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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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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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Carter S, Hill AM, Buckley JD, Tan SY, Rogers GB, Coates AM. Acute feeding with almonds compared to a carbohydrate-based snack improves appetite-regulating hormones with no effect on self-reported appetite sensations: a randomised controlled trial. Eur J Nutr 2023; 62:857-866. [PMID: 36305961 PMCID: PMC9614749 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-03027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Early satiety has been identified as one of the mechanisms that may explain the beneficial effects of nuts for reducing obesity. This study compared postprandial changes in appetite-regulating hormones and self-reported appetite ratings after consuming almonds (AL, 15% of energy requirement) or an isocaloric carbohydrate-rich snack bar (SB). METHODS This is a sub-analysis of baseline assessments of a larger parallel-arm randomised controlled trial in overweight and obese (Body Mass Index 27.5-34.9 kg/m2) adults (25-65 years). After an overnight fast, 140 participants consumed a randomly allocated snack (AL [n = 68] or SB [n = 72]). Appetite-regulating hormones and self-reported appetite sensations, measured using visual analogue scales, were assessed immediately before snack food consumption, and at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min following snack consumption. A sub-set of participants (AL, n = 49; SB, n = 48) then consumed a meal challenge buffet ad libitum to assess subsequent energy intake. An additional appetite rating assessment was administered post buffet at 150 min. RESULTS Postprandial C-peptide area under the curve (AUC) response was 47% smaller with AL compared to SB (p < 0.001). Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide AUC responses were larger with AL compared to SB (18%, p = 0.005; 39% p < 0.001; 45% p < 0.001 respectively). Cholecystokinin, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1, leptin and polypeptide YY AUCs were not different between groups. Self-reported appetite ratings and energy intake following the buffet did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION More favourable appetite-regulating hormone responses to AL did not translate into better self-reported appetite or reduced short-term energy consumption. Future studies should investigate implications for longer term appetite regulation. ANZCTR REFERENCE NUMBER ACTRN12618001861246 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharayah Carter
- grid.1026.50000 0000 8994 5086Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, 5001 Australia
| | - Alison M. Hill
- grid.1026.50000 0000 8994 5086Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jonathan D. Buckley
- grid.1026.50000 0000 8994 5086Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, 5001 Australia
| | - Sze-Yen Tan
- grid.1021.20000 0001 0526 7079School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Geraint B. Rogers
- grid.430453.50000 0004 0565 2606Microbiome Research, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia ,grid.1014.40000 0004 0367 2697College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Alison M. Coates
- grid.1026.50000 0000 8994 5086Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, 5001 Australia
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Moosavian SP, Rahimlou M, Rezaei Kelishadi M, Moradi S, Jalili C. Effects of almond on cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytother Res 2022; 36:1839-1853. [PMID: 35443097 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
An enhanced risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) still exists even when T2DM patients have tight control on blood sugar. Thus, identification of treatment approaches that address CVD risk factors may be useful for patients beyond the blood sugar management. Although emerging evidence suggests that nuts consumption have beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health, the effects of almond intake in patients with type 2 diabetes are still controversial. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the effect of almond on cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with T2DM through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar to identify relevant RCTs up to March 2021. There was no language and time limitation. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was pooled using a random effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were reported using standard methods. Nine RCTs were included in the final analysis. Almond intake resulted in significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: -5.28 mg/dL; 95% CI, -9.92, -0.64; p = .026) compared with the control group. This lowering effect of LDL-C was robust in subgroups with almond consumption >50 g/day, and baseline LDL-C level <130 mg/dL. However, the effect of almond on total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, weight, body fat, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and CRP was not significant compared with the control group. In summary, the current meta-analysis indicated that almond consumption decreased LDL-C, and had no favorable effect on other cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with T2DM. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the almond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Parisa Moosavian
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehran Rahimlou
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Rezaei Kelishadi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sajjad Moradi
- Nutritional Sciences Department, School of Nutritional Sciences and Food Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Cyrus Jalili
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Guarneiri LL, Paton CM, Cooper JA. Appetite responses to pecan-enriched diets. Appetite 2022; 173:106003. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Xia JY, Yu JH, Xu DF, Yang C, Xia H, Sun GJ. The Effects of Peanuts and Tree Nuts on Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Controlled-Feeding Clinical Studies. Front Nutr 2021; 8:765571. [PMID: 34926548 PMCID: PMC8679310 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.765571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus was found to be associated with metabolic disorders, particularly abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism. Dietary food choices may have profound effects on blood lipids. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effects of peanuts and tree nuts intake on lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: According to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines, we performed a systematic search of randomized controlled clinical trials and systematic reviews published in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane library, from inception through June 2021. Studies in populations with type 2 diabetes, which compare nuts or peanuts to a controlled-diet group were included. We used the mean difference with 95% CIs to present estimates for continuous outcomes from individual studies. In addition, we used the GRADEpro tool to evaluate the overall quality of evidence. Results: Sixteen studies involving 1,041 participants were eligible for this review. The results showed that peanuts and tree nuts supplementation did not induce significant changes in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (mean difference = −0.11; 95%CI: −0.25 – 0.03, p = 0.117) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (mean difference = 0.01; 95%CI: −0.01 – 0.04, p = 0.400) in patients with type 2 diabetics. In addition, we found that peanuts and tree nuts intake may cause a significantly reduction in total cholesterol (TC) (mean difference = −0.14; 95%CI: −0.26 – −0.02, p = 0.024) and triglyceride (TG) (mean difference = −0.10; 95%CI: −0.17 – −0.02, p = 0.010). In the subgroup analysis, a significantly greater reduction in TC was observed in studies which duration was <12 weeks (mean difference = −0.22; 95%CI: −0.37 – −0.08, p = 0.002). The quality of the body of evidence was “moderate” for TC and TG, the quality of evidence for LDL-C and HDL-C were “low.” Conclusion: Our findings suggest that consuming peanuts and tree nuts might be beneficial to lower TC concentration and TG concentration in type 2 diabetics subjects. Furthermore, peanuts and tree nuts supplementation could be considered as a part of a healthy lifestyle in the management of blood lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes. Given some limits observed in the current studies, more well-designed trials are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yue Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun-Hui Yu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Deng-Feng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gui-Ju Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Ojo O, Wang XH, Ojo OO, Adegboye ARA. The Effects of Almonds on Gut Microbiota, Glycometabolism, and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Nutrients 2021; 13:3377. [PMID: 34684378 PMCID: PMC8539485 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of nutritional interventions for managing diabetes is one of the effective strategies aimed at reducing the global prevalence of the condition, which is on the rise. Almonds are the most consumed tree nut and they are known to be rich sources of protein, monounsaturated fatty acids, essential minerals, and dietary fibre. Therefore, the aim of this review was to evaluate the effects of almonds on gut microbiota, glycometabolism, and inflammatory parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA). EBSCOhost, which encompasses the Health Sciences Research Databases; Google Scholar; EMBASE; and the reference lists of articles were searched based on population, intervention, control, outcome, and study (PICOS) framework. Searches were carried out from database inception until 1 August 2021 based on medical subject headings (MesH) and synonyms. The meta-analysis was carried out with the Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 software. RESULTS Nine randomised studies were included in the systematic review and eight were used for the meta-analysis. The results would suggest that almond-based diets have significant effects in promoting the growth of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing gut microbiota. Furthermore, the meta-analysis showed that almond-based diets were effective in significantly lowering (p < 0.05) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and body mass index (BMI) in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, it was also found that the effects of almonds were not significant (p > 0.05) in relation to fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and Tumour necrosis factor α, TNF-α), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and fasting insulin. The biological mechanisms responsible for the outcomes observed in this review in relation to reduction in HbA1c and BMI may be based on the nutrient composition of almonds and the biological effects, including the high fibre content and the low glycaemic index profile. CONCLUSION The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis have shown that almond-based diets may be effective in promoting short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and lowering glycated haemoglobin and body mass index in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with control. However, the effects of almonds were not significant (p > 0.05) with respect to fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and TNF-α), GLP-1, HOMA-IR, and fasting insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omorogieva Ojo
- Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, Avery Hill Campus, Avery Hill Road, London SE9 2UG, UK
| | - Xiao-Hua Wang
- The School of Nursing, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China;
| | - Osarhumwese Osaretin Ojo
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital, Lewisham High Street, London SE13 6LH, UK;
| | - Amanda Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK;
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Dreher ML. A Comprehensive Review of Almond Clinical Trials on Weight Measures, Metabolic Health Biomarkers and Outcomes, and the Gut Microbiota. Nutrients 2021; 13:1968. [PMID: 34201139 PMCID: PMC8229803 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive narrative review of 64 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 14 systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses provides an in-depth analysis of the effect of almonds on weight measures, metabolic health biomarkers and outcomes, and the colonic microbiota, with extensive use of figures and tables. Almonds are a higher energy-dense (ED) food that acts like a lower ED food when consumed. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses of nut RCTs showed that almonds were the only nut that had a small but significant decrease in both mean body mass and fat mass, compared to control diets. The biological mechanisms for almond weight control include enhanced displacement of other foods, decreased macronutrient bioavailability for a lower net metabolizable energy (ME), upregulation of acute signals for reduced hunger, and elevated satiety and increased resting energy expenditure. The intake of 42.5 g/day of almonds significantly lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), 10-year Framingham estimated coronary heart disease (CHD) risk and associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) medical expenditures. Diastolic blood pressure (BP) was modestly but significantly lowered when almonds were consumed at >42.5 g/day or for >6 weeks. Recent RCTs suggest possible emerging health benefits for almonds such as enhanced cognitive performance, improved heart rate variability under mental stress, and reduced rate of facial skin aging from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) B radiation. Eight RCTs show that almonds can support colonic microbiota health by promoting microflora richness and diversity, increasing the ratio of symbiotic to pathogenic microflora, and concentrations of health-promoting colonic bioactives. Almonds are a premier healthy snack for precision nutrition diet plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Dreher
- Nutrition Science Solutions, LLC, 900 S Rainbow Ranch Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676, USA
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