or ≥10years of disease duration with another risk factor. Plaque presence (intima-media thickness ≥1.5mm) was determined by ultrasonography. The PREDIMED-Plus 17-item questionnaire (PP-17) was used to assess adherence to the erMEDd. Four hundred one individuals were included (48% males, age 48.3±11years, diabetes duration 26.8±11.4years). Those harbouring plaques (42%) showed lower adherence to the erMEDd (PP-17: 8.9±2.3 of a maximum of 17 vs. 9.8±2.5, p<0.001). Greater adherence to the erMEDd was correlated with an overall better metabolic profile. After adjusting for multiple confounders, adherence to the erMEDd was independently associated with carotid atherosclerosis (OR 0.86 [0.77-0.95] for plaque presence and OR 0.85 [0.75-0.97] for ≥2 plaques). The consumption of fruit and nuts and preference of white over red meat was higher in individuals without atherosclerosis (p<0.05). Fruit and nut consumption was associated with lower plaque prevalence in the fully adjusted models (OR 0.38 [0.19-0.73] and 0.51 [0.29-0.93]). Greater adherence to the erMEDd is associated with less carotid atherosclerosis in children with T1D at high risk of CVD. Strategies to improve and implement healthy dietary patterns in this population should be encouraged.

Plant-Based Diet and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence from a Thai Health-Promoting Hospital.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is associated with diet. While consumption of plant-based foods may reduce blood sugar levels, the impact of consuming plant-based foods on fasting blood sugar levels has not been well defined. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Health-Promoting Hospital in Pak Phun Municipality, Thailand. It included 61 patients with T2DM and 74 controls matched for age and gender. Dietary intake levels among T2DM and controls were assessed by a validated food-frequency questionnaire from which plant-based-food scores were calculated. This study found significant differences between specific plant foods and fasting blood sugar levels in patients with T2DM. Adherence to a plant-based diet appeared to influence fasting blood sugar levels. Patients who consumed higher amounts of certain vegetables and fruits showed lower fasting blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients consumed more legumes than controls, but the consumption of cereals and nuts/seeds in the two groups were similar. Consumption of nuts and seeds was also associated with a 76.3% reduction in the risk of a T2DM diagnosis. These findings suggest the potential efficacy of glycemic control in T2DM patients. More work is required to explore strategies for preventing and treating metabolic disorders through dietary modification.

Effects of energy-restricted diets with or without nuts on weight, body composition and glycaemic control in adults: a scoping review.

Energy-restricted (ER) diets promote weight loss and improve body composition and glycaemic control. Nut consumption also improves these parameters. However, less is known about the combined benefit of these two strategies. This scoping review implemented a systematic search of Medline, Embase and Scopus to identify randomised controlled trials evaluating the effect of ER diets with or without nuts on body mass, body composition and glycaemic control in adults. After reviewing titles and abstracts, twenty-nine full-text articles were screened, resulting in seven studies reported in eight papers that met the inclusion criteria. Energy restriction was achieved by prescribing a set energy target or reducing intake by 1000-4200 kJ from daily energy requirements. Interventions ranged from 4 to 52 weeks in duration and contained 42-84 g/d of almonds, peanuts, pistachios or walnuts. While all studies reported that energy restriction resulted in significant weight loss, the addition of nuts to ER diets demonstrated significantly greater weight loss in only approximately half of the included studies (4/7 studies). There was limited evidence to support additional benefits from nuts for body composition measures or glycaemic control. Although improvements in weight loss and glycaemia were not consistent when nuts were included in ER diets, no study revealed an adverse effect of nut consumption on health outcomes. Future studies could explore the effect of consuming different types and amounts of nuts, combined with various levels of energy restriction on weight, body composition and glycaemic control.

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).