From The Almond Board of California:

Studies on Almonds and Health

The Almond Board of California is dedicated to supporting nutrition education and research on almonds, and nuts in general. Over the past few years there has been a growing number of new findings on the nutritional benefits of nuts. Below are just a few examples of the latest studies highlighting the positive role that nuts can play in a healthy lifestyle.

Abstracts of Published Work

After four weeks of a diet rich in whole grains, sun-dried raisins and nuts, researchers saw an improvement in total and LDL cholesterol blood levels in 15 hyperlipemic adults. Both improved colon function and increased feelings of satiety were associated with a plant-based diet containing unrefined, minimally processed foods. Further research is needed to identify additional favorable effects of this diet on heart disease risk factors and the atherogenic process. Bruce, B., Spiller, G.A. and Farquhar, J.W. Effects of a plant-based diet rich in whole grains, sun-dried raisins and nuts on serum lipoproteins. Vegetarian Nutrition : An International Journal 1997;1/2:58-63.

Recent epidemiological findings indicate that frequent nut consumption offers protection from fatal and non-fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) events (i.e., heart attack). Although preliminary studies indicate that nut consumption lowers total and LDL cholesterol levels, the unique nutrient composition of nuts may decrease risk of heart disease in other ways too. This article provides a review of the epidemiological evidence linking nut consumption with CHD risk, and addresses some of the biological mechanisms by which nut consumption may reduce coronary risk. Sabaté J. and Fraser, G.E. Nuts: a new protective food against coronary heart disease. Current Opinion in Lipidology 1994, 5:11-16.

This chapter reviews human studies that look at the effects of whole almonds and walnuts on blood lipid levels. Although each of the studies differ in methodology, the overriding consensus is that almonds, walnuts, and possibly other nuts with a similar nutrient composition, have a cholesterol lowering effect. The protective effect of nuts on CHD may be due to their fatty acid composition (mostly unsaturated fats) and other components in nuts. Sabaté J. and Hook D.G. Almonds, walnuts, and serum lipids. In: Spiller, G.A. Handbook of Lipids in Human Nutrition. New York, NY: CRC Press, Inc.; 1996.

Current Studies Sponsored by the Almond Board

Over the past several years, the Almond Board of California has been involved in extensive research exploring the health benefits of almonds. The primary objective in pursuing these endeavors is to add scientific validity to the notion that almonds are a healthful snack alternative, and they add nutritional value to any dish in which they are incorporated.

The major areas of study that are currently being investigated include the influence of almond consumption on decreased risk of cardio-vascular disease, decreased risk of certain cancers, glucose metabolism and insulin regulation, as well as dietary lipids, absorption and satiety issues.

Studies already yielding results show that almonds, long reveled for their great taste, are good for you, too. Almonds are cholesterol-free, and are a good source of dietary fiber. They are also high in monounsaturated fat. Diets high in monounsaturated fat can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or the ""bad" cholesterol) levels. They also contain antioxidants, arginine-rich protein, magnesium, copper and zinc. Finally, almonds are rich in phytochemicals, biologically active compounds found in foods that possess potential health benefits.

Following outlines the projects that are currently underway that delve into these topics, and the respected industry leaders that are spearheading the undertakings:

Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton, Professor of Nutrition, Pennsylvania State University
Anticarcinogenic and Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Almond Protein

The Almond Board enlisted Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton to conduct research in the area of risk factors associated with cancer incidence. Dr. Kris-Etherton's work will uncover the phytochemical content of almonds and how these compounds affect the risk factors for certain cancers.

Phytochemicals, biologically active compounds that have recently become the subject of much scientific research to uncover their potential health benefits, have been associated with the prevention and/or treatment of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and osteoporosis.

Dr. Barbara Schneeman, Dean, School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California Davis
Effects of Long Term Whole Almond Intake vs. Long Term Oil Intake on Heart Disease Risk Factors

Dr. Barbara Schneeman is heading up research examining the relationship between almond consumption and satiety issues. Although enjoyed by many because of their great flavor, almonds are often avoided because of their high fat content. Dr. Schneeman's work will determine whether or not our body completely absorbs the fat content of almonds.

It is possible that because almonds are a complex plant food, the fat is incompletely absorbed. In several studies, researchers discovered that nut consumption did not result in weight gain, but instead subjects actually maintained their body weight. Another correlation being explored is the relationship between the feeling of satiety, or feeling "full," and how it prevents nut consumers from over-eating. Dr. Schneeman's research should shed light on these important issues.

Dr. Gary Fraser, Professor of Medicine, Professor of Epidemiology, Director, Center for Health Research, Loma Linda University
Assessing the Impact of Almond Supplementation on body Weight and Diet Pattern

In an Adventist Health study led by Dr. Gary Fraser involving 34,000 individuals, it was found that frequent consumers of nuts exhibited just half the rate of heart attack or coronary death than those participants who did not consume nuts. In addition, previous research in the United States, in Israel and in Australia have all shown the relationship between almond consumption and decreased total serum cholesterol level and decreased LDL cholesterol.

Currently, Dr. Gary Fraser is assessing the impact of almond consumption on body weight and diet pattern. This research will evaluate changes in body weight, displacement of other foods, changes in macro and micronutrients, alteration in blood lipids and effects on satiety.

Dr. Jennifer Lovejoy, Associate Professor and Chief, Women's Health Research Program, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University
Effect of Almond Consumption on Cardio-Vascular Risk Factors and Blood Glucose Levels in Type II Diabetics

Dr. Lovejoy is studying the role of a high monounsaturated diet in glucose metabolism and insulin regulation. High carbohydrate diets have been traditionally associated with a diabetic diet. However, increasing evidence shows that monunsaturated fats (found abundantly in almonds) is beneficial to insulin regulation in the diabetic diet.

Dr. Lovejoy is conducting a study that will determine the effects of almond consumption on heart disease risk factors and blood glucose control in men and women with Type II diabetes. Endpoints measured will include: lipids and lipoproteins, clotting factors, proinsulin, OGTT with glucose and insulin measures, and endothelial reactivity by brachial ultrasound.

Dr. Joan Sabate, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University
Effects of Almonds on Selected Coronary Risk Factors

Dr. Joan Sabate is conducting a controlled feeding study to verify the effects of almond consumption on decreased cholesterol levels, as well as investigating several additional coronary risk factors. Sabate's study will determine the distribution of high-density lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins, apoprotein A and B, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, alpha-tocopherol levels and nitric oxide production.

Dr. Paul Davis, Ph.D., Associate Research Nutritionist, University of California, Davis
Effect of Almond Consumption on the Dietary Prevention of Chemically Induced Colon Cancer in Rats

Dr. Davis' study will explore the potential impact of positive findings regarding the effects of whole almond feeding on an array of colon cancer variables. The fatty acid composition of almonds should serve to have a favorable impact on reduction of colon cancer. In addition, the high levels of trace minerals, such as calcium and phosphate, as well as the high arginine content, may assist in protection from colon cancer.

Dr. Paul La Chance, Ph.D., F.A.C.N., Professor of Nutrition and Food Science, Rutgers University, Cook College
Scientific Review Article: Nutritional and Health Aspects of Almonds

Dr. Paul LaChance is not currently leading a nutrition research project, but has contributed to the Almond Board's body of research by further exploring the phytochemical content of almonds, as well as speaking at various Almond Board-sponsored events such as the 1997 Pennsylvania Dietetic Association Conference.

Currently Dr. LaChance is working on a scientific review article providing a comprehensive analysis of the nutritional and health aspect of almonds. Included in this paper is a brief historical perspective of almonds tracing their origin back to either China or the Middle East, as well as a look into both the folklore of almonds and their role as a staple food.

This paper also discusses some of his findings that surfaced throughout Dr. LaChance's review of literature on the phytochemical content in almonds. Dr. LaChance discovered that benzaldehyde, the component that gives almonds their distinct flavor, may have possible pharmaceutical implications. Other phytochemicals identified that have positive effects were caffeic acid and ferulic acid, both which have anti-mutagenic effects, Quercitin, and phytosterols. Based on his research, Dr. LaChance considers almonds to be a strong candidate for phytochemical fingerprinting.

Almond Board of California
1150 9th St.
Modesto, CA 95354
Phone: 209-549-8262
Fax: 209-549-8267
Web site: www.AlmondsAreIn.com (see Related Sites for a link)