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The results of the largest and longest study exploring the benefits of walnuts show that regular consumption in the elderly can reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing the concentration of certain inflammatory biomarkers. Credit: CWC
The results of the largest and longest study exploring the benefits of nuts show that regular consumption in the elderly may reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing the concentration of certain inflammatory biomarkers.
Results of a recently published randomized controlled trial in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, report that people in their 60s and 60s who regularly eat nuts may have reduced inflammation, a factor associated with a lower risk of heart disease, compared to those who do not eat nuts. The research was part of the WAHA (Walnuts and Healthy Aging) study – the largest and longest trial to date exploring the benefits of daily nut consumption.
In the study, conducted by Dr Emilio Ros of the Barcelona Hospital Clinic, in partnership with Loma Linda University, more than 600 healthy elderly people consumed 30 to 60 grams of nuts per day as part of their typical diet or followed their standard diet. (nut free) for two years. Those who ate nuts showed a significant reduction in inflammation, as measured by the concentration of known inflammatory markers in the blood, which was reduced by up to 11.5%. Of the 10 well-known inflammatory markers that were measured in the study, six were significantly reduced with the walnut diet, including interleukin-1β, a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine whose pharmacological inactivation has been strongly associated reduced rates of coronary heart disease. The conclusion of the study is that the anti-inflammatory effects of nuts provide a mechanistic explanation for the reduction in cardiovascular disease beyond the reduction in cholesterol.
“Acute inflammation is a physiological process due to the activation of the immune system by injuries such as trauma or infection, and is an important defense of the body”, explains Dr Emilio Ros, principal investigator of the study. . “Short-term inflammation helps us heal wounds and fight infections, but inflammation that persists over hours (chronic), caused by factors such as poor diet, obesity, stress and high blood pressure, is damaging instead of curing, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health. The results of this study suggest that walnuts are a food that can reduce chronic inflammation, which could help reduce the risk of heart disease – a condition we become more susceptible to as we age. “
Chronic inflammation is a critical factor in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque or “hardening” of the arteries, the main cause of heart attack and stroke. Therefore, the severity of atherosclerosis largely depends on chronic inflammation, and dietary and lifestyle changes are essential to mitigate this process.
While existing scientific evidence establishes that walnuts are a heart-healthy food, 1 researchers continue to study the “how” and “why” of the cardiovascular benefits of walnuts. According to Dr. Ros, “Walnuts have an optimal blend of essential nutrients like omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA (2.5 g / oz), and other highly bioactive components like polyphenols2, which likely play a role in their anti-inflammatory effect and other health benefits. “
The results of the study were also reinforced by an editorial in the same publication entitled “Ideal dietary models and foods to prevent cardiovascular disease: attention to their anti-inflammatory potential”, which concludes that a better knowledge of protective mechanisms health benefits from different foods and diets, primarily their anti-inflammatory properties, should guide healthier food choices (such as including nuts regularly in the regular diet).
While these results are promising, the research has limitations. The study participants were older adults who lived healthy and free lives with the option to eat a variety of other foods in addition to nuts. In addition, further investigation is needed in more diverse and disadvantaged populations.
Reference: “Effects of a 2-year-old nut supplement diet on inflammatory biomarkers” by Montserrat Cofán PhD, Sujatha Rajaram PhD, Aleix Sala-Vila PhD, Cinta Valls-Pedret BSc, MSc, Mercè Serra-Mir RD, Irene Roth , RD, PhD, Tania M. Freitas-Simoes RD, Edward Bitok PhD, Joan Sabaté MD, PhD and Emilio Ros MD, PhD, November 10, 2020, Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
DOI: 10.1016 / j.ddd.2020.07.071
The California Walnut Commission (CWC) supported this research. The CWC has supported health-related research on nuts for over 30 years with the goal of providing knowledge and understanding of the unique health benefits associated with eating nuts. Although the CWC provides funds and / or nuts for various projects, all studies are conducted independently by researchers who design the experiments, interpret the results, and present evidence-based conclusions. The CWC is committed to ensuring the scientific integrity of industry-funded research.
The California nut industry is made up of more than 4,800 producers and more than 90 handlers (processors). Producers and material handlers are represented by two entities, the California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut Commission (CWC).
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