Walnut Consumption Research Articles

Relationship with Nut Consumption for Breakfast and Postprandial Glucose, Insulin, Triglyceride Responses: A Preliminary Study from Türkiye.

This study aimed to determine the effect of adding nuts to a regular breakfast on blood glucose, insulin, and triglyceride levels, and to evaluate participants' opinions by sex as a preliminary study for future studies. Data and biochemical parameters were collected through face-to-face interviews with Acibadem Hospital employees (n = 12) between April and September 2023. Participants consumed 30 g of nut-supplemented breakfasts for 4 weeks while maintaining their regular lifestyle. Blood tests and visual analog scale (VAS) parameters were assessed on intervention days. VAS scores indicated differences in meal taste, post-breakfast well-being, satiety, and meal adequacy, and for "feeling better after breakfast", and "providing better satiety", were significantly higher for the nut-supplemented breakfasts (p < 0.05), especially walnut-supplemented. Under the control of age, sex, and BMI variables in the participants, women responded better to peanut butter consumption than men in terms of blood insulin and triglyceride regulation (p < 0.05). However, triglyceride regulation in men was better managed by walnut consumption than in women. Understanding how nut-supplemented breakfasts impact blood glucose, insulin, and triglyceride levels, as well as consumer perceptions, is crucial for promoting healthier dietary choices.

Investigation of the Effect of Herbal Omega-3-Rich Food Consumption on Hematologic Parameters and Total Cholesterol Levels According to Physical Activity Status in Healthy Individuals

Objective: It is known that walnut consumption has favorable effects on health. Walnuts are known to be a food rich in unsaturated fatty acids and herbal omega-3 fatty acids. This study investigated the effects of walnut (plant omega-3) consumption on hematologic factors in healthy adults with a certain physical activity level. Methods: Healthy participants in this study were offered thirty grams of walnuts per day for three weeks. Walnuts were consumed on an empty stomach or with breakfast every morning for three weeks. The blood values of people were measured at the beginning and the end of the study. Hematological parameters were measured in the routine blood test from blood taken. Results: The effect of a consumption rich in vegetable omega-3 products on hematologic factor levels caused a significant difference in MCH (p=0.001), MCHC (p=0.001) and LENFOSIT (p=0.001) levels. A significant increase in HCT levels was found only in male subjects. No significant changes were observed in other hematologic parameters. In addition, although a decrease in TC levels (p=0.023) and an increase in MONOSITE levels (p=0.027) were observed after consumption of plant omega-3 in active individuals, this difference was not observed in sedentary individuals. On the other hand, sedentary individuals showed an increase in LENFOSITE levels after consumption of plant-based omega-3 (p=0.016), whereas this difference was not observed in active individuals. There was also a statistically significant difference in carbohydrate, PUFA and a-linolenic acid intake compared to TBSA. There were no significant differences in energy, cholesterol, monounsaturated fatty acid and saturated fatty acid intakes. Conclusion: In this study, the addition of plant omega-3 fatty acids to the diet of healthy volunteers affected some hematologic factors and is thought to have a stimulating effect against cells that defend the body. It was also observed that the effect on hematologic factors and cholesterol levels was higher when plant omega-3 supplements were given to individuals who engaged in regular physical activity. We think that the effect of plant omega-3 fatty acids on hematologic factors should be further investigated.

Study of the Potential Toxicity and Side Effects Associated with the Long-term Consumption of Walnuts (Cola verticillata: Sterculiaceae): Anti-Meiosis in the Insect Assay

Study of the Potential Toxicity and Side Effects Associated with the Long-term Consumption of Walnuts (Cola verticillata: Sterculiaceae): Anti-Meiosis in the Insect Assay

Associations of Walnut and Other Nut Consumption With Obesity in Young Men and Women: Results From the NHANES Survey

Associations of Walnut and Other Nut Consumption With Obesity in Young Men and Women: Results From the NHANES Survey

Study Protocol: Microbial and Metabolic Impact of Walnut Consumption in Adults With Obesity

Study Protocol: Microbial and Metabolic Impact of Walnut Consumption in Adults With Obesity

Association of Walnut Consumption With Metabolic Syndrome Among Young Adult Males and Females in a Nationally Representative Sample

Association of Walnut Consumption With Metabolic Syndrome Among Young Adult Males and Females in a Nationally Representative Sample

Pharmacological effect of walnuts consumption on metabolic syndrome: a current view

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide (WHO, 2017). In addition to the global and national morbidity and mortality burdens of the disease, it imposes a substantial economic burden on society. The American heart association predicts that by 2035, 45% of Americans will suffer from CVD with costs expected to reach $1.1 trillion annually. Clinical trials have demonstrated that a nut-containing diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, while high in poly and monounsaturated fatty acids has a beneficial effect on plasma lipids and lipoproteins when compared with either a low fat or average American diet. Other bioactive compounds present in walnuts, including micronutrients, fiber, and phytochemicals, may also contribute to their cardio protective effect by reducing inflammation, improving vascular reactivity, and lowering oxidative stress. It has been demonstrated that the consumption of walnuts resulted in significant reduction in body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat, increased lean body mass and an increased amount of water in the body. A large population cohort study also demonstrated a marked reduction in body weight and other anthropometric parameters in people on regular consumption of walnuts.

Unveiling the "hidden quality" of the walnut pellicle: a precious source of bioactive lipids.

Tree nut consumption has been widely associated with various health benefits, with walnuts, in particular, being linked with improved cardiovascular and neurological health. These benefits have been attributed to walnuts' vast array of phenolic antioxidants and abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, recent studies have revealed unexpected clinical outcomes related to walnut consumption, which cannot be explained simply with the aforementioned molecular hallmarks. With the goal of discovering potential molecular sources of these unexplained clinical outcomes, an exploratory untargeted metabolomics analysis of the isolated walnut pellicle was conducted. This analysis revealed a myriad of unusual lipids, including oxylipins and endocannabinoids. These lipid classes, which are likely present in the pellicle to enhance the seeds' defenses due to their antimicrobial properties, also have known potent bioactivities as mammalian signaling molecules and homeostatic regulators. Given the potential value of this tissue for human health, with respect to its "bioactive" lipid fraction, we sought to quantify the amounts of these compounds in pellicle-enriched waste by-products of mechanized walnut processing in California. An impressive repertoire of these compounds was revealed in these matrices, and in notably significant concentrations. This discovery establishes these low-value agriculture wastes promising candidates for valorization and translation into high-value, health-promoting products; as these molecules represent a potential explanation for the unexpected clinical outcomes of walnut consumption. This "hidden quality" of the walnut pellicle may encourage further consumption of walnuts, and walnut industries may benefit from a revaluation of abundant pellicle-enriched waste streams, leading to increased sustainability and profitability through waste upcycling.

Effects of walnut consumption for 2 years on older adults' bone health in the Walnuts and Healthy Aging (WAHA) trial.

Nutritional strategies to maintain bone health in aging individuals are of great interest. Given the beneficial nutrient composition of walnuts, rich in alpha-linolenic (the vegetable n-3 fatty acid) and polyphenols, their regular consumption might be a dietary option to reduce age-related bone loss. We determined whether daily walnut consumption improves bone mineral density (BMD) and circulating biomarkers of bone turnover. The Walnuts and Healthy Aging study (WAHA) is a two-center, parallel, randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of a diet enriched with walnuts at ≈15% energy compared with a control diet for 2 years on age-related health outcomes in healthy men and women aged 63-79 years. Changes in BMD were a prespecified secondary outcome only at the Barcelona node of the trial, where 352 participants were randomized. Retention rate was 92.6%. Primary endpoints were 2-year changes in BMD at the spine and the nondominant femoral neck, determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Secondary endpoints were 2-year changes in bone turnover biomarkers (adrenocorticotropic hormone, Dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor-1, osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, osteopontin, sclerostin, parathyroid hormone, and fibroblast growth factor-23), which were quantified in 211 randomly selected participants. The walnut diet versus the control diet had no effect on 2-year changes in BMD at the spine (0.15% vs. 0.35%, p = 0.632) and femoral neck (-0.90% vs. -0.70%, p = 0.653), or on bone turnover biomarkers. Results were similar in participants treated or not with bone resorption inhibitors or those with or without osteoporosis/osteopenia at inclusion. Compared with the usual diet, a diet enriched with walnuts at 15% of energy for 2 years failed to improve BMD or circulating markers of bone metabolism in healthy older people.

Inhibition of human starch digesting enzymes and intestinal glucose transport by walnut polyphenols

One approach to controlling type 2 diabetes (T2D) is to lower postprandialglucose spikesby slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates and the absorption of glucose in the small intestine. The consumption of walnuts is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as T2D, suggested to be partly due to the high content of (poly)phenols. This study evaluated, for the first time, the inhibitory effect of a (poly)phenol-rich walnut extract on human carbohydrate digesting enzymes (salivary and pancreatic α-amylases, brush border sucrase-isomaltase) and on glucose transport across fully differentiated human intestinal Caco-2/TC7 monolayers. The walnut extract was rich in multiple (poly)phenols (70 % w/w) as analysed by Folin-Ciocalteau and by LCMS. It exhibited potent inhibition of both human salivary (IC50: 32.2 ± 2.5 µg walnut (poly)phenols (WP)/mL) and pancreatic (IC50: 56.7 ± 1.7 µg WP/mL) α-amylases, with weaker effects on human sucrase (IC50: 990 ± 20 µg WP/mL), maltase (IC50: 1300 ± 80 µg WP/mL), and isomaltase (IC25: 830 ± 60 µg WP/mL) activities. Selected individual walnut (poly)phenols inhibited human salivary α-amylase in the order: 1,3,4,6-tetragalloylglucose > ellagic acid pentoside > 1,2,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranose, with no inhibition by ellagic acid, gallic acid and 4-O-methylgallic acid. The (poly)phenol-rich walnut extract also attenuated (up to 59 %) the transfer of 2-deoxy-D-glucose across differentiated Caco-2/TC7 cell monolayers. This is the first report on the effect of (poly)phenol-rich extracts from any commonly-consumed nut kernel on any human starch-digesting enzyme, and suggests a mechanism through which walnut consumption may lower postprandial glucose spikes and contribute to their proposed health benefits.

Evaluation of the Effects of Consumption of Portuguese Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) on the Risk Factors Related to Cardiovascular Diseases

(1) Background: Walnut consumption has been associated with having a positive effect on controlling and/or reducing the co-morbidities associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The effects of consuming walnuts of Portuguese origin on risk factors related to CVD were evaluated by measuring glucose, urea, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, AST, and ALT levels, anthropometric profiles, and blood pressure. (2) Methods: This trial study involved 24 volunteers, both female (n = 15) and male (n = 9), from Fernando Pessoa University, Porto. It consisted of a daily intake of 25 g of walnut kernels over a period of 45 days. Before and after intake, biochemical parameters, BMI and BP were measured. (3) Results: Despite the intake of nuts revealing a reduction in mean values of most of the parameters assessed, a significant drop was only observed in AST (p = 0.04).There was also a significant reduction in the mean values for Glu (p = 0.01), UR (p = 0.01) and HDL-C (p = 0.02) for women but not for men. (4) Conclusions: The dose and the period of intake were not effective in lowering the lipid profile but may have had a protective effect on liver function. The benefits were greater in women than in men.

The consumption of walnuts has an impact on decreasing fasting blood glucose levels in individuals with concurrent hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia: a randomized control trial

Nationally, the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has increased by 0.5%. In 2013, it was approximately 1.5%, rising to 2.0% in 2018. On the other hand, it is known that administering walnut extract can reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of walnut consumption on blood sugar levels. The research was conducted experimentally, using a pre-post test control group design. The research sample consisted of mothers with fasting blood sugar levels ≥200 mg/dL and total cholesterol levels ≥200 mg/dL (hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic). The total sample size was 50 mothers, divided into 2 groups. Samples were selected using simple random sampling. The intervention involved giving 50 grams of walnut (Canarium Indicum L.) daily for 8 weeks to the treatment group. The research was conducted in the working area of the Paccerakang Community Health Center in Makassar City, Indonesia. Statistical analysis was performed using paired T-tests. There was a decrease in fasting blood glucose levels in the treatment group from 244.12 mg/dL to 195.52 mg/dL. In the control group, there was a slight decrease in blood sugar levels from 236.92 mg/dL to 229.96 mg/dL. Paired T-test analysis in the treatment group showed a value of p=0.00, indicating a significant difference in cholesterol levels before and after the intervention in the treatment group. In the control group, the value was p=0.07, indicating no significant difference in cholesterol levels in the control group. Administering 50 grams of walnuts per day for 8 weeks significantly lowered fasting blood sugar levels in hyperlipidemic and hyperglycemic mothers.

Walnut supplementation increases levels of UCP1 and CD36 in brown adipose tissue independently of diet type.

Dietary interventions that modulate the brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenic activity could represent a promising therapy for metabolic disorders. In order to examine if dietary walnuts intake regulates the expression of BAT thermogenic markers levels in healthy and metabolically challenged (fructose fed) animals, rats were initially divided into the control and fructose-fed groups. After nine weeks, these groups were subdivided into the one kept on the original regimens and the other supplemented with walnuts. High-fructose diet resulted in an increased relative BAT mass and no change in UCP1 content, while the walnut supplementation increased the amount of UCP1 in BAT, but did not affect 5-HT, NA, DHPG content and DHPG/NA ratio regardless of the diet. Moreover, the CD36 levels were increased following the walnut consumption, unlike FATP1, GLUT1, GLUT4, and glycogen content which remained unchanged. Additionally, the BAT levels of activated IR and Akt were not affected by walnut consumption, while ERK signaling was decreased. Overall, we found that walnut consumption increased UCP1 and CD36 content in the BAT of both control and metabolically challenged rats, suggesting that FFAs represent the BAT preferred substrate under the previously described circumstances. This further implies that incorporating walnuts into the everyday diet may help to alleviate some symptoms of the metabolic disorder.

Concurrent training associated with moderate walnut consumption improved isokinetic strength, subjective sleep quality, cognitive performance and postural balance in elderly active men: a randomized controlled trial

AimsTo investigate the effects of concurrent training (resistance and endurance) associated with moderate walnut consumption on isokinetic strength, subjective sleep quality, cognitive performance and postural balance in physically active elderly men.MethodsTwenty healthy elderly men were divided into two matched groups, in a randomized controlled experiment. They have participated in three training sessions per week: concurrent (strength and endurance) training + ad libitum diet with walnuts (15 g/day for 6 weeks, CTW: n = 10) and concurrent training + ad libitum diet (CT: n = 10). Isokinetic strength, Spiegel questionnaire, Montreal cognitive assessment and postural balance parameters were assessed 48 h pre- and post-intervention.ResultsAbsolute peak torque of knee extensors and knee flexors significantly increased compared to pre-training in CTW (15.2% ± 6.7; 13.2% ± 2.3, p < 0.05, respectively) and CT (10.6% ± 6.8; 7.4% ± 2.9, p < 0.05, respectively). Subjective sleep quality increased compared to pre-training for CTW and CT (24% ± 14.4; 10.5% ± 9.4, p < 0.05, respectively) with a significantly greater increase in CTW (p < 0.05). Cognitive performance measured by Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) increased only in CTW compared to baseline (7.7% ± 2.5, p < 0.05). Postural balance parameters with dual task decreased only in CTW compared to baseline.ConclusionsThe present study clearly revealed that concurrent training alone or associated with daily walnut (15 g) consumption for 6 weeks significantly increased knee isokinetic strength, support leg standing parameters and sleep quality. Meanwhile, cognitive performance evaluated by MoCA test and postural balance with dual task were improved for CTW group only.

Effect of walnut consumption on markers of endothelial function in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Findings on the effect of walnut consumption on endothelial function are conflicting. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis summarized available trials in this regard. A systematic search was performed in online databases including PubMed-Medline, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science up to October 2023. Articles that reported the effect of walnut intake on flow-mediated dilation (FMD), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and stimulus-adjusted response measure (SARM) were included. Random effects models for a weighted mean difference (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) were used to test for the overall effect. Six eligible trials were analyzed (250 participants). Walnut intake significantly increased FMD (WMD: 0.94%, 95% CI: 0.12 to 1.75; p = 0.02). However, meta-analysis could not show any beneficial effect of walnut intake on ICAM-1 (SMD: -0.23, 95% CI: -0.68 to 0.22; p = 0.31), VCAM-1 (SMD: -0.02, 95% CI: -1.38 to 1.34; p = 0.97), and SARM (WMD: 0.01%, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.04; p = 0.28). In conclusion, the present meta-analysis suggests that walnuts may reduce cardiovascular disease risk by improving FMD. However, further studies should be performed on adults to determine the effect of walnut intake on endothelial function.

Study of the Potential Toxicity and Side Effects Associated with the Long-term Consumption of Walnuts (Cola verticillata: Sterculiaceae): Anti-Meiosis in the Insect Assay

Study of the Potential Toxicity and Side Effects Associated with the Long-term Consumption of Walnuts (Cola verticillata: Sterculiaceae): Anti-Meiosis in the Insect Assay

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

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

A Walnut-Enriched Diet for 2 Years Changes the Serum Oxylipin Profile in Healthy Older Persons

BackgroundOxylipins are products derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that play a role in cardiovascular disease and aging. Fish oil-derived n-3 PUFAs promote the formation of anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory oxylipins; however, there are little data on oxylipins derived from α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), the primary plant-derived n-3 PUFA. Walnuts are a source of C18:3n-3. ObjectivesTo investigate the effect on serum oxylipins of a diet enriched with walnuts at 15% energy (30–60 g/d; 2.6–5.2 g C18:3n-3/d) for 2 y compared to a control diet (abstention from walnuts) in healthy older males and females (63–79 y). MethodsThe red blood cell proportion of α-linolenic acid was determined by gas chromatography as a measure of compliance. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure serum concentrations of 53 oxylipins in participants randomly assigned to receive the walnut diet (n = 64) or the control diet (n = 51). Two-year concentration changes (final minus baseline) were log-transformed (base log-10) and standardized (mean-centered and divided by the standard deviation of each variable). Volcano plots were then generated (fold change ≥1.5; false discovery rate ≤0.1). For each oxylipin delta surviving multiple testing, we further assessed between-intervention group differences by analysis of covariance adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and the baseline concentration of the oxylipin. ResultsThe 2-y change in red blood cell C18:3n-3 in the walnut group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001). Compared to the control diet, the walnut diet resulted in statistically significantly greater increases in 3 C18:3n-3-derived oxylipins (9-HOTrE, 13-HOTrE, and 12,13-EpODE) and in the C20:5n-3 derived 14,15-diHETE, and greater reductions of the C20:4n-6-derived 5-HETE, 19-HETE, and 5,6-diHETrE. ConclusionsLong-term walnut consumption changes the serum oxylipin profile in healthy older persons. Our results add novel mechanistic evidence on the cardioprotective effects of walnuts. Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01634841

PLANT PIGMENTS IN PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROLOGY: HISTORICAL AND MODERN USES. PART I (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Purpose. To provide the reader with a detailed historical overview of the human use of plant pigments for medical purposes, starting from ancient times. To show how modern chemical theory of color and evolutionary biology of plants explain, from their very different points of view — some commonly observed properties of many plant pigments, such as their antioxidant and anti-free radical activity. To present modern data on pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic utility in psychiatry and neurology of some selected plant pigments.&#x0D; Methodology. To get an idea of what originally were the rationales for human use of plant pigments for medical purposes, we turned to books on the history of medicine and on the history of pharmacology. To get an idea of what is the relationship between the absorption spectrum of a molecule and its chemical properties (in particular, properties of a reducing agent, an electron donor, an antioxidant and a free radical scavenger) — we turned to the book on the chemistry of pigments. And to get an idea of the evolutionary role of pigments in plant tissues — to the book on evolutionary biology. We then selected, based on the lists of plant pigments provided in two of the most authoritative manuals for DIY fabric dyeing with natural dyes — some of the plants that looked most interesting for our purposes. We then searched for information about the use of these plants in psychiatry and neurology and about their neuropharmacological properties, with the use of search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science. The data we have collected were summarized and presented to the reader in this review.&#x0D; Results. The data that we have obtained in the process of compiling this review, in our opinion, do indicate a significant therapeutic potential for the use of certain plant pigments in psychiatry and neurology. The evidence base for the use of various plant pigments in psychiatry and neurology — significantly varies in quality. For some plant pigments (for example, for curcumin from turmeric, or for crocetin and crocin from saffron, or for roburin from common oak bark, epigallocatechin gallate from green tea leaves, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid from coffee beans), there is positive data from small randomized clinical trials. For others, so far there is only data from population studies (for example, on the correlation between consumption of walnuts and olives with the lowered incidence of depression), combined with some open-label studies on dietary supplements that contain those pigments.&#x0D; Practical implications. Our results, in our opinion, provide theoretical and practical grounds for the use of some plant pigments (curcumin, crocin and crocetin, epigallocatechin gallate, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, roburin, oleuropein, juglone) in the combination treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, mild forms of anxiety and depressive disorders, mild cognitive impairment, early stages of Alzheimer disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, especially in patients who refuse pharmacotherapy or who do not tolerate it well.

A Dietary Model of Partial Meat Replacement with Walnuts Demonstrates Changes in the Nutrient Profile and Quality of the United States Population's Diet.

The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of partial meat replacement with walnuts using a dose-escalation approach on nutrient intake and diet quality in the usual US diet. Food modeling was implemented using the nationally representative 2015-2018 National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES), with a focus on non-nut consumers, which included 2707 children and adolescents and 5190 adults. Walnuts replaced meat in a dose-escalating manner (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 oz walnuts per day replaced 1, 2, 3, and 4 oz meat, respectively). Diet quality was estimated using the population ratio method of the 2015 Healthy Eating Index. The usual intake of nutrients was estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. Significant differences were determined using non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals. The partial replacement of meat with walnuts demonstrated significant increases in the mean intake of fiber, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids and significant decreases in cholesterol and vitamin B12 in the modeled diets for children, adolescents, and adults. Additionally, the partial replacement of meat with walnuts improved overall diet quality. Walnut consumption at 1-2 oz as a replacement for some meat may improve nutrient intake and diet quality across age groups.