Being chubby and obese has been related to the event of atherosclerotic heart problems (CVD). Nevertheless, several studies have shown that the consumption of certain varieties of nuts reduces the risks of CVDs.

Recently, a Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases study investigated the effect of every day consumption of mixed nuts on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and inflammatory markers in individuals who’re chubby or obese.

Study: Effects of Mixed Nut Consumption on LDL Cholesterol, Lipoprotein(a), and Other Cardiometabolic Risk Aspects in Chubby and Obese Adults. Image Credit: Aleksandr Grechanyuk / Shutterstock.com

An summary of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a sort of CVD by which fatty plaques form within the arterial partitions. Cholesterol deposition occurs within the damaged endothelium through circulating cholesterol-rich apolipoprotein B (ApoB)-containing lipoprotein particles, corresponding to very LDL-C (VLDL-C), LDL-C, or Lp(a).

After deposition, cholesterol undergoes oxidation, which causes the endothelium to initiate an inflammatory response through monocyte infiltration, foam cell formation, plaque development, and arterial blocking that reduces blood flow to major organs. Previous studies have indicated that elevated LDL-C and Lp(a) levels increase the chance of CVD, including the progression of atherosclerosis, whereas reduced LDL-C results in a decrease in Lp(a) levels. 

The health advantages of nuts

Typically, unhealthy dietary habits cause a rise in LDL-C; subsequently, effective dietary modifications could prevent CVDs. Nut consumption, for instance, has been shown to cut back certain risk aspects related to CVDs.

Nuts contain unsaturated fats, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and soluble fibers that profit blood lipids and lipoproteins. In truth, almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, and Brazil nuts have been shown to significantly reduce total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C levels and increase HDL-C. Likewise, hyperlipidemic patients subjected to 73 g/day of almonds have been shown to exhibit reduced Lp(a) levels.

In regards to the study

The present randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the effect of mixed nut consumption on lipid profiles, Lp(a), and inflammation. Here, the researchers hypothesized that diets supplemented with 42.5 g/day of mixed nuts would cut back LDL-C, Lp(a), and inflammation marker levels in obese and chubby individuals.

Each men and girls who were obese or chubby were recruited. All study participants were between 20 and 55 years of age, not pregnant, non-smokers, and never taking dietary supplements. As well as, not one of the participants had a history of metabolic disorders or chronic inflammation and weren’t allergic to nuts.

Twenty-nine participants were randomly assigned to either eat the unsalted pretzel (control) or mixed nut intervention for sixteen weeks. Each study participant made three laboratory visits denoted as a fasted state (baseline), week eight, and week 16 visits.

Participants assigned to intervention groups were supplied with 42.5 g/day packets of mixed nuts that included cashews, almonds, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, pecans (25.5 g), pistachios (5 g), walnuts (5 g), and peanuts (7 g). Each individual was asked to eat one every day serving of mixed nuts and proceed their regular weight-reduction plan and physical activity.

Study findings

Mixed nut supplementation significantly lowered certain CVD risk aspects, including body fat percentage, glucose, diastolic blood pressure, and adiponectin in chubby and obese adults. As well as, a declining tendency of 8-oxodG and C-reactive protein (CRP), in addition to a non-significant increasing tendency of total antioxidant capability (TAC), were observed within the mixed nuts group.

Mixed nut consumption didn’t affect Lp(a), insulin, plasma lipids, HMGB1, and liver function enzymes. This finding was consistent with previous studies revealing that the increased consumption of walnuts or vegetable oils and decreased saturated fat consumption didn’t result in significant changes in Lp(a) after six weeks. Nevertheless, many studies contradicted these results, thus suggesting that Lp(a) levels might be altered by dietary interventions.

These contradictory results may very well be attributed to varied protocols used to measure Lp(a). Moreover, since circulating Lp(a) levels could also be genetically determined, inconsistencies could also influence genetic aspects.

Genetic profiling is required to raised understand the underlying mechanisms affecting Lp(a) concentrations. As well as, more research is required to elucidate specific dietary interventions, including macronutrient and fatty acid composition, that may reduce Lp(a) concentrations.

A discount in body fat was observed within the mixed nut group, whereas body weight increased within the pretzel group. This may very well be on account of the power of nut consumption to extend fat oxidation, which can assist within the attenuation of body fat accumulation over time. Reduced adiposity has been documented with nut consumption, which could also be attributed to the reduced bioaccessibility and metabolizable energy related to nuts.

Conclusions

The bioactive components of nuts, corresponding to antioxidants, dietary fiber, magnesium, L-arginine, and vitamins, play an important role within the reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and risk of CVD events. As well as, nut consumption improves dyslipidemia and obesity, which subsequently lowers the risks of CVD.

Previous studies have shown that nut consumption reduces body fat content and increases lean body mass. Weight reduction improves a person’s fasting blood glucose levels, which alleviates the chance of atherosclerosis and CVD.

The present study provided novel insights into how long-term mixed nut consumption could affect chubby and obese adults.