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Effects of Mixed Nut Consumption on Blood Glucose, Insulin, Satiety, and the Microbiome in a Healthy Population: A Pilot Study.
Rosas, M, Liu, C, Hong, MY
Journal of medicinal food. 2023;(5):342-351
Abstract
Nuts contain many health-promoting nutrients, fiber, and phytochemicals. Nut consumption has been reported to improve several chronic disease risk factors. Most studies to date have investigated single variety nut consumption. A nut mixture may offer a more diverse array of nutrients over single variety nuts. The primary outcome of this study was to examine the effects of mixed nut consumption on postprandial glucose, insulin, and satiety in healthy young adults. Exploratory outcomes include the effects of daily nut consumption on stool microbiome and bowel movement patterns. Twenty participants were randomized to consume either 42 g of mixed nuts or 46 g of potato chips daily for 3 weeks. Mixed nut consumption did not alter postprandial blood glucose and insulin, while potato chip consumption increased glucose and insulin (P < .05). There were no significant differences in fasting blood glucose or insulin for either snack after 3 weeks of daily consumption. Both snacks increased satiety while there were no significant differences in body weight, body fat, blood pressure, waist-to-hip ratio, or anxiety. After 3 weeks of snack consumption, both groups significantly reduced straining during bowel movements while the mixed nut group slightly increased stool amount. There were no significant changes in microbiome composition for either group; however, there was a nonsignificant trend toward increased Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in the potato chip group and an opposite trend in the mixed nut group. The results of this study suggest that mixed nuts are a healthy alternative for blood sugar control. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT03375866.
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Effects of mixed nut consumption on LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and other cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults.
Nora, CL, Zhang, L, Castro, RJ, Marx, A, Carman, HB, Lum, T, Tsimikas, S, Hong, MY
Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD. 2023;(8):1529-1538
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Elevated LDL-C, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and inflammation are associated with greater risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. Consumption of individual nut types decreases these risk factors but knowledge about the effect of mixed nuts on Lp(a) is limited. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of consuming 42.5 g/day of mixed nuts on LDL-C, Lp(a), and inflammatory markers in individuals with overweight or obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS In a 16-week randomized control trial, 29 participants with overweight or obesity (BMI 25-40 kg/m2) consumed either 42.5 g/day of mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, and peanuts) or 69 g/day isocaloric pretzels. Blood samples were collected at baseline, week 8, and week 16 for analysis on total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, Lp(a), inflammation markers, glucose, insulin, adiponectin and liver function enzymes. No significant differences were seen in TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, Lp(a), or liver function enzymes between the two groups. Participants consuming mixed nuts had significantly lower body fat percentage and diastolic blood pressure, and higher adiponectin (all P ≤ 0.05). C-reactive protein (CRP) and 8-oxo-deoxyguanosis (8-oxodG) showed non-significant decreasing trends and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) had a non-significant increasing trend in the mixed nut group. CONCLUSION Consumption of mixed nuts had no evidence of an effect on LDL-C or Lp(a) throughout the intervention. Notably, mixed nut consumption lowered body fat percentage without significant changes in body weight or BMI. Future studies with larger sample sizes investigating the changing trends of CRP, 8-oxodG, and TAC are warranted. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTER NCT03375866.
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Pistachios as a recovery food following downhill running exercise in recreational team-sport individuals.
Philpott, J, Kern, M, Hooshmand, S, Carson, I, Rayo, V, North, E, Okamoto, L, O'Neil, T, Hong, MY, Liu, C, et al
European journal of sport science. 2023;(12):2400-2410
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Abstract
We aimed to investigate the impact of pistachio nut consumption on muscle soreness and function following exercise-induced muscle damage. Using a randomised cross-over design, male team-sport players (n = 18) performed a 40-minute downhill treadmill run to induce muscle damage, which was conducted after 2-wks of consuming either control (CON, water), a standard dose of daily pistachios (STD, 42.5 g/d) or a higher dose of daily pistachios (HIGH, 85 g/d). Lower limb muscle soreness (visual analogue scale), muscle function (maximal voluntary isokinetic torque and vertical jump), and blood markers of muscle damage/inflammation (creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, myoglobin, superoxide dismutase) were measured pre (baseline) and post (24, 48, and 72 h) exercise. No trial order effects were observed for any outcome measurement across trials. Mean quadriceps soreness (non-dominant leg) during exercise recovery was reduced (p < 0.05) in HIGH vs. CON (mean difference (95%CI): 13(1-25) mm). Change in soreness in the dominant quadriceps was not different between HIGH vs. CON (p = 0.06; mean difference (95%CI): 13(-1 to 26 mm)). No main effects of time or trial were observed for mean soreness of hamstrings, or on isokinetic torque of knee extensors or knee flexors, during recovery. Serum creatine kinase concentration peaked at 24 h post-damage (mean(SEM): 763(158)µg/L) from baseline (300(87)µg/L), but had returned to baseline by 72 h post (398(80)µg/L) exercise in all trials, with no trial or trial × time interaction evident. These data suggest that high dose pistachio nut ingestion may provide some alleviation of muscle soreness, but no effect on muscle function, following modest muscle damage.
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The effects of fresh mango consumption on gut health and microbiome - Randomized controlled trial.
Asuncion, P, Liu, C, Castro, R, Yon, V, Rosas, M, Hooshmand, S, Kern, M, Hong, MY
Food science & nutrition. 2023;(4):2069-2078
Abstract
Some individual fruits have been widely researched for their effects on overall health and correlations with chronic diseases. The beneficial effects of mango supplementation on metabolic diseases have been detected. However, research into mango consumption on gut health, including the microbiome, is limited to processed mango preparations or peels. Our goal was to examine the effects of fresh mango consumption on the gut microbiome, gut permeability proteins, and bowel movement habits in overweight/obese individuals. In a 12-week crossover design study, 27 participants consumed 100 kcal/day of either mangos or low-fat cookies with a washout period of 4 weeks. The mango intervention showed higher Shannon-Wiener and Simpson alpha diversity indices of the microbiome than the low-fat cookie intervention in week 4. Significant differences in beta diversity of the microbiome were found between diet interventions at week 12. Mango consumption increased the abundance of Prevotella maculosa, Corynebacterium pyruviciproducens, and Mogibacterium timidum while it decreased Prevotella copri. Low-fat cookie intake increased Cyanobacterium aponinum and Desulfovibrio butyratiphilus and reduced Alloscardovia omnicolens. There were no significant differences in circulating gut permeability protein (ZO-1, claudin-2, and occludin) levels. There was a slight increase in the amount of bowel movement with mango consumption, but no significant findings for frequency, consistency, strain, pain, and constipation in bowel movement between trials. Given these results, it can be concluded that consumption of mango may have positive effects on the gut health, which may yield possible health benefits for chronic disease that deserve further study.
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Fresh Mango Consumption Promotes Greater Satiety and Improves Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Responses in Healthy Overweight and Obese Adults.
Pinneo, S, O'Mealy, C, Rosas, M, Tsang, M, Liu, C, Kern, M, Hooshmand, S, Hong, MY
Journal of medicinal food. 2022;(4):381-388
Abstract
Mangos are an understudied fruit rich in fiber and polyphenols that have been linked to better metabolic outcomes and promotion of satiety. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of mango consumption on postprandial glucose, insulin, and satiety responses. Using a randomized crossover study design, 23 overweight and obese men and women consumed 100 kcal snacks of fresh mangos or isocaloric low-fat cookies on two separate occasions. Insulin and satiety hormones were measured at baseline and 45 min post-snack consumption. Glucose was measured at baseline, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after snack consumption. Satiety questionnaires were completed at baseline and every 20 min for 120 min post-consumption. Both mangos and low-fat cookies increased insulin, with a significantly lower increase for mangos compared with low-fat cookies at 45 min post-snack consumption (P ≤ .05). Glucose increased at 30 min for both snacks; however, the increase was significantly higher for low-fat cookie consumption (P ≤ .05). Cholecystokinin increased after mangos and low-fat cookie consumption (P ≤ .05); however, no differences were detected between the snacks. Adiponectin increased after mango consumption (P ≤ .05) but not after low-fat cookies. Mango consumption reduced hunger, anticipated food consumption and thirst, and increased feelings of fullness (P ≤ .05). Low-fat cookie consumption increased fullness for a shorter time period and did not reduce participants' desire to eat. These results suggest that relative to a refined cookie snack, mangos promote greater satiety and improve postprandial glycemic responses. Future research on long-term effects of mango consumption on food intake, weight control, and glucose homeostasis is warranted. Clinical Trial Registration number: #NCT03957928.
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Dried Plum Consumption Improves Total Cholesterol and Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Healthy Postmenopausal Women.
Hong, MY, Kern, M, Nakamichi-Lee, M, Abbaspour, N, Ahouraei Far, A, Hooshmand, S
Journal of medicinal food. 2021;(11):1161-1168
Abstract
Dried plums contain bioactive components that have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to determine if dried plum consumption reduces the risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women, specifically examining lipid profiles, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, and inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. We conducted a 6-month, parallel-design controlled clinical trial, where 48 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to consume 0, 50, or 100 g of dried plum each day. After 6 months of intervention, total cholesterol (TC) in the 100 g/day treatment group (P = .002) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the 50 g/day treatment group (P = .005) improved significantly compared to baseline. Inflammatory biomarkers interleukin-6 (P = .044) and tumor necrosis factor-α (P = .040) were significantly lower after 6 months within the 50 g/day dried plum group compared to baseline. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity increased significantly within the 50 g/day group (P = .046), and superoxide dismutase activity increased significantly within both 50 and 100 g/day groups (P = .044 and P = .027, respectively) after 6 months compared to baseline. In addition, plasma activities of alanine transaminase (P = .046), lactate dehydrogenase (P = .039), and creatine kinase (P = .030) were significantly lower after 6 months in the 50 g/day dried plum group. These findings suggest that daily consumption of 50-100 g dried plum improves CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women as exhibited by lower TC, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers with no clear dose dependence.
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Effects of Dried Apple Consumption on Body Composition, Serum Lipid Profile, Glucose Regulation, and Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Obese Children.
Eisner, A, Ramachandran, P, Cabalbag, C, Metti, D, Shamloufard, P, Kern, M, Hong, MY, Hooshmand, S
Journal of medicinal food. 2020;(3):242-249
Abstract
Consumption of fruits reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease; however, very few studies have investigated the effect of fruit consumption in overweight and obese children. We examined whether consuming dried apple as a snack is a practical solution for weight loss and improves body composition and metabolic markers. Thirty-eight overweight or obese children aged 10 to 16 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups consuming twice daily 120 kcal serving per day of either dried apple or a control snack (muffin) for 8 weeks. Body weight, height, waist circumference, and body composition were determined during an initial visit and after 8 weeks of intervention. Blood samples were collected to measure serum concentrations of blood lipids, glucose, insulin, proinsulin, total adiponectin, and C-reactive protein, as well as total antioxidant capacity and activity of glutathione peroxidase. Body weight increased in the muffin group (P = .01). BodPod and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry showed that fat-free mass increased (P < .05) only in the muffin group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration increased (P = .04) after the 8-week treatment within the apple group. Overall, minor differences were detected in growing children who consumed snacks of either dried apples or muffins with similar macronutrient profiles for 8 weeks. Future research should evaluate the effects of consuming fresh apples that include the peel.
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Honey does not adversely impact blood lipids of adult men and women: a randomized cross-over trial.
Al-Tamimi, AM, Petrisko, M, Hong, MY, Rezende, L, Clayton, ZS, Kern, M
Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.). 2020;74:87-95
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Plain language summary
Restriction of sugar intake is among the most commonly advocated public health strategies, as it is believed to prevent the development of chronic diseases. Unlike sugar, honey has been shown to have various positive health benefits from increasing antioxidant status to lowering postprandial [after a meal] glycaemia and insulinaemia in healthy subjects when compared to responses of more highly refined sugar mixtures. The aim of this study was to assess responses to both short-term (1 week) and relatively long-term (1 month) ingestion of clover honey consumption versus sucrose on changes in dietary intake and serum lipid concentrations in young to middle-aged adults. This study is a crossover design randomised controlled study for which 40 participants were recruited (male [n = 21] and female [n = 19]) with an age range between 25 and 57 years. Results indicate that consumption of clover honey (1.2 g of carbohydrate per kilogram body weight) for up to 1 month produced modestly positive dietary and triglyceride effects compared to sucrose. - there were no positive lipid effects within the clover honey trial. - compared to sucrose, clover honey consumption resulted in a significantly lower intake of energy, carbohydrate, sugars and fat as well as lower triglycerides concentrations at the end of 4 weeks. Authors conclude that honey produces limited, modest health benefits relative to sucrose. Future studies are needed to investigate the possible mechanisms by which honey influences triglyceride production and/or clearance and the metabolic and hormonal regulators of food intake.
Abstract
Consumption of added sugars in the US is estimated to be approximately 1.5 times recommended levels and has been linked to increased risk for developing chronic diseases. We hypothesized that relative to sugar, honey would reduce energy intake and improve serum lipid profiles. To test this, we assessed the short-term (1-week) and relatively long-term (1-month) effects of honey versus sucrose on changes in dietary intake and serum lipid concentrations. Thirty-seven apparently healthy subjects (21 males; 16 females) aged 24-57 years (BMI = 17.6-37.2 kg/m2) completed two 4-week trials in a randomized, cross-over design separated by ≥4-week washout. During each trial, subjects consumed either clover honey or sucrose providing 1.2 g/kg/day of carbohydrate under free-living conditions with instructions to avoid changing their habitual food intake. Serum triglyceride (TG) concentrations were elevated (P < .05) after 1 week for both trials but only remained elevated (P < .05) at the 4-week time-point during sucrose consumption. The elevation after 1 week during the honey trial was concurrent with a transient increase (P < .05) in body weight. No effects on serum concentrations of insulin, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, or high density lipoprotein-cholesterol were detected for either trial. Subjects consumed significantly less energy (P < .05), carbohydrate (P < .005), sugars (P < .05), and saturated fat (P < .05) during the honey trial. These data suggest that honey may serve as a favorable substitute for sucrose with regard to reduced energy intake, carbohydrate and sugars, without negatively influencing serum lipid concentrations.
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Mixed Nut Consumption May Improve Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults.
Abbaspour, N, Roberts, T, Hooshmand, S, Kern, M, Hong, MY
Nutrients. 2019;11(7)
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Plain language summary
A large portion of heart disease cases are preventable through lifestyle and dietary modifications. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of daily intake of 42.5 g of mixed nuts on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in overweight and obese adults. This study is an 8-week randomized, parallel-arm, controlled trial with two isocaloric treatment groups of mixed-nuts and pretzels. A total of 54 participants (22 females and 32 males) were recruited. Results indicate that supplementation of 42.5 g/day of mixed nuts for 8 weeks decreases body weight, insulin, blood glucose, and lactate dehydrogenase [enzyme] levels compared with consumption of an isocaloric amount of pretzels. Additionally, consumption of pretzels increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels while decreasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Authors conclude that the incorporation of mixed nuts into a usual diet improves some risk factors for CVD.
Abstract
Emerging research indicates that nuts are a source of health-promoting compounds demonstrating cardioprotective benefits. However, most studies have assessed the effect of single nuts rather than a nut mixture. The objective of this study was, therefore, to examine the effect of mixed-nut consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in overweight and obese adults. In a randomized, parallel-arm, controlled trial, 48 participants consumed isocaloric (250 kcal) amounts of pretzels or mixed-nuts. Body weight (BW) (p = 0.024), BMI (p = 0.043), and insulin levels (p = 0.032) were significantly lower in the nut group compared to the pretzel group. Mixed-nut consumption also significantly reduced glucose (p = 0.04) and insulin (p = 0.032) levels after 4 and 8 weeks compared to baseline, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase of the nut group was significantly lower than the pretzel group (p = 0.002). No significant differences were detected between groups for triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C. However, pretzel consumption increased triglycerides (p = 0.048) from 4 weeks to 8 weeks. Moreover, LDL-C increased (p = 0.038) while HDL-C transiently decreased (p = 0.044) from baseline to 4 weeks. No significant lipid changes were detected within the nut group. Our results suggest that supplementing the diet with mixed-nuts could improve CVD risk factors by improving BW and glucose regulation in comparison to a common carbohydrate-rich snack without promoting the negative effects on lipids detected with pretzels.
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Effects of Fresh Watermelon Consumption on the Acute Satiety Response and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults.
Lum, T, Connolly, M, Marx, A, Beidler, J, Hooshmand, S, Kern, M, Liu, C, Hong, MY
Nutrients. 2019;(3)
Abstract
Although some studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of watermelon supplementation on metabolic diseases, no study has explored the potential mechanism by which watermelon consumption improves body weight management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fresh watermelon consumption on satiety, postprandial glucose and insulin response, and adiposity and body weight change after 4 weeks of intervention in overweight and obese adults. In a crossover design, 33 overweight or obese subjects consumed watermelon (2 cups) or isocaloric low-fat cookies daily for 4 weeks. Relative to cookies, watermelon elicited more (p < 0.05) robust satiety responses (lower hunger, prospective food consumption and desire to eat and greater fullness). Watermelon consumption significantly decreased body weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratio (p ≤ 0.05). Cookie consumption significantly increased blood pressure and body fat (p < 0.05). Oxidative stress was lower at four week of watermelon intervention compared to cookie intervention (p = 0.034). Total antioxidant capacity increased with watermelon consumption (p = 0.003) in blood. This study shows that reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure can be achieved through daily consumption of watermelon, which also improves some factors associated with overweight and obesity (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03380221).