ABSTRACT
Areas of discussion include the efficacy of tree nuts versus peanuts, and walnuts versus other tree nuts, in modifying blood lipids and lipoproteins; the dose effect of nut consumption; and the clinical relevance of nut studies conducted among various populations. Plasma apolipoproteins have been shown to be more informative predictors of future cardiovascular risk than lipoproteins. A study examining the acute effects of consuming a nut meal observed increased total plasma polyphenol levels, with peak concentration achieved approximately 90 minutes post-ingestion. Nuts are rich sources of highly bioactive polyphenols, representing one of the richest food sources per serving. Nuts have favorable effects on serum lipids primarily because of their high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and low levels of saturated fatty acids, and a host of plant-based bioactive compounds. Nuts are rich in polymerized polyphenols, representing one of the richest food sources of polymerized polyphenols per serving.
