Nuts and Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Year Published: 2018
Journal
Prog Cardiovasc Dis
Authors
Bitok E, Sabaté J
Methods
This study was a review on the current evidence surrounding nut intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Key Findings
Key Findings: The primary mechanism by which nuts protect against cardiovascular disease is through improvement of lipid and apolipoprotein (the main protein in cholesterol) profiles. Authors noted that an "estimated 8.3% reduction in risk from coronary heart disease death ensues from each weekly serving (~30g) of nuts." Studies have shown that the reduction in cardiovascular disease risk is constant across race, geographical area, and sex. Modest effects were observed with peanuts and decreased oxidative stress. More research is still needed on: the effects of nut consumption on specific inflammatory markers; nut consumption and endothelial function (FMD); nut consumption and risk of myocardial infarction or stroke