Benefits of almonds shown by several recent studies - Brief Article

AORN Journal,  June, 2003  

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

Several recent studies indicate that almonds lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), the type of cholesterol typically considered bad, according to an April 11, 2003, news release from the Almond Board of California. Almonds also can play a role in managing metabolic syndrome.

A Canadian study found that people who ate a combination diet of whole foods, including almonds, oatmeal, soy protein, and plant sterol-containing foods, lowered their LDL-C by 35% in two weeks. Further supporting almonds' value in reducing cholesterol, an analysis of 20 nut consumption studies, seven of which were almond studies, found that nuts lowered total cholesterol and LDL-C in participants with both normal and elevated cholesterol levels. Another study found that eating a small number of almonds each day can lower cholesterol without increasing weight and that the effect of almonds on cholesterol levels is dose-dependent (ie, eating two to three handfuls lowers cholesterol more than eating one to two handfuls).

A growing concern in health care, metabolic syndrome develops as a person gains weight and becomes less sensitive to insulin produced by the body. Blood sugar levels increase as a result but not high enough for a person to be diagnosed as diabetic. This syndrome increases the risk of heart disease; increases LDL-C; decreases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or good cholesterol, levels; and increases blood pressure.

Almonds' Role in Managing Risk Factors May Be Beneficial for Individuals Concerned with Metabolic Syndrome (news release, Son Diego: Almond Board of California, April 11, 2003) http://www.prnewswire.com (accessed 14 April 2003).

COPYRIGHT 2003 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group