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Avand in vedere faptul ca in Romania ( in particular) si la nivel global ( la modul general) principalele cauze de mortalitate sunt atacul de cord ( la barbati) si accidentul vascular ( la femei), am decis sa va prezint informatiile  esentiale legate de studiile efectuate de catre oamenii de stiinta de pe intreg mapamondul avand ca obiect consumul de miez de nuca si produse derivate din acesta , din frunzele de nuc si din mezocarp( coaja verde) de nuci.

Pentru a intelege cat sunt de importante aceste studii, va voi prezenta  si cateva date statistice oficiale referitoare la numarul de noi cazuri de imbolnavire raportate anual in Romania in perioada 1990-2003 pentru clasa de boli ale aparatului circulator, responsabila de majoritatea deceselor inregistrate:

Sursa: Anuarul Statistic al Romaniei, Editia 2006

Pentru o populatie de aproximativ 22 milioane de locuitori cat areRomania in momentul de fata, este de-a dreptul alarmant ca peste 5 milioane de locuitori sufera de boli ale aparatului circulator. Daca ne uitam ca numarul bolnavilor de aceste boli creste in fiecare an cu peste 600 mii de noi cazuri avem in fata imaginea dezastrului in care se afla starea de sanatate a populatiei Romaniei. Fara a gresi prea mult, obiceiurile alimentare romanesti nu sunt sanatoase  iar consecintele acestor obiceiuri se traduc in sute de mii de decese. Tocmai de aceea consider ca este de importanta deosebita ca fiecare roman sa fie informat  asupra riscurilor la care se suspune de fiecare data cand isi " submineaza" sanatatea de unul singur. Desi nu ne consoleaza, acest fapt nu este carcteristic doar Romaniei. La nivel global bolile aparatului circulator sunt  prima cauza de mortalitate .

Gravitatea situatiei descrise mai sus este recunoscuta oficial de catre autoritatile romane si de catre cele europene. In data de 16 septembrie 2007, cu ocazia deschiderii oficiale a Congresului
Român de Cardiologie a fost semnată Charta Europeană a Sănătăţii Cardiovasculare (European Heart Health Charter) de către ministrul sănătăţii de atunci (E. Nicolăescu), reprezentantul ministrului educaţiei, preşedintele Societăţii Române de Cardiologie (prof. dr. R. Căpâlneanu) şi preşedintele Colegiului medicilor din România (prof. dr. M. Cinteză). Semnarea chartei de către reprezentanţii forurilor guvernamentale reprezintă atât o recunoaştere din partea acestora a impactului bolilor cardiovasculare asupra stării de sănătate a populaţiei, cât şi o promisiune de angajament în combaterea lor alături de
specialişti.  Acest document poate fi citit integral aici.

Nu sunt adeptul teoriei conspirationiste insa nu pot sa nu remarc ca pentru marile concerne farmaceutice un om sanatos nu este profitabil. Pentru ca nu consuma medicamente. Este posibil ca aceste concerne farmaceutice sa isi doreasca sa mentina o stare de morbiditate accentuata in randul  populatiei, pentru a-si mentine profitabilitatea. Poate tocmai de asta responsabilii politici din toate tarile nu isi dau interesul sa protejeze in mod real sanatatea populatiei prin interzicerea producerii si comercializatii acelor produse alimentare si bauturi care submineaza  sanatatea oamenilor de rand. Pentru mine asta inseamna GENOCID si nu cred ca politicienii se pot spala pe maini de responsabilitatea functiei lor invocand " liberul arbitru" si principiile economiei de piata. Pur si simplu acest lucru e inacceptabil.

Daca doriti sa constientizati care este miza financiara la nivel national a consumului de medicamente  destinate ameliorarii ( si nu vindecarii!!!) bolilor aparatului circulator, luati in calcul o suma simbolica de numai 100 de lei/luna pentru fiecare pacient. Rezulta o suma fabuloasa: 648,200,000 lei cheltuiti lunar pentru"ameliorarea" acestor boli. La un curs valutar de 4,18 lei/euro ar rezulta ca aceste cheltuieli insumate in valuta reprezinta peste 155 milioane de euro/luna sau 1,86 miliarde euro/an. Ce se mai poate comenta pe marginea acestor cifre? Nimic!

Intr-un interviu publicat in editia electronica a cotidianului Evenimentul de Iasi, in numarul din data de 16-04-2005, Dr. Alexandrina Petrea, de la cabinetul medical Asclepios din Iaşi, recomanda in caz de hipercolesterolemie o cură cu ulei de nuca de 8-10 zile/lună, cu 2 linguri luate dimineaţa, pe nemîncate. Asta inseamna o doza zilnica de 20-40 grame de ulei de nuca. Efectul benefic este cu mult mai relevant in cazul uleiului de nuca decat in cazul medicatiei alopate, datorita  actiunii sinergetice a uleiului de nuca in cazul unei multitudini de afectiuni ( ale pielii, creierului, vaselor de sange, anti-vermifuge s.a.m.d.). Si daca facem o comparatie din punct de vedere valoric a necesarului de ulei de nuca vs medicatia de" ameliorare" a bolilor aparatului circulator observam ca raportul dintre acestea este de 1:10. Cu alte cuvinte... pe langa beneficiile obtinute ca urmare a efectelor sinergetice ale uleiului de nuca se reduc cheltuielile facute cu medicatia alopata in proportie de 90%. Asta nu inseamna ca medicatia prescrisa de medici poate fi inlocuita imediat si fara efecte adverse, insa e o certitudine ca utilizarea uleiului de nuca  are beneficii cu mult mai mari decat valoarea sa materiala intriseca.

Pe termen mediu si lung, daca se ia in calcul utilizarea produselor derivate din nuc exista perspectiva reducerii considerabile a numarului de cazuri de noi imbolanviri cu boli ale aparatului circulator si nu numai.

Pentru ca dumneavoastra sa puteti evalua cat de benefice sunt efectele consumului de miez de nuca, ulei de nuca, extracte si siropuri din nuci verzi sau de frunze de nuci, mai jos va prezint cateva linkuri catre materiale postate pe internet de catre cercetatori de talie mondiala care si-au oprit atentia asupra acestor produse. In viitorul mai mult sau mai putin indepartat voi posta aceste documente si in limba romana, pentru o mai buna intelegere a lor de catre cei care nu cunosc sau nu stapanesc suficient de bine limba engleza. De asemenea, daca sunteti disponibili si stapaniti suficient de bine limba engleza, va rog sa va aduceti contributia la traducerea si popularizarea acestor materiale despre efectele consumului diferitelor produse rezultate din cultura si exploatarea nucului.

Articole stiintifice despre consumul de produse din nuc:

1. Effects of walnut consumption on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Banel DK, Hu FB.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of nuts has been associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease events and death. Walnuts in particular have a unique profile: they are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may improve blood lipids and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to conduct a literature review and a meta-analysis to combine the results from several trials and to estimate the effect of walnuts on blood lipids. DESIGN: Literature databases were searched for published trials that compared a specifically walnut-enhanced diet with a control diet. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis of weighted mean differences (WMDs) of lipid outcomes. RESULTS: Thirteen studies representing 365 participants were included in the analysis. Diets lasted 4-24 wk with walnuts providing 10-24% of total calories. When compared with control diets, diets supplemented with walnuts resulted in a significantly greater decrease in total cholesterol and in LDL-cholesterol concentrations (total cholesterol: WMD = -10.3 mg/dL, P < 0.001; LDL cholesterol: WMD = -9.2 mg/dL, P < 0.001). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides were not significantly affected by walnut diets more than with control diets (HDL cholesterol: WMD = -0.2, P = 0.8; triglycerides: WMD = -3.9, P = 0.3). Other results reported in the trials indicated that walnuts provided significant benefits for certain antioxidant capacity and inflammatory markers and had no adverse effects on body weight [body mass index (kg/m(2)): WMD = -0.4, P = 0.5; weight (kg): WMD = -0.05, P = 0.97]. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, high-walnut-enriched diets significantly decreased total and LDL cholesterol for the duration of the short-term trials. Larger and longer-term trials are needed to address the effects of walnut consumption on cardiovascular risk and body weight.

PMID: 19458020 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

2, Effects of walnuts on serum lipid levels and blood pressure in normal men.

Sabaté J, Fraser GE, Burke K, Knutsen SF, Bennett H, Lindsted KD.

Center for Health Research, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, CA 92350.

BACKGROUND. In a recent six-year follow-up study, we found that frequent consumption of nuts was associated with a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease. To explore possible explanations for this finding, we studied the effects of nut consumption on serum lipids and blood pressure. METHODS. We randomly placed 18 healthy men on two mixed natural diets, each diet to be followed for four weeks. Both diets conformed to the National Cholesterol Education Program Step 1 diet and contained identical foods and macronutrients, except that 20 percent of the calories of one diet (the walnut diet) were derived from walnuts (offset by lesser amounts of fatty foods, meat, and visible fat [oils, margarine, and butter]). RESULTS. With the reference diet, the mean (+/- SD) serum values for total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were, respectively, 182 +/- 23, 112 +/- 16, and 47 +/- 11 mg per deciliter (4.71 +/- 0.59, 2.90 +/- 0.41, and 1.22 +/- 0.28 mmol per liter). With the walnut diet, the mean total cholesterol level was 22.4 mg per deciliter (0.58 mmol per liter) lower than the mean level with the reference diet (95 percent confidence interval, 28 to 17 mg per deciliter [0.72 to 0.44 mmol per liter]); the LDL and HDL cholesterol levels were, respectively, 18.2 mg per deciliter (0.47 mmol per liter) (P < 0.001) and 2.3 mg per deciliter (0.06 mmol per liter) (P = 0.01) lower. These lower values represented reductions of 12.4, 16.3, and 4.9 percent in the levels of total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, respectively. The ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol was also lowered (P < 0.001) by the walnut diet. Mean blood-pressure values did not change during either dietary period. CONCLUSIONS. Incorporating moderate quantities of walnuts into the recommended cholesterol-lowering diet while maintaining the intake of total dietary fat and calories decreases serum levels of total cholesterol and favorably modifies the lipoprotein profile in normal men. The long-term effects of walnut consumption and the extension of this finding to other population groups deserve further study.

PMID: 8357360 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

3. Effect of Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Walnut on Diet-Induced Hypertriglyceridemia in Mice via Enhancement of Fatty Acid Oxidation in the Liver.

Shimoda H, Tanaka J, Kikuchi M, Fukuda T, Ito H, Hatano T, Yoshida T.

Research and Development Division, Oryza Oil and Fat Chemical Company, Ltd., 1 Numata, Kitagata-cho, Ichinomiya, Aichi 493-8001, Japan; Health Sciences Research and Development Laboratories, POLA Chemical Industries, Inc., 560 Kashio-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, 244-0812, Japan; Department of Pharmacognosy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsushima, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Matsuyama University, 4-2 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama-city, Ehime 790-8578, Japan.

The kernel pellicles of walnut are rich in ellagitannins with antioxidative activity. A polyphenol-rich extract from walnuts (WP, 45% polyphenol) was prepared and evaluated for its hypolipidemic effect in high fat diet fed mice. Oral administration of WP (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced liver weight and liver and serum triglycerides (TG). Hepatic beta-oxidation in cytosol, including peroxisome, was enhanced by WP (50-200 mg/kg). mRNA expressions of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha and acyl coenzyme A oxidase (ACOX) 1 were enhanced by WP (50-200 mg/kg). With respect to the hypotriglyceridemic mechanism of WP, it suppressed neither olive oil induced serum TG elevation in mice nor oleic acid induced TG accumulation in HepG2 cells. On the other hand, mRNA expressions of PPARalpha, ACOX1, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) 1A in HepG2 cells were significantly enhanced by addition of WP (100 mug/mL). Moreover, tellimagrandin I, a polyphenolic constituent in WP, enhanced ACOX1 expression at 1-100 mug/mL. In conclusion, WP was found to possess hypotriglyceridemic activity via enhancement of peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation in the liver. These results suggest that tellimagrandin I is involved in the hypotriglyceridemic mechanism of WP.

PMID: 19256553 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

4.  Walnut polyphenols prevent liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride and d-galactosamine: hepatoprotective hydrolyzable tannins in the kernel pellicles of walnut.

Shimoda H, Tanaka J, Kikuchi M, Fukuda T, Ito H, Hatano T, Yoshida T.

Research & Development Division, Oryza Oil & Fat Chemical Co., Ltd., 1 Numata, Kitagata-cho, Ichinomiya, Aichi 493-8001, Japan.

The polyphenol-rich fraction (WP, 45% polyphenol) prepared from the kernel pellicles of walnuts was assessed for its hepatoprotective effect in mice. A single oral administration of WP (200 mg/kg) significantly suppressed serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) elevation in liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4), while it did not suppress d-galactosamine (GalN)-induced liver injury. In order to identify the active principles in WP, we examined individual constituents for the protective effect on cell damage induced by CCl 4 and d-GalN in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. WP was effective against both CCl 4- and d-GalN-induced hepatocyte damages. Among the constituents, only ellagitannins with a galloylated glucopyranose core, such as tellimagrandins I, II, and rugosin C, suppressed CCl 4-induced hepatocyte damage significantly. Most of the ellagitannins including tellimagrandin I and 2,3- O-hexahydroxydiphenoylglucose exhibited remarkable inhibitory effect against d-GalN-induced damage. Telliamgrandin I especially completely suppressed both CCl 4- and d-GalN-induced cell damage, and thus is likely the principal constituent for the hepatoprotective effect of WP.

PMID: 18494495 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

5. Antioxidative polyphenols from walnuts (Juglans regia L.)

Fukuda T, Ito H, Yoshida T.

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Tsushima, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.

Three hydrolyzable tannins, glansrins A-C, together with adenosine, adenine, and 13 known tannins were isolated from the n-BuOH extract of walnuts (the seeds of Juglans regia L.). Glansrins A-C were characterized as ellagitannins with a tergalloyl group, or related polyphenolic acyl group, based on spectral and chemical evidence. The 14 walnut polyphenols had superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity with EC(50) 21.4-190 microM and a remarkable radical scavenging effect against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (EC(50) 0.34-4.72 microM).

PMID: 12877921 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

6.Two novel dicarboxylic Acid derivatives and a new dimeric hydrolyzable tannin from walnuts.

Ito H, Okuda T, Fukuda T, Hatano T, Yoshida T.

Department of Pharmacognosy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsushima, Okayama 700-8530, Japan. hito@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

In addition to the 16 previously reported polyphenols including 3 new ellagitannins, 2 novel dicarboxylic acid derivatives, glansreginins A (1) and B (2), and a new dimeric hydrolyzable tannin, glansrin D (3), were isolated, together with 15 known compounds from walnuts, the seeds of Juglans regia. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR analyses and chemical data. The antioxidant effect of these isolates was also evaluated by SOD-like and DPPH radical scavenging activities.

PMID: 17263459 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

7. Maintaining a physiological blood glucose level with 'glucolevel', a combination of four anti-diabetes plants used in the traditional arab herbal medicine.

Said O, Fulder S, Khalil K, Azaizeh H, Kassis E, Saad B.

Research and Development Regional Center - The Galilee Society, PO Box 2205, Kfar Kana 16930, Israel. omar@al-antaki.com, osaid@gal-soc.org.

Safety and anti-diabetic effects of Glucolevel, a mixture of dry extract of leaves of the Juglans regia L, Olea europea L, Urtica dioica L and Atriplex halimus L were evaluated using in vivo and in vitro test systems. No sign of toxic effects (using LDH assay) were seen in cultured human fibroblasts treated with increasing concentrations of Glucolevel. Similar observations were seen in vivo studies using rats (LD50: 25 g/kg). Anti-diabetic effects were evidenced by the augmentation of glucose uptake by yeast cells (2-folds higher) and by inhibition of glucose intestinal absorption ( approximately 49%) in a rat gut-segment. Furthermore, treatment with Glucolevel of Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 2-3 weeks showed a significant reduction in glucose levels [above 400 +/- 50 mg/dl to 210 +/- 22 mg/dl (P < 0.001)] and significantly improved sugar uptake during the glucose tolerance test, compared with positive control. In addition, glucose levels were tested in sixteen human volunteers, with the recent onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus, who received Glucolevel tablets 1 x 3 daily for a period of 4 weeks. Within the first week of Glucolevel consumption, baseline glucose levels were significantly reduced from 290 +/- 40 to 210 +/- 20 mg/dl. At baseline, a subgroup of eleven of these subjects had glucose levels below 300 mg% and the other subgroup had levels >/= 300 mg%. Clinically acceptable glucose levels were achieved during the 2-3 weeks of therapy in the former subgroup and during the 4th week of therapy in the latter subgroup. No side effect was reported. In addition, a significant reduction in hemoglobin A1C values (8.2 +/- 1.03 to 6.9 +/- 0.94) was found in six patients treated with Glucolevel. Results demonstrate safety, tolerability and efficacy of herbal combinations of four plants that seem to act differently but synergistically to regulate glucose-homeostasis.

PMID: 18955212 [PubMed - in process]

PMCID: PMC2586306

8.The effects of nuts on coronary heart disease risk.

Kris-Etherton PM, Zhao G, Binkoski AE, Coval SM, Etherton TD.

Department of Nutrition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA.

Epidemiologic studies have consistently demonstrated beneficial effects of nut consumption on coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality in different population groups. Clinical studies have reported total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering effects of heart-healthy diets that contain various nuts or legume peanuts. It is evident that the favorable fatty acid profile of nuts (high in unsaturated fatty acids and low in saturated fatty acids) contributes to cholesterol lowering and, hence, CHD risk reduction. Dietary fiber and other bioactive constituents in nuts may confer additional cardioprotective effects.

PMID: 11368503 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

9. Alpha-linolenic acid content of commonly available nuts in Hangzhou.

Hu FB, Stampfer MJ.

Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Traditionally nuts have been perceived as an unhealthy food because of their high fat content. However, recent accumulative evidence suggests that frequent consumption of nuts may be protective against coronary heart disease (CHD). So far, five large prospective cohort studies (the Adventist Health Study, the Iowa Women Health Study, the Nurses' Health Study, the Physicians' Health Study, and the CARE Study) have examined the relation between nut consumption and the risk of CHD and all have found an inverse association. In addition, several clinical studies have observed beneficial effects of diets high in nuts (including walnuts, peanuts, almonds, and other nuts) on blood lipids. The beneficial effects of nut consumption observed in clinical and epidemiologic studies underscore the importance of distinguishing different types of fat. Most fats in nuts are mono- and polyunsaturated fats that lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Based on the data from the Nurses' Health Study, we estimated that substitution of the fat from 1 ounce of nuts for equivalent energy from carbohydrate in an average diet was associated with a 30% reduction in CHD risk and the substitution of nut fat for saturated fat was associated with 45% reduction in risk. Given the strong scientific evidence for the beneficial effects of nuts, it seems justifiable to move nuts to a more prominent place in the United States Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid. Regular nut consumption can be recommended in the context of a healthy and balanced diet.

PMID: 11122711 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

10. Fatty acid profile, tocopherol, squalene and phytosterol content of walnuts, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and the macadamia nut.

Maguire LS, O'Sullivan SM, Galvin K, O'Connor TP, O'Brien NM

Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland.

Nuts are high in fat but have a fatty acid profile that may be beneficial in relation to risk of coronary heart disease. Nuts also contain other potentially cardioprotective constituents including phytosterols, tocopherols and squalene. In the present study, the total oil content, peroxide value, composition of fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols and squalene content were determined in the oil extracted from freshly ground walnuts, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and the macadamia nut. The total oil content of the nuts ranged from 37.9 to 59.2%, while the peroxide values ranged from 0.19 to 0.43 meq O2/kg oil. The main monounsaturated fatty acid was oleic acid (C18:1) with substantial levels of palmitoleic acid (C16:1) present in the macadamia nut. The main polyunsaturated fatty acids present were linoleic acid (C18:2) and linolenic acid (C18:3). alpha-Tocopherol was the most prevalent tocopherol except in walnuts. The levels of squalene detected ranged from 9.4 to 186.4 microg/g. beta-Sitosterol was the most abundant sterol, ranging in concentration from 991.2 to 2071.7 microg/g oil. Campesterol and stigmasterol were also present in significant concentrations. Our data indicate that all five nuts are a good source of monounsaturated fatty acid, tocopherols, squalene and phytosterols.

PMID: 15223592 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 11. The scientific evidence for a beneficial health relationship between walnuts and coronary heart disease.

Feldman EB.

Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA.

The author and four independent experts evaluated the intent and quality of scientific evidence for a potential beneficial health relationship between the intake of walnuts and the reduction and prevention of coronary heart disease. The report also addresses the supporting evidence for the health benefit of other tree nuts and selected legumes. Compared to most other nuts, which contain monounsaturated fatty acids, walnuts are unique because they are rich in n-6 (linoleate) and n-3 (linolenate) polyunsaturated fatty acids. Walnuts contain multiple health-beneficial components, such as having a low lysine:arginine ratio and high levels of arginine, folate, fiber, tannins, and polyphenols. Though walnuts are energy rich, clinical dietary intervention studies show that walnut consumption does not cause a net gain in body weight when eaten as a replacement food. Five controlled, peer-reviewed, human clinical walnut intervention trials, involving approximately 200 subjects representative of the 51% of the adult population in the United States at risk of coronary heart disease were reviewed. The intervention trials consistently demonstrated walnuts as part of a heart-healthy diet, lower blood cholesterol concentrations. None of these studies were of extended duration that would be essential for evaluation of the sustainability of the observed outcomes. These results were supported by several large prospective observational studies in humans, all demonstrating a dose response-related inverse association of the relative risk of coronary heart disease with the frequent daily consumption of small amounts of nuts, including walnuts.

PMID: 11983840 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

12.Fatty acid composition of nuts--implications for cardiovascular health.

Ros E, Mataix J.

Unitat de Lípids, Sevei d'Endocrinologia i Nutrició, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain. eros@clinic.ub.es

It is well established that, due to their high content of saturated fatty acids (SFA), the intake of meat and meat products is strongly associated with elevated blood cholesterol concentrations and an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Conversely, the intake of foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as those contained in most vegetable fats and oils and oily fish, is associated with improved lipid profiles, a lower potency of intermediate biomarkers of atherosclerosis and lesser incidence of cardiovascular diseases. There are persuasive evidences that dietary substitution of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for SFA lowers blood cholesterol and may have beneficial effects on inflammation, thrombosis, and vascular reactivity. MUFA may have an advantage over PUFA because enrichment of lipoprotein lipids with MUFA increases their resistance to oxidation. Marine n-3 PUFA have a number of anti-atherosclerotic effects, including anti-arrhythmic properties and, at relatively high doses, reduce serum triglycerides. These effects appear to be shared in part by vegetable n-3 PUFA. Nuts are natural foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids; most nuts contain substantial amounts of MUFA, while walnuts are especially rich in both n-6 and n-3 PUFA. Healthy fats in nuts contribute to the beneficial effects of frequent nut intake observed in epidemiological studies (prevention of coronary heart disease, diabetes, and sudden death) and in short-term feeding trials (cholesterol lowering, LDL resistance to oxidation, and improved endothelial function).

PMID: 17125530 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

13. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Bucher HC, Hengstler P, Schindler C, Meier G.

Institut für Klinische Epidemiologie, Kantonsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.

PURPOSE: Observational studies have shown an inconsistent association between n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the risk of coronary heart disease. We investigated the effects of dietary and non-dietary (supplemental) intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on coronary heart disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We searched the literature to identify randomized controlled trials that compared dietary or non-dietary intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with a control diet or placebo in patients with coronary heart disease. Studies had to have at least 6 months of follow-up data, and to have reported clinical endpoint data. We identified 11 trials, published between 1966 and 1999, which included 7951 patients in the intervention and 7855 patients in the control groups. RESULTS: The risk ratio of nonfatal myocardial infarction in patients who were on n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-enriched diets compared with control diets or placebo was 0.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.5 to 1.2, P = 0.16; Breslow-Day test for heterogeneity, P = 0.01), and the risk ratio of fatal myocardial infarction was 0.7 (95% CI: 0.6 to 0.8, P <0.001; heterogeneity P >0.20). In 5 trials, sudden death was associated with a risk ratio of 0.7 (95% CI: 0.6 to 0.9, P <0.01; heterogeneity P >0.20), whereas the risk ratio of overall mortality was 0.8 (95% CI: 0.7 to 0.9, P <0.001; heterogeneity P >0.20). There was no difference in summary estimates between dietary and non-dietary interventions of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for all endpoints. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that dietary and non-dietary intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces overall mortality, mortality due to myocardial infarction, and sudden death in patients with coronary heart disease.

PMID: 11893369 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

14. Acute effects of three high-fat meals with different fat saturations on energy expenditure, substrate oxidation and satiety.

Casas-Agustench P, López-Uriarte P, Bulló M, Ros E, Gómez-Flores A, Salas-Salvadó J.

Human Nutrition Unit, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To compare the acute effects of three fatty meals with different fat quality on postprandial thermogenesis, substrate oxidation and satiety. METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy men aged between 18 and 30 years participated in a randomised crossover trial comparing the thermogenic effects of three isocaloric meals: high in polyunsaturated fatty acids from walnuts, high in monounsaturated fatty acids from olive oil, and high in saturated fatty acids from fat-rich dairy products. Indirect calorimetry was used to determine resting metabolic rate, respiratory quotient, 5-h postprandial energy expenditure and substrate oxidation. Satiety was estimated by using visual analogue scales and measuring caloric intake in a subsequent ad libitum meal. RESULTS: Five-h postprandial thermogenesis was higher by 28% after the high-polyunsaturated meal (p=0.039) and by 23% higher after the high-monounsaturated meal (p=0.035) compared with the high-saturated meal. Fat oxidation rates increased nonsignificantly after the two meals rich in unsaturated fatty acids and decreased nonsignificantly after the high-saturated fatty acid meal. Postprandial respiratory quotient, protein and carbohydrate oxidation, and satiety measures were similar among meals. CONCLUSIONS: Fat quality determined the thermogenic response to a fatty meal but had no clear effects on substrate oxidation or satiety.

PMID: 19010571 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 15. The effect of dietary oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids on fat oxidation and energy expenditure in healthy men.

Jones PJ, Jew S, AbuMweis S.

Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Québec, Canada H9X 3V9. peter_jones@umanitoba.ca

Studies have shown that the long chain fatty acid composition of a dietary fat influences whether it will be partitioned for either energy or storage. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of 3 oils differing in fatty acid composition on postprandial energy expenditure and macronutrient oxidation in healthy normal-weight men. Using a randomized crossover design, 15 subjects consumed breakfast meals containing 60% of energy as fat. The principal source of fat was (a) olive oil rich in oleic acid (18:1n-9), (b) sunflower oil rich in linoleic acid (18:2n-6), or (c) flaxseed oil rich in linolenic acid (18:3n-3). Measurements of resting metabolic rate, thermic effect of food, and postprandial energy expenditure were conducted with indirect calorimetry that recorded O(2) consumed and CO(2) produced one-half hour before meal consumption and 6 hours after meal consumption. Fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates were calculated from nonprotein gaseous exchange. Olive oil feeding showed a significant overall increase in energy expenditure compared with flaxseed oil (P < .0006) and a trend to increased energy expenditure compared with sunflower oil (P < .06). None of the 3 treatments exhibited significant effects on fat or carbohydrate oxidation. In conclusion, diets rich in oleic acid derived from olive oil may offer increased oxidation translating into increased energy expenditure postprandially.

PMID: 18702944 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

 

16. Olive oil and walnut breakfasts reduce the postprandial inflammatory response in mononuclear cells compared with a butter breakfast in healthy men.

Jiménez-Gómez Y, López-Miranda J, Blanco-Colio LM, Marín C, Pérez-Martínez P, Ruano J, Paniagua JA, Rodríguez F, Egido J, Pérez-Jiménez F.

The Lipids and Arteriosclerosis Unit, Reina Sofía University Hospital, University of Córdoba, CIBER de Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutricion (CIBEROBN), Avenida Menéndez Pidal s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is crucial in all stages of atherosclerosis, and few studies have investigated the effect of dietary fat on markers of inflammation related to this disease during the postprandial period. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the chronic effects of dietary fat on the postprandial expression of proinflammatory genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in healthy subjects. DESIGN: 20 healthy men followed three different diets for 4 weeks each, according to a randomized crossover design: Western diet: 15% protein, 47% carbohydrates (CHO), 38% fat (22% saturated fatty acid (SFA)); Mediterranean diet: 15% protein, 47% CHO, 38% fat (24% monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)); CHO-rich and n-3 diet: 15% protein, 55% CHO, <30% fat (8% polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)). After 12-h fast, volunteers were given a breakfast with a fat composition similar to that consumed in each of the diets-butter breakfast: 35% SFA; olive oil breakfast: 36% MUFA; walnut breakfast: 16% PUFA, 4% alpha-linolenic acid (LNA). RESULTS: The butter breakfast induced a higher increase in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha messenger RNA (mRNA) expression than the olive oil or walnut breakfasts (P=0.014) in PBMCs. Moreover, we found a higher postprandial response in the mRNA of interleukin (IL)-6 with the intake of butter and olive oil breakfasts than with the walnut breakfast (P=0.025) in these cells. However, the effects of the three fatty breakfasts on the plasma concentrations of these proinflammatory parameters showed no significant differences (P=N.S.). CONCLUSION: Consumption of a butter-enriched meal elicits greater postprandial expression of proinflammatory cytokine mRNA in PBMCs, compared to the olive oil and walnut breakfasts.

PMID: 18952211 [PubMed - in process]

 

17. Butter and walnuts, but not olive oil, elicit postprandial activation of nuclear transcription factor kappaB in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy men

Bellido C, López-Miranda J, Blanco-Colio LM, Pérez-Martínez P, Muriana FJ, Martín-Ventura JL, Marín C, Gómez P, Fuentes F, Egido J, Pérez-Jiménez F.

Lipids and Arteriosclerosis Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Nuclear transcription factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) plays an important role in atherosclerosis by modulating gene expression. Postprandial lipemia has been correlated with an increase in NF-kappaB activation in vascular cells and it is associated with an increase in postprandial triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins, which are involved in the development of atherosclerotic plaque. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the intakes of 3 different foods with different fat compositions on the postprandial activation of monocyte NF-kappaB. DESIGN: Eight healthy men followed a 4-wk baseline diet and then consumed 3 fat-load meals consisting of 1 g fat/kg body wt (65% fat) according to a randomized crossover design. Each meal had a different fatty acid composition, and the consumption of each meal was separated by 1 wk. The compositions of the 3 test meals were as follows: olive oil meal [22% saturated fatty acids (SFAs), 38% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), 4% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and 0.7% alpha-linolenic acid], butter meal (38% SFAs, 22% MUFAs, 4% PUFAs, and 0.7% alpha-linolenic acid), and walnut meal (20% SFAs, 24% MUFAs, 16% PUFAs, and 4% alpha-linolenic acid). RESULTS: Ingestion of the olive oil meal did not elicit NF-kappaB activation compared with ingestion of either the butter meal at 3 h (P <0.05) or the walnut meal at 9 h (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the postprandial triacylglycerol response between the 3 meals. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of an olive oil-enriched meal does not activate NF-kappaB in monocytes as do butter and walnut-enriched meals. This effect could enhance the cardioprotective effect of olive oil-enriched diets.

PMID: 15585759 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

18.Acute effects of high-fat meals enriched with walnuts or olive oil on postprandial endothelial function.

Cortés B, Núñez I, Cofán M, Gilabert R, Pérez-Heras A, Casals E, Deulofeu R, Ros E.

Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate whether the addition of walnuts or olive oil to a fatty meal have differential effects on postprandial vasoactivity, lipoproteins, markers of oxidation and endothelial activation, and plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). BACKGROUND: Compared with a Mediterranean diet, a walnut diet has been shown to improve endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic patients. We hypothesized that walnuts would reverse postprandial endothelial dysfunction associated with consumption of a fatty meal. METHODS: We randomized in a crossover design 12 healthy subjects and 12 patients with hypercholesterolemia to 2 high-fat meal sequences to which 25 g olive oil or 40 g walnuts had been added. Both test meals contained 80 g fat and 35% saturated fatty acids, and consumption of each meal was separated by 1 week. Venipunctures and ultrasound measurements of brachial artery endothelial function were performed after fasting and 4 h after test meals. RESULTS: In both study groups, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was worse after the olive oil meal than after the walnut meal (p = 0.006, time-period interaction). Fasting, but not postprandial, triglyceride concentrations correlated inversely with FMD (r = -0.324; p = 0.024). Flow-independent dilation and plasma ADMA concentrations were unchanged, and the concentration of oxidized low-density lipoproteins decreased (p = 0.051) after either meal. The plasma concentrations of soluble inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules decreased (p < 0.01) independently of meal type, except for E-selectin, which decreased more (p = 0.033) after the walnut meal. CONCLUSIONS: Adding walnuts to a high-fat meal acutely improves FMD independently of changes in oxidation, inflammation, or ADMA. Both walnuts and olive oil preserve the protective phenotype of endothelial cells.

PMID: 17045905 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

19.Determination of sterol and fatty acid compositions, oxidative stability, and nutritional value of six walnut (Juglans regia L.) cultivars grown in Portugal.

Amaral JS, Casal S, Pereira JA, Seabra RM, Oliveira BP.

REQUIMTE, Serviços de Farmacognosia and Bromatologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R Aníbal Cunha 164, 4050-047 Porto, Portugal.

Six cultivars (Franquette, Marbot, Mayette, Mellanaise, Lara, and Parisienne) of walnuts (Juglans regia L.) were collected during the 2001 crop, from Bragança, Portugal. Chemical composition, including moisture, total oil content, crude protein, ash, carbohydrates, and nutritional value, was evaluated. Fat was the predominant component, ranging from 62.3 to 66.5%. Total oil was extracted and analyzed for fatty acids, sterols, oxidative stability, and peroxide value. Fatty acids and sterols were determined by gas-liquid chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector. Eighteen fatty acids were quantified. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and, in particular, linoleic acid were predominant. Beta-Sitosterol, delta(5)-avenasterol, and campesterol were the major sterols found. Differences were observed among the studied cultivars, especially in peroxide values and in the sterol profile.

PMID: 14664531 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

20. Bioactive properties and chemical composition of six walnut (Juglans regia L.) cultivars.

Pereira JA, Oliveira I, Sousa A, Ferreira IC, Bento A, Estevinho L.

CIMO/Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus Sta Apolónia, Apartado 1 172, 5301-855 Bragança, Portugal. jpereira@ipb.pt

The chemical composition, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity were studied in six walnuts (Juglans regia L.) cultivars (cv. Franquette, Lara, Marbot, Mayette, Mellanaise and Parisienne) produced in Portugal. Concerning their chemical composition the main constituent of fruits was fat ranging from 78.83% to 82.14%, being the nutritional value around 720kcal per 100g of fruits. Linoleic acid was the major fatty acid reaching the maximum value of 60.30% (cv. Lara) followed by oleic, linolenic and palmitic acids. The aqueous extracts of walnut cultivars were investigated by the reducing power assay, the scavenging effect on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals and beta-carotene linoleate model system. All the walnut extracts exhibited antioxidant capacity in a concentration-dependent manner being the lowest EC(50) values obtained with extracts of cv. Parisienne. Their antimicrobial capacity was also checked against gram positive (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and fungi (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans), revealing activity against the different tested microorganisms.

PMID: 18334279 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

21.Vitamin E composition of walnuts (Juglans regia L.): a 3-year comparative study of different cultivars.

Amaral JS, Alves MR, Seabra RM, Oliveira BP.

REQUIMTE, Serviços de Farmacognosia and Bromatologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.

The tocopherol and tocotrienol composition of walnuts (Juglans regia L.) was determined for nine cultivars (cvs. Arco, Franquette, Hartley, Lara, Marbot, Mayette, Mellanaise, Parisienne, and Rego). Walnuts were harvested over three consecutive years from two different geographical origins (Bragança and Coimbra, Portugal), for a total of 26 samples. The methodology employed was a normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a series arrangement of a diode array detector followed by a fluorescence detector, allowing the simultaneous analysis of all tocopherols and tocotrienols. The analyses showed that all samples presented a similar qualitative profile composed of five compounds: alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, and gamma-tocotrienol. gamma-Tocopherol was the major compound in all samples, ranging from 172.6 to 262.0 mg/kg, followed by alpha- and delta-tocopherols, ranging from 8.7 to 16.6 mg/kg and from 8.2 to 16.9 mg/kg, respectively. Multivariate analysis of the data obtained showed the existence of significant differences in composition among cultivars. These differences were also significant when cultivars were grouped by year of production, showing that besides genetic factors, the vitamin E composition was influenced by environmental factors.

PMID: 15969535 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

22. Walnut (Juglans regia L.) leaves: phenolic compounds, antibacterial activity and antioxidant potential of different cultivars.

Pereira JA, Oliveira I, Sousa A, Valentão P, Andrade PB, Ferreira IC, Ferreres F, Bento A, Seabra R, Estevinho L.

CIMO/Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus Sta Apolónia, Apt. 1172, 5301-855 Bragança, Portugal. jpereira@ipb.pt

Different cultivars of walnut (Juglans regia L.) leaves (Cv. Lara, Franquette, Mayette, Marbot, Mellanaise and Parisienne) grown in Portugal, were investigated in what concerns phenolic compounds and antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Phenolics analysis was performed by reversed-phase HPLC/DAD and 10 compounds were identified and quantified: 3- and 5-caffeoylquinic acids, 3- and 4-p-coumaroylquinic acids, p-coumaric acid, quercetin 3-galactoside, quercetin 3-pentoside derivative, quercetin 3-arabinoside, quercetin 3-xyloside and quercetin 3-rhamnoside. The antimicrobial capacity was screened against Gram positive (Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and fungi (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans). Walnut leaves selectively inhibited the growth of Gram positive bacteria, being B. cereus the most susceptible one (MIC 0.1mg/mL). Gram negative bacteria and fungi were resistant to the extracts at 100mg/mL. Lara walnut leaves were also submitted to antibacterial assays using 18 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus sp. Antioxidant activity was accessed by the reducing power assay, the scavenging effect on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals and beta-carotene linoleate model system. In a general way, all of the studied walnut leaves cultivars presented high antioxidant activity (EC(50) values lower than 1mg/mL), being Cv. Lara the most effective one.

PMID: 17637491 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

23.Total phenols, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of walnut (Juglans regia L.) green husks.

Oliveira I, Sousa A, Ferreira IC, Bento A, Estevinho L, Pereira JA.

CIMO/Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus Sta Apolónia, Apartado 1 172, 5301-855 Bragança, Portugal.

The total phenols content and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were studied in walnut (Juglans regia L.) green husks aqueous extracts of five different cultivars (Franquette, Mayette, Marbot, Mellanaise and Parisienne). Total phenols content was determined by colorimetric assay and their amount ranged from 32.61 mg/g of GAE (cv. Mellanaise) to 74.08 mg/g of GAE t (cv. Franquette). The antioxidant capacity of aqueous extracts was assessed through reducing power assay, scavenging effects on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals and beta-carotene linoleate model system. A concentration-dependent antioxidative capacity was verified in reducing power and DPPH assays, with EC50 values lower than 1 mg/mL for all the tested extracts. The antimicrobial capacity was screened against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, and fungi. All the extracts inhibited the growth of Gram positive bacteria, being Staphylococcus aureus the most susceptible one with MIC of 0.1 mg/mL for all the extracts. The results obtained indicate that walnut green husks may become important in the obtainment of a noticeable source of compounds with health protective potential and antimicrobial activity.

PMID: 18448225 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

24. Triacylglycerol composition of walnut (Juglans regia L.) cultivars: characterization by HPLC-ELSD and chemometrics.

Amaral JS, Cunha SC, Alves MR, Pereira JA, Seabra RM, Oliveira BP.

REQUIMTE, Serviços de Farmacognosia and Bromatologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Aníbal Cunha 164, 4050-047 Porto, Portugal. jamaral@ipb.pt

A total of 26 walnut (Juglans regia L.) samples from 9 cultivars (Arco, Franquette, Hartley, Lara, Marbot, Mayette, Mellanaise, Parisienne, and Rego) harvested in the 2001, 2002, and 2003 crop years and grown in two geographical origins (Braganca and Coimbra, Portugal) were evaluated with regard to their triacylglycerol composition. The methodology employed was reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to an evaporative light-scattering detector (RP-HPLC-ELSD) after extraction of the lipidic fraction of the nuts. Nine compounds were separated, identified, and quantified. All samples presented an identical qualitative profile composed by LLnLn, LLLn, LLL, OLLn, OLL, PLL, OOL, and PLO (P = palmitoyl; O = oleoyl; L = linoleoyl; Ln = linonenoyl). Trilinolein (LLL) was the major triglyceride, followed by dilinoeoyl-oleoyl-glycerol (OLL) and dilinoleoyl-linolenoyl-glycerol (LLLn), with mean values of 37.7, 18.5, and 18.4%, respectively. Significant differences in composition were found between cultivars, and these differences were also significant when cultivars were grouped by year of production, showing that besides genetic factors, the triacylglycerol composition can be strongly influenced by environmental factors.

PMID: 15612783 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

25. Suppression of implanted MDA-MB 231 human breast cancer growth in nude mice by dietary walnut.

Hardman WE, Ion G.

Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, West Virginia 25755, USA. hardmanw@marshall.edu

Walnuts contain components that may slow cancer growth including omega 3 fatty acids, phytosterols, polyphenols, carotenoids, and melatonin. A pilot study was performed to determine whether consumption of walnuts could affect growth of MDA-MB 231 human breast cancers implanted into nude mice. Tumor cells were injected into nude mice that were consuming an AIN-76A diet slightly modified to contain 10% corn oil. After the tumors reached 3 to 5 mm diameter, the diet of one group of mice was changed to include ground walnuts, equivalent to 56 g (2 oz) per day in humans. The tumor growth rate from Day 10, when tumor sizes began to diverge, until the end of the study of the group that consumed walnuts (2.9 +/- 1.1 mm(3)/day; mean +/- standard error of the mean) was significantly less (P > 0.05, t-test of the growth rates) than that of the group that did not consume walnuts (14.6 +/- 1.3 mm(3)/day). The eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid fractions of the livers of the group that consumed walnuts were significantly higher than that of the group that did not consume walnuts. Tumor cell proliferation was decreased, but apoptosis was not altered due to walnut consumption. Further work is merited to investigate applications to cancer in humans.

PMID: 18791931 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

26.Removal of oil by walnut shell media.

Srinivasan A, Viraraghavan T.

Faculty of Engineering, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada S4S 0A2.

Studies were conducted to evaluate the oil sorption capacities of walnut shell media. Sorption capacity is the weight of oil picked up by unit weight of a sorbent. Initial oil pick-up by walnut shell media on pure oil and oil on aqueous medium was evaluated. Batch kinetic studies were conducted to evaluate the equilibrium time required by walnut shell media for sorbing oil. For pure oil medium, sorption capacities of 0.30g/g, 0.51g/g and 0.58g/g were obtained for standard mineral oil, vegetable oil and DoALL Bright-Edge oil, respectively. The results showed sorption capacities of 0.56g/g, 0.58g/g and 0.74g/g for standard mineral oil, vegetable oil and DoALL Bright-Edge oil, respectively, for oil on aqueous medium. It was found that sorbed oil could be recovered from walnut shell media by applying pressure. The study showed that walnut shell media can be used as a sorbent for oil removal.

PMID: 18499447 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

27. Oxidative stability of tree nut oils.

Miraliakbari H, Shahidi F.

Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.

The oxidative stability of selected tree nut oils was examined. The oils of almond, Brazil nut, hazelnut, pecan, pine nut, pistachio, and walnut were extracted using two solvent extraction systems, namely, hexane and chloroform/methanol. The chloroform/methanol system afforded a higher oil yield for each tree nut type examined (pine nut had the highest oil content, whereas almond had the lowest). The fatty acid compositions of tree nut oils were analyzed using gas chromatography, showing that oleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in all samples except pine nut and walnut oils, which contained high amounts of linoleic acid. The tocopherol compositions were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography, showing that alpha- and gamma-tocopherols were the predominant tocopherol homologues present; however delta- and beta-tocopherols were also detected in some samples. The oxidative stability of nonstripped and stripped tree nut oils was examined under two conditions, namely, accelerated autoxidation and photooxidation. Progression of oxidation was monitored using tests for conjugated dienes, peroxide value, p-anisidine value, and headspace volatiles. Primary products of oxidation persisted in the earlier stages of oxidation, whereas secondary oxidation product levels increased dramatically during the later stages of oxidation. Hexanal was the major headspace aldehyde formed in all oxidized samples except walnut oil, which contained primarily propanal. Results showed that chloroform/methanol-extracted oils were more stable than hexane-extracted oils in both the accelerated autoxidation and photooxidation studies. Oils of pecan and pistachio were the most stable, whereas oils of pine nut and walnut were the least stable.

PMID: 18494484 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

28.Walnuts reduce aortic ET-1 mRNA levels in hamsters fed a high-fat, atherogenic diet.

Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. padavis@ucdavis.edu

Walnut consumption is associated with reduced coronary vascular disease (CVD) risk; however, the mechanisms responsible remain incompletely understood. Recent clinical studies suggested that these mechanisms involve non-plasma lipid-related effects on endothelial function. Male Golden Syrian hamsters (12 groups, n=10-15) were fed for 26 wk atherosclerotic, high-fat, hyperlipidemic diets with increasing concentrations of whole walnuts (61-150 g/kg diet), or alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T, 8.1-81 mg/kg diet) and single diets with either walnut oil (32 g/kg diet) or pure gamma-tocopherol (gamma-T; 81 mg/kg diet) added. Aortic endothelin 1 (ET-1), an important endothelial regulator, was assayed as mRNA. Aortic cholesterol ester (CE) concentration along with other vascular stress markers (Cu/Zn and Mn superoxide dismutase, biliverdin reductase) and plasma lipid concentrations were determined. Hyperlipidemia (plasma LDL cholesterol approximately 6 times normal) occurred in all groups. Aortic CE concentration, a measure of atherosclerotic plaque, was highest in the lowest alpha-T only group and declined significantly with increasing alpha-T. The aortic CE of all walnut groups was decreased significantly relative to the lowest alpha-T only group but showed no dose response. The diets did not produce changes in the other vascular stress markers, whereas aortic ET-1 mRNA levels declined dramatically with increasing dietary walnuts (to a 75% reduction in the highest walnut content group compared with the lowest alpha-T group) but were unaltered in the alpha-T groups or gamma-T group. The study results are consistent with those of human walnut feeding studies and suggest that the mechanisms underlying those results are mediated in part by ET-1-dependent mechanisms. The contrasting results between the alpha-tocopherol or gamma-tocopherol diets and the walnut diets also make it unlikely that the non-plasma lipid-related CVD effects of walnuts are due to their alpha-tocopherol or gamma-tocopherol content. Finally, the results indicate that the walnut fat compartment is a likely location for the components responsible for the reduced aortic CE concentration.

PMID: 16424123 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

29.Walnuts and fatty fish influence different serum lipid fractions in normal to mildly hyperlipidemic individuals: a randomized controlled study.

Rajaram S, Haddad EH, Mejia A, Sabaté J.

Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.

BACKGROUND: Increased consumption of n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids decreases the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine whether walnuts (plant n-3 fatty acid) and fatty fish (marine n-3 fatty acid) have similar effects on serum lipid markers at intakes recommended for primary prevention of CHD. DESIGN: In a randomized crossover feeding trial, 25 normal to mildly hyperlipidemic adults consumed 3 isoenergetic diets ( approximately 30% total fat and <10% saturated fat) for 4 wk each: a control diet (no nuts or fish), a walnut diet (42.5 g walnuts/10.1 mJ), or a fish diet (113 g salmon, twice/wk). Fasting blood was drawn at baseline and at the end of each diet period and analyzed for serum lipids. RESULTS: Serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations in adults who followed the walnut diet (4.87 +/- 0.18 and 2.77 +/- 0.15 mmol/L, respectively) were lower than in those who followed the control diet (5.14 +/- 0.18 and 3.06 +/- 0.15 mmol/L, respectively) and those who followed the fish diet (5.33 +/- 0.18 and 3.2 +/- 0.15 mmol/L, respectively; P < 0.0001). The fish diet resulted in decreased serum triglyceride and increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations (1.0 +/- 0.11 and 1.23 +/- 0.05 mmol/L, respectively) compared with the control diet (1.12 +/- 0.11 and 1.19 +/- 0.05 mmol/L, respectively) and the walnut diet (1.11 +/- 0.11 mmol/L, P < 0.05, and 1.18 +/- 0.05 mmol/L, P < 0.001, respectively). The ratios of total cholesterol:HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol:HDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B:apolipoprotein A-I were lower (P < 0.05) in those who followed the walnut diet compared with those who followed the control and fish diets. CONCLUSION:Including walnuts and fatty fish in a healthy diet lowered serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, respectively, which affects CHD risk favorably.

PMID: 19339404 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

30. Effect of increasing the omega-3 fatty acid in the diets of animals on the animal products consumed by humans

Bourre JM.

INSERM U.705, CNRS UMR 7157, 200 rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75745 Paris Cedex 10, France. jean-marie.bourre@fwidal.inserm.fr

As shown by huge amount of assays in human as well as in animal models, w-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids play important role in the development and maintenance of different organs, primarily the brain, and could be useful in the prevention of different pathologies, mainly the cardiovascular diseases, and, as proposed recently, some psychiatric, dermatological or rheumatological disorders. For ALA, the major and cheapest source for human is rapeseed oil (canola oil), and walnut "noix de Grenoble" oil). The actual goal is first to identify which foods are naturally rich in w-3 fatty acids, and, second, to determine the true impact of the formulations (enriched in w-3 fatty acids) in chows used on farms and breeding centres on the nutritional value of the products and thus their effect on the health of consumers, thanks to quantities of either ALA, or EPA or DHA or both. This concern fish (in proportion of their lipid content, mainly mackerel, salmon, sardine and herring), eggs (wildly naturally rich in w-3 fatty acids, both ALA and DHA, or from laying hen fed ALA from linseed or rapeseed), meat from birds, mammals (from the highest concentration : rabbit, then pig and monogastrics, then polygastrics such as beef, mutton and goat) \; in butter, milk, dairy products, cheese (all naturally poor in w-3 fatty acids)... Indeed, the nature of fatty acids of reserve triglycerides (found in more or less large amounts depending on the anatomical localisation, that is to say the butcher's cuts) can vary mainly as a function of the food received by the animal. EPA and DHA are mainly present in animal's products. The impact (qualitative and quantitative) of alterations in the lipid composition of animal foods on the nutritional value of derived products (in terms of EPA and DHA content) eaten by humans are more important in single-stomach animals than multi-stomach animals (due to their hydrogenating intestinal bacteria). The intestinal physiology of birds results in the relatively good preservation of their dietary w-3 fatty acids. The enrichment in eggs is proportional to the amount of w-3 fatty acids in the hen's diet and can be extremely important. Including ALA in fish feeds is effective only if they are, like carp, vegetarians, as they have the enzymes required to transform ALA into EPA and DHA \; in contrast, it is probably less effective for carnivorous fish (75 % of the fish used for human), which have little of these enzymes : their feed must contain marine animals, mainly fish or fish oil. Analysis of the published results shows that, under the best conditions, feeding animals with extracts of linseed and rapeseed grains, for example, increases the level of ALA acid by 20 to 40-fold in eggs (according to the low or high level of ALA in commercial eggs), 10-fold in chicken, 6-fold in pork and less than 2-fold in beef. By feeding animals with fish extracts or algae (oils), the level of DHA is increased by 20-fold in fish, 7-fold in chicken, 3 to 6-fold in eggs, less than 2-fold in beef. In practise, the effect is considerable for fish and egg, interesting for poultry and rabbit, extremely low for beef, mutton and sheep. The effect on the price paid by the consumer is very low compared to the considerable gain in nutritional value.

PMID: 16115466 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

31. Alpha-linolenic acid and cardiovascular diseases

Ristić-Medić D, Ristić G, Tepsić V.

danijelar@imi.bc.ac.yu

IMPORTANCE AND METABOLISM OF ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID: Alpha-linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid which cannot be produced in the body and must be taken by food. Both in animals and humans, alpha-linolenic acid is desaturated and elongated into eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid. It is also incorporated into plasma and tissue lipids and its conversion is affected by levels of linoleic acid. POTENTIAL ROLE IN PATHOGENESIS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES: Diet enriched in n-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid, reduces the incidence of cardiac death. Studies have shown that alpha linolenic acid prevents ventricular fibrillation which is the main cause of cardiac death. Studies in rats suggest that alpha-linolenic acid may be more effective in preventing ventricular fibrillations than eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid. Furthermore, alpha-linolenic acid is the main fatty acid decreasing platalet aggregation which is an important step in thrombosis i.e. non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke. DIETARY SOURCES AND NUTRITION RECOMMENDATIONS: Dietary sources include flaxseed and flaxseed oil, canola oil, soybean and soybean oil, pumpkin seed and pumpkin oil, walnuts and walnut oil. Strong evidence supports beneficial effects of alpha-linolenic acid and its dietary sources should be incorporated into balanced diet for prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The recommended daily intake is 2 g with a ratio of 5/1 for linoleic/alpha-linolenic acid.

PMID: 15510909 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

32. Antihypertriglyceridemic effect of walnut oil.

Zibaeenezhad MJ, Rezaiezadeh M, Mowla A, Ayatollahi SM, Panjehshahin MR.

Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Public Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Zibaeem2@sums.ac.ir

Hyperlipidemia is an important modifiable risk factor of coronary heart diseases. So far, several studies, have indicated the beneficial effects of nuts on plasma lipid profile. Previously, in a pilot study the authors have shown that administration of 20 g/day of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) for 8 weeks could decrease plasma triglyceride (TG) concentration by 17% (p value < 0.05). Walnut also increased the plasma HDL-cholesterol level markedly (p value < 0.05). To make the measurements more reliable and to avoid the unwanted walnut side effects (eg, rash, pruritus), this randomized, double blind case-control study was conducted to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect of Persian walnut oil in the population of southern Iran. Sixty hyperlipidemic subjects were randomized into 2 groups; group A patients (n = 29) received walnut oil encapsulated in 500 mg capsules, 3 g/day, for 45 days. Group B patients (n = 31) received placebo and served as the control group. Lipid profiles of both groups were checked before; on days 15, 30, and 45 after the beginning; and 15 days after termination of the study. Plasma TG concentrations decreased by 19% to 33% of baseline in group A patients (p value < 0.05). No statistically significant change was observed in other measured parameters. It was concluded that walnut oil is a good antihypertriglyceridemic natural remedy and should be further explored in more detail.

PMID: 12934760 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

33. Blood cholesterol and walnut consumption: a cross-sectional survey in France.

Lavedrine F, Zmirou D, Ravel A, Balducci F, Alary J.

GREPO, Laboratoire de Chimie Analytique, Faculté de Pharmacie, La Tronche Cedex, France.

BACKGROUND: The preventive role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in cardiovascular disease has been recognized. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the association between walnut consumption (oil and kernel) as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and blood lipid levels. METHODS: Seven hundred ninety-three persons, males and females, ages 18-65 years, living in a walnut production area (Dauphiné, France) attended health screening visits organized by the Agriculture Social Security. Past diet (1-year recall, including walnut and animal fat consumption) and cardiovascular risk factors were ascertained using food frequency questionnaires. For each participant a blood sample was taken to measure HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol; apo A1; and apo B. RESULTS: A high level of HDL cholesterol and apo A1 was associated with a high amount of walnut consumption (oil and kernel) in the regular diet, with a positive trend with increasing degree of walnut consumption. This association did not appear to be confounded by dietary animal fat and alcohol as measured in this study. Other blood lipids did not show significant associations with walnut consumption. CONCLUSION: The positive effect of walnut consumption on blood HDL cholesterol and apo A1 is of special interest since these lipid parameters have been shown to be negatively correlated with cardiovascular morbidity.

PMID: 10090861 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

34. Therapeutic effects of borneol-walnut oil in the treatment of purulent otitis media

First People's Hospital of Jining.

170 patients were treated with borneol-walnut oil of various concentrations, and the controls (108 patients) were treated with neomycin compound. As a result, the total effective rates were 98.06% and 84.26% respectively (P less than 0.001). This indicated that the therapeutic effects of borneol-walnut oil for the treatment of purulent otitis media were superior to that of neomycin compound. The most optimal concentration of borneol-walnut oil was 20% through clinical and laboratory observations. Due to its simple composition, significant therapeutic effects and nontoxic reactions, the borneol-walnut oil has been proved a promising external remedy for the treatment of purulent otitis media.

PMID: 2364470 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

35. Effect of ethanolic extract of Juglans regia L. on blood sugar in diabetes-induced rats.

Asgary S, Parkhideh S, Solhpour A, Madani H, Mahzouni P, Rahimi P.

Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Applied Physiology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. s_asgari@crc.mui.ac.ir

Walnut is one of the medicinal plants used in traditional Iranian medicine as a treatment for diabetes, but little scientific documentation supports its antidiabetic action. This study is designed to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of ethanolic walnut leaf extract. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: nondiabetic rats, alloxan-induced diabetic rats with no treatment, alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with ethanolic extracts of Juglans regia (200 mg/kg), and alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg). Fasting blood sugar decreased meaningfully in diabetic rats treated with J. regia and diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide. Insulin level increased and glycosylated hemoglobin decreased significantly in diabetic groups receiving either glibenclamide or J. regia compared with the diabetic group with no treatment. The histological study revealed that the size of islets of Langerhans enlarged consequentially as compared with diabetic rats with no treatment. Effects of administering glibenclamide or extract of J. regia on all parameters discussed above showed no difference, and both tended to bring the values to near normal. Our data show the ethanolic extract from leaves of J. regia has a dramatic antidiabetic effect on diabetes-induced rats.

PMID: 18800903 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

36.The effect of walnut intake on factors related to prostate and vascular health in older men.

 Spaccarotella KJ, Kris-Etherton PM, Stone WL, Bagshaw DM, Fishell VK, West SG, Lawrence FR, Hartman TJ.

Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. kspaccar@rci.rutgers.edu

BACKGROUND: Tocopherols may protect against prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: We assessed the effect of walnuts, which are rich in tocopherols, on markers of prostate and vascular health in men at risk for prostate cancer. We conducted an 8-week walnut supplement study to examine effects of walnuts on serum tocopherols and prostate specific antigen (PSA). Subjects (n = 21) consumed (in random order) their usual diet +/- a walnut supplement (75 g/d) that was isocalorically incorporated in their habitual diets. Prior to the supplement study, 5 fasted subjects participated in an acute timecourse experiment and had blood taken at baseline and 1, 2, 4, and 8 h after consuming walnuts (75 g). RESULTS: During the timecourse experiment, triglycerides peaked at 4 h, and gamma-tocopherol (gamma-T) increased from 4 to 8 h. Triglyceride - normalized gamma-T was two-fold higher (P = 0.01) after 8 versus 4 h. In the supplement study, change from baseline was +0.83 +/- 0.52 micromol/L for gamma-T, -2.65 +/- 1.30 micromol/L for alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) and -3.49 +/- 1.99 for the tocopherol ratio (alpha-T: gamma-T). A linear mixed model showed that, although PSA did not change, the ratio of free PSA:total PSA increased and approached significance (P = 0.07). The alpha-T: gamma-T ratio decreased significantly (P = 0.01), partly reflecting an increase in serum gamma-T, which approached significance (P = 0.08). CONCLUSION: The significant decrease in the alpha-T: gamma-T ratio with an increase in serum gamma-T and a trend towards an increase in the ratio of free PSA:total PSA following the 8-week supplement study suggest that walnuts may improve biomarkers of prostate and vascular status.

PMID: 18454862 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PMCID: PMC2412899

37. Nut consumption in Spain and other countries.

Aranceta J, Pérez Rodrigo C, Naska A, Vadillo VR, Trichopoulou A.

Community Nutrition Unit, Bilbao Department of Public Health, Spain. jaranceta@unav.es

In countries of the Mediterranean region, nuts have been consumed in moderate quantities since ancient times. Epidemiological studies show lower risk of cardiovascular diseases in populations with frequent nut consumption, independent from other dietary components. This article assesses nut consumption in Spain and other countries using different sources of data collected at the country, household or individual levels. The per capita consumption of nuts in Spain in 2001 was 7.9 g/person/d. The varieties most widely consumed are walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts. Results of the eVe study estimate an average nut consumption in the Spanish population aged 25-60 years of 3.3 g/person/d. No significant statistical differences were observed between men and women. Consumption is higher in men aged between 35 and 44 years (4.5 g/d) and in women aged between 45 and 54 years (3.5 g/d). In the population of 2-24 years, according to the enKid study, nut consumption is estimated at 4.9 +/- 18.5 g/person per d. The age group with the highest consumption is teenagers between 14 and 17 years. The northeastern, northern and eastern regions of Spain show the highest consumption. According to FAO balance sheets, in 2001, Lebanon (16.5 kg/person per year) and Greece (11.9 kg/person per year) were the countries in the Mediterranean region with the highest consumption of nuts, followed by Spain (7.3 kg/person per year), Israel and Italy.

PMID: 17125531 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

38.Levels of the n-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid in addition to those of alpha linolenic acid are significantly raised in blood lipids by the intake of four walnuts a day in humans.

Marangoni F, Colombo C, Martiello A, Poli A, Paoletti R, Galli C.

Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. franca.marangoni@unimi.it

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ingestion of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), with the richest source among dry fruits such as walnuts, is associated with cardiovascular prevention. The aim of this study was to selectively evaluate the effects of moderate walnut consumption on the levels of ALA and its metabolic derivatives in human blood. METHODS AND RESULTS: After a 2-week run-in period, 10 volunteers consumed 4 walnuts per day (in additio

n to their habitual diet) for 3 weeks. Fatty acid profiles, with special attention to levels of ALA and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), were assessed in blood drops collected from fingertips. The data indicate that the administration of a few walnuts a day for 3 weeks significantly increases blood levels, not only of ALA (from 0.23+/-0.07 SD to 0.47+/-0.13 SD), but also of its longer chain derivative eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) (from 0.23+/-0.37 to 0.82+/-0.41) with levels remaining elevated over basal values after washout. CONCLUSION: The findings of this pilot study indicate that plant ALA in appropriate food items favourably affects the n-3 LC-PUFA status.

PMID: 17008073 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

39. Walnut consumption in hyperlipidemic patients.

Zibaeenezhad MJ, Shamsnia SJ, Khorasani M.

Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Zibaeem2@sums.ac.ir

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is described as an anticancer, tonic, blood purifier, and detoxifier agent. It is said that nuts have favorable fatty acids and nutrients. This study was performed to determine the lipid-lowering properties of walnut in a population in Shiraz, Southern Iran. In a randomized case-control study, 52 volunteers were divided into 2 groups: Group A consumed walnuts, 20 grams per day for 8 weeks and the control group (group B) consumed no walnuts. Triglycerides, total high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were checked for each subject prior to, after 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks after the beginning of the study. In group A, the mean plasma TG level dropped by 17.1% from the baseline and HDL cholesterol also increased significantly by 9%. It was shown that frequent consumption of nuts in the daily diet was associated with a potentially decreased risk of coronary artery disease by decreasing the level of triglyceride and increasing the level of HDL.

PMID: 16193197 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

40.Does regular walnut consumption lead to weight gain?

Sabaté J, Cordero-Macintyre Z, Siapco G, Torabian S, Haddad E.

Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA. jsabate@llu.edu

Studies consistently show the beneficial effects of eating nuts, but as high-energy foods, their regular consumption may lead to weight gain. We tested if daily consumption of walnuts (approximately 12 % energy intake) for 6 months would modify body weight and body composition in free-living subjects. Ninety participants in a 12-month randomized cross-over trial were instructed to eat an allotted amount of walnuts (28-56 g) during the walnut-supplemented diet and not to eat them during the control diet, with no further instruction. Subjects were unaware that body weight was the main outcome. Dietary compliance was about 95 % and mean daily walnut consumption was 35 g during the walnut-supplemented diet. The walnut-supplemented diet resulted in greater daily energy intake (557 kJ (133 kcal)), which should theoretically have led to a weight gain of 3.1 kg over the 6-month period. For all participants, walnut supplementation increased weight (0.4 (se 0.1) kg), BMI (0.2 (se 0.1) kg/m(2)), fat mass (0.2 (se 0.1) kg) and lean mass (0.2 (se 0.1) kg). But, after adjusting for energy differences between the control and walnut-supplemented diets, no significant differences were observed in body weight or body composition parameters, except for BMI (0.1 (se 0.1) kg/m(2)). The weight gain from incorporating walnuts into the diet (control-->walnut sequence) was less than the weight loss from withdrawing walnuts from the diet (walnut-->control sequence). Our findings show that regular walnut intake resulted in weight gain much lower than expected and which became non-significant after controlling for differences in energy intake.

PMID: 16277792 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

41.Melatonin in walnuts: influence on levels of melatonin and total antioxidant capacity of blood.

Reiter RJ, Manchester LC, Tan DX.

Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA. reiter@uthscsa.edu

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether melatonin is present in walnuts (Juglans regia L.) and, if so, tested whether eating walnuts influences melatonin levels and the total antioxidant status of the blood. METHODS: Melatonin was extracted from walnuts and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. After feeding walnuts to rats, serum melatonin concentrations were measured using a radioimmunoassay and the "total antioxidant power" of the serum was estimated by using the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and ferric-reducing ability of serum methods. RESULTS: Mean +/- standard error melatonin concentrations were 3.5 +/- 1.0 ng/g of walnut. After food restriction of rats and then feeding them regular chow or walnuts, blood melatonin concentrations in the animals that ate walnuts were increased over those in the rats fed the control diet. Increases in blood melatonin were also accompanied by increases in trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and ferric-reducing ability of serum values. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin is present in walnuts and, when eaten, increase blood melatonin concentrations. The increase in blood melatonin levels correlates with an increased antioxidative capacity of this fluid as reflected by augmentation of trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and ferric-reducing ability of serum values.

PMID: 15979282 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

42. Walnut polyphenolics inhibit in vitro human plasma and LDL oxidation.

Anderson KJ, Teuber SS, Gobeille A, Cremin P, Waterhouse AL, Steinberg FM.

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.

Recent epidemiologic studies have associated nut consumption with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular mortality. However, little is known about the contribution of nut polyphenols to antioxidant and cardiovascular protection. In this investigation, polyphenol-rich extracts from English walnuts (Juglans regia) were studied and compared with ellagic acid for their ability to inhibit in vitro plasma and LDL oxidation, as well as their effects on LDL alpha-tocopherol during oxidative stress. In addition, the Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) was determined and liquid chromatography electrospray detection mass spectrometry (LC-ELSD/MS) analyses of the walnut extracts were performed. 2,2'-Azobis'(2-amidino propane) hydrochloride (AAPH)-induced LDL oxidation was significantly inhibited by 87 and 38% with the highest concentration (1.0 micromol/L) of ellagic acid and walnut extract, respectively. In addition, copper-mediated LDL oxidation was inhibited by 14 and 84% in the presence of ellagic acid and walnut extract, respectively, with a modest, significant LDL alpha-tocopherol sparing effect observed. Plasma thiobarbituric acid reacting substance (TBARS) formation was significantly inhibited by walnut extracts and ellagic acid in a dose-dependent manner, and the extracts exhibited a TEAC value greater than that of alpha-tocopherol. LC-ELSD/MS analysis of the walnut extracts identified ellagic acid monomers, polymeric ellagitannins and other phenolics, principally nonflavonoid compounds. These results demonstrate that walnut polyphenolics are effective inhibitors of in vitro plasma and LDL oxidation. The polyphenolic content of walnuts should be considered when evaluating their antiatherogenic potential.

PMID: 11694605 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

43.Dietary omega-3 Fatty acids and psychiatry: mood, behaviour, stress, depression, dementia and aging.

Bourre JM.

French Academy of Medicine, INSERM department of Neuro-pharmaco-nutrition, Hôpital Fernand Widal, 75475 Paris cedex 10. jean-marie.bourre@fwidal.inserm.fr

In view of the high omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acid content of the brain, it is evident that these fats are involved in brain biochemistry, physiology and functioning; and thus in some neuropsychiatric diseases and in the cognitive decline of ageing. Though omega-3 fatty acids (from fatty fish in the human diet) appear effective in the prevention of stress, their role as regulator of mood and of libido is a matter for discussion pending experimental proof in animal and human models. Dietary omega-3 fatty acids play a role in the prevention of some disorders including depression, as well as in dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Their direct role in major depression, bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disease) and schizophrenia is not yet established. Their deficiency can prevent the renewal of membranes, and thus accelerate cerebral ageing; none the less, the respective roles of the vascular component on one hand (where the omega-3's are active) and the cerebral parenchyma itself on the other, have not yet been clearly resolved. The role of omega-3 in certain diseases such as dyslexia and autism is suggested. In fact, omega-3 fatty acids participated in the first coherent experimental demonstration of the effect of dietary substances (nutrients) on the structure and function of the brain. Experiments were first of all carried out one x-vivo cultured brain cells (1), then on in vivo brain cells(2), finally on physiochemical, biochemical, physiological, neurosensory, and behavioural parameters (3). These findings indicated that the nature of poly unsaturated fatty acids(in particular omega-3) present in formula milks for infants (both premature and term) determines the visual, cerebral,and intellectual abilities, as described in a recent review (4). Indeed,the insufficient dietary supply of omega-3 fatty acids in today's French and occidental diet raises the problem of how to correct dietary habits so that the consumer will select foods that are genuinely rich in omega-3/ the omega-3 family ; mainly rapeseed, (canola) and walnut oils on one hand and fatty fish on the other.

PMID: 15750663 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]