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Effects of a diet rich in almonds on low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), LDL‐C particle size, abdominal adiposity and vascular health
Author(s) -
Berryman Claire E.,
Bordi Peter L.,
West Sheila G.,
Fleming Jennifer A.,
KrisEtherton Penny M.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.721.4
Subject(s) - medicine , cholesterol , crossover study , food science , population , ldl cholesterol , lipoprotein , chemistry , environmental health , alternative medicine , pathology , placebo
Controlled feeding and free‐living clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of tree nuts on lipids and lipoproteins, major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Notably, benefits were observed consistently in all population groups studied. Of the tree nuts, almonds in particular, are a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids, arginine, α‐tocopherol, magnesium and manganese. Thus, the purpose of this research is to build the evidence base for approval of FDA health claims related to almonds and CVD. A randomized, 2‐period, crossover controlled feeding study was designed to compare the effects of two blood cholesterol lowering diets that meet the AHA recommendations. The nutrient profiles of the control diet (59.3% CHO, 15.4% PRO, 25.2% FAT, no almonds/day) and almond diet (51.8% CHO, 16.7% PRO, 31.5% FAT, 1.5 oz. of almonds/day) are matched for PRO (15–17%), saturated fat (~7%) and cholesterol (<200 mg/day). The study population consists of two cohorts of 25 men and women (BMI 20–35 m/kg2) with moderately elevated LDL‐C (50–95 th percentile). We hypothesize that a cholesterol‐lowering diet designed with almonds confers greater cardioprotective effects than a cholesterol‐lowering diet without almonds on the basis of the LDL‐C lowering response, effect on LDL particle size, abdominal adiposity and vascular health. This study is supported in part by the Almond Board of California.