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Singar S, Kadyan S, Patoine C, Park G, Arjmandi B, Nagpal R. The Effects of Almond Consumption on Cardiovascular Health and Gut Microbiome: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:1964. [PMID: 38931317 PMCID: PMC11207051 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The consumption of almonds has been associated with several health benefits, particularly concerning cardiovascular and intestinal health. In this comprehensive review, we compile and deliberate studies investigating the effects of almond consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and gut health. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, which contribute to their health-promoting properties. Regular intake of almonds has been shown to improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL cholesterol and enhancing HDL functionality. Additionally, almonds aid in glycemic control, blood pressure reduction, and chronic inflammation amelioration, which are critical for cardiovascular health. The antioxidant properties of almonds, primarily due to their high vitamin E content, help in reducing oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, almonds positively influence body composition by reducing body fat percentage and central adiposity and enhancing satiety, thus aiding in weight management. Herein, we also contemplate the emerging concept of the gut-heart axis, where almond consumption appears to modulate the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and increasing short-chain fatty acid production, particularly butyrate. These effects collectively contribute to the anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective benefits of almonds. By encompassing these diverse aspects, we eventually provide a systematic and updated perspective on the multifaceted benefits of almond consumption for cardiovascular health and gut microbiome, corroborating their broader consideration in dietary guidelines and public health recommendations for CVD risk reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiful Singar
- The Gut Biome Lab, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (G.P.)
- Center for Advancing Exercise and Nutrition Research on Aging, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA
| | - Saurabh Kadyan
- The Gut Biome Lab, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Cole Patoine
- The Gut Biome Lab, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Gwoncheol Park
- The Gut Biome Lab, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Bahram Arjmandi
- Center for Advancing Exercise and Nutrition Research on Aging, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA
| | - Ravinder Nagpal
- The Gut Biome Lab, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA; (S.S.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (G.P.)
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Bersch-Ferreira ÂC, Weschenfelder C, Waclawovsky G, da Silva LR, Stein E, Machado RHV, Figueiro MF, Suzumura EA, Santos RHN, Duarte GBS, Rogero MM, de Abreu-Silva EO, Cavalcanti AB, Marcadenti A. Effect of Nuts on Anthropometric and Glycemic Indexes and Blood Pressure in Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutr Rev 2024:nuae054. [PMID: 38781314 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuae054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Nut-enriched diets have a positive impact on cardiovascular risk factors, such as body mass, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose. However, studies in individuals undergoing secondary cardiovascular prevention show controversial results. OBJECTIVE This systematic review with meta-analysis assessed the effect of nut supplementation on anthropometric, glycemic, and blood pressure indices in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as well as the frequency of adverse events. DATA SOURCES Six databases were used for the search-PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, BVS (Biblioteca Virtual da Saude), Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov-until February 2023, with no language restrictions. DATA EXTRACTION The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions methodology and the PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Setting/design) strategy were used. Seven independent reviewers were involved in data extraction and resolution of disagreements. Certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. DATA ANALYSIS From 5187 records identified, 6 publications containing data referring to 5 randomized clinical trials (n = 436) were included in the final analyses. The nuts evaluated were almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, and mixed nuts, with portions that varied between 5 g and 85 g (median: 30 g/day). The intervention period varied between 6 and 12 weeks. The nuts had no effect on fasting glucose and anthropometric indices, although the certainty of the evidence for most of these outcomes was low or very low. They also had no effect on systolic (mean difference [MD]: -1.16 mmHg [95% CI, -5.68 to 3.35], I2 = 0%-moderate certainty of evidence) or diastolic (MD: 0.10 mmHg [95% CI, -2.30 to 2.51], I2 = 0%-high certainty of evidence) blood pressure. It was not possible to aggregate data on adverse events. CONCLUSION Nut supplementation had no effect on blood pressure, fasting glucose, or anthropometric profile in the context of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020163456.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângela C Bersch-Ferreira
- Hcor Teaching Institute, Hcor, São Paulo, São Paulo, 04004-030, Brazil
- PROADI-SUS Office, Real e Benemérita Associação Portuguesa de Beneficência, São Paulo, São Paulo, 01323-001, Brazil
| | - Camila Weschenfelder
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences (Cardiology), Instituto de Cardiologia/Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90040-371, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Waclawovsky
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences (Cardiology), Instituto de Cardiologia/Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90040-371, Brazil
| | - Lucas R da Silva
- Hcor Teaching Institute, Hcor, São Paulo, São Paulo, 04004-030, Brazil
| | - Elana Stein
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences (Cardiology), Instituto de Cardiologia/Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90040-371, Brazil
| | | | - Mabel F Figueiro
- Hcor Teaching Institute, Hcor, São Paulo, São Paulo, 04004-030, Brazil
| | - Erica A Suzumura
- Preventive Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Renato H N Santos
- Hcor Research Institute, Hcor, São Paulo, São Paulo, 04004-030, Brazil
| | - Graziela Biude Silva Duarte
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Marcelo M Rogero
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, 01246-904, Brazil
| | | | | | - Aline Marcadenti
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences (Cardiology), Instituto de Cardiologia/Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90040-371, Brazil
- Hcor Research Institute, Hcor, São Paulo, São Paulo, 04004-030, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, 01246-904, Brazil
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Olas B. The Cardioprotective Properties of Selected Nuts: Their Functional Ingredients and Molecular Mechanisms. Foods 2024; 13:242. [PMID: 38254543 PMCID: PMC10814286 DOI: 10.3390/foods13020242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuts have been known as a nutritious food since ancient times and can be considered part of our original diet: they are one of the few foods that have been eaten in the same form for thousands of years. They consist of various dry fruits and seeds, with the most common species being almonds (Prunus dulcis), hazelnuts (Corylus avellana), cashews (cashew nuts, Anacardium occidentale), pistachios (Pistacia vera), walnuts (Italian nuts, Juglans regia), peanuts (Arachia hypogaca), Brazil nuts (Bartholletia excels), pecans (Corya illinoinensis), macadamia nuts (Macademia ternifolia) and pine nuts. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have found nuts to possess a range of bioactive compounds with cardioprotective properties, and hence, their consumption may play a role in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The present work reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the functional ingredients of various nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecan nuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts) and the molecular mechanisms of their cardioprotective action. The data indicate that almonds, walnuts and pistachios are the best nut sources of bioactive ingredients with cardioprotective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Olas
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/3, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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Effects of almond intake on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Complement Ther Med 2023; 73:102935. [PMID: 36842635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that almonds can improve oxidative stress indices, but the results are controversial. Therefore, the goal of this research was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of all RCTs that evaluated the effect of almonds on selected oxidative stress indices. METHODS A systematic search was conducted up to April 2022 on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We have selected the studies that investigated the effects of almonds on malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) levels in adults. Data were pooled by using the random-effects model. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. RESULTS Seven RCTs involving 424 participants were analyzed. The results indicated that almond intake led to a significant decrease in MDA levels (WMD: - 6.63 nmol/ml; 95 % CI: - 8.72 to - 4.54; P < 0.001). However, no significant effect was observed on Ox-LDL (Hedges' g: - 0.12; 95 % CI: - 0.34 to 0.10; P = 0.28). Sensitivity analysis showed that overall estimates were not affected by the elimination of any study. We did not observe any evidence regarding publication bias. CONCLUSION The present meta-analysis suggests that almond intake can improve MDA levels and might play a beneficial role in the reinforcement of the antioxidant defense system and amelioration of oxidative stress in adults. There is a need for more studies with larger groups to better estimate this effect.
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Nishi SK, Viguiliouk E, Kendall CWC, Jenkins DJA, Hu FB, Sievenpiper JL, Atzeni A, Misra A, Salas-Salvadó J. Nuts in the Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15040878. [PMID: 36839236 PMCID: PMC9965730 DOI: 10.3390/nu15040878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a continuously growing global concern affecting >10% of adults, which may be mitigated by modifiable lifestyle factors. Consumption of nuts and their inclusion in dietary patterns has been associated with a range of beneficial health outcomes. Diabetes guidelines recommend dietary patterns that incorporate nuts; however, specific recommendations related to nuts have been limited. This review considers the epidemiological and clinical evidence to date for the role of nut consumption as a dietary strategy for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related complications. Findings suggest nut consumption may have a potential role in the prevention and management of T2D, with mechanistic studies assessing nuts and individual nut-related nutritional constituents supporting this possibility. However, limited definitive evidence is available to date, and future studies are needed to elucidate better the impact of nuts on the prevention and management of T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K. Nishi
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició, 43201 Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43201 Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Toronto 3D (Diet, Digestive Tract and Disease) Knowledge Synthesis and Clinical Trials Unit, Toronto, ON M5C 2T2, Canada
- Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5C 2T2, Canada
- Correspondence: (S.K.N.); (J.S.-S.)
| | - Effie Viguiliouk
- Toronto 3D (Diet, Digestive Tract and Disease) Knowledge Synthesis and Clinical Trials Unit, Toronto, ON M5C 2T2, Canada
| | - Cyril W. C. Kendall
- Toronto 3D (Diet, Digestive Tract and Disease) Knowledge Synthesis and Clinical Trials Unit, Toronto, ON M5C 2T2, Canada
- Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5C 2T2, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - David J. A. Jenkins
- Toronto 3D (Diet, Digestive Tract and Disease) Knowledge Synthesis and Clinical Trials Unit, Toronto, ON M5C 2T2, Canada
- Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5C 2T2, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Frank B. Hu
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - John L. Sievenpiper
- Toronto 3D (Diet, Digestive Tract and Disease) Knowledge Synthesis and Clinical Trials Unit, Toronto, ON M5C 2T2, Canada
- Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5C 2T2, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Alessandro Atzeni
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició, 43201 Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43201 Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anoop Misra
- Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes & Allied Sciences, New Delhi 110048, India
- National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation, New Delhi 110016, India
- Diabetes Foundation (India), New Delhi 110070, India
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició, 43201 Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43201 Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.K.N.); (J.S.-S.)
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Effects of Nut Consumption on Blood Lipids and Lipoproteins: A Comprehensive Literature Update. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030596. [PMID: 36771303 PMCID: PMC9920334 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present review, we provide a comprehensive narrative overview of the current knowledge on the effects of total and specific types of nut consumption (excluding nut oil) on blood lipids and lipoproteins. We identified a total of 19 systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that were available in PubMed from the inception date to November 2022. A consistent beneficial effect of most nuts, namely total nuts and tree nuts, including walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, and pistachios, has been reported across meta-analyses in decreasing total cholesterol (mean difference, MD, -0.09 to -0.28 mmol/L), LDL-cholesterol (MD, -0.09 to -0.26 mmol/L), and triglycerides (MD, -0.05 to -0.17 mmol/L). However, no effects on HDL-cholesterol have been uncovered. Preliminary evidence indicates that adding nuts into the regular diet reduces blood levels of apolipoprotein B and improves HDL function. There is also evidence that nuts dose-dependently improve lipids and lipoproteins. Sex, age, or nut processing are not effect modifiers, while a lower BMI and higher baseline lipid concentrations enhance blood lipid/lipoprotein responses. While research is still emerging, the evidence thus far indicates that nut-enriched diets are associated with a reduced number of total LDL particles and small, dense LDL particles. In conclusion, evidence from clinical trials has shown that the consumption of total and specific nuts improves blood lipid profiles by multiple mechanisms. Future directions in this field should include more lipoprotein particle, apolipoprotein B, and HDL function studies.
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