We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Pecan-Enriched Diet Protects against CV Disease and Diabetes

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 03 Apr 2018
Results of a randomized, controlled feeding trial suggested that eating just 1.5 ounces (44.36 milliliters) of pecans every day could protect adults at risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type II diabetes.

Evidence from observational and intervention studies has shown that a high intake of tree nuts was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), mortality from type II diabetes, and all-cause mortality. More...
However, there is limited data available regarding the dietary effects of tree nuts on indicators of cardiometabolic risk other than hypercholesterolemia, and little is known about the demonstrable health benefits of pecans.

To fill this gap, investigators at Tufts University (Boston, MA, USA) conducted a randomized, controlled feeding trial to compare the effects of a pecan-rich diet with a control diet containing similar total fat and fiber content, but lacking nuts, on biomarkers related to CVD and type II diabetes risk in healthy middle-aged and older adults who were overweight or obese with excess belly fat.

Results published in the March 11, 2018, online edition of the journal Nutrients revealed that after four weeks on a pecan-rich diet, changes in serum insulin, insulin resistance, and pancreatic beta cell function were significantly greater than after the control diet. Pecan consumption also lowered the risk of cardiometabolic disease as indicated by a composite score reflecting changes in clinically relevant markers. Thus, compared to the control diet, the pecan intervention had a concurrent and clinically significant effect on several relevant markers of cardiometabolic risk.

"Pecans are naturally high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, so replacing a portion of the saturated fat in the diet with these healthier fats can explain some of the cardio-protective effects we observed," said first author Dr. Diane McKay, assistant professor of nutrition science at Tufts University. "But pecans also contain a number of bioactive plant compounds as well as vitamins and essential minerals that all likely contributed to this benefit. What is really interesting is that just one small change - eating a handful of pecans daily - may have a large impact on the health of these at-risk adults."

Related Links:
Tufts University


Gold Member
Quantitative POC Immunoassay Analyzer
EASY READER+
Collection and Transport System
PurSafe Plus®
Specimen Radiography System
TrueView 200 Pro
New
Alcohol Testing Device
Dräger Alcotest 7000
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The nanotechnology-based liquid biopsy test could identify cancer at its early stages (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

2-Hour Cancer Blood Test to Transform Tumor Detection

Glioblastoma and other aggressive cancers remain difficult to control largely because tumors can recur after treatment. Current diagnostic methods, such as invasive biopsies or expensive liquid biopsies,... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: New research points to protecting blood during radiation therapy (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Pioneering Model Measures Radiation Exposure in Blood for Precise Cancer Treatments

Scientists have long focused on protecting organs near tumors during radiotherapy, but blood — a vital, circulating tissue — has largely been excluded from dose calculations. Each blood cell passing through... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: An adult fibrosarcoma case report has shown the importance of early diagnosis and targeted therapy (Photo courtesy of Sultana and Sailaja/Oncoscience)

Accurate Pathological Analysis Improves Treatment Outcomes for Adult Fibrosarcoma

Adult fibrosarcoma is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy that develops in connective tissue and often affects the limbs, trunk, or head and neck region. Diagnosis is complex because tumors can mimic... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Conceptual design of the CORAL capsule for microbial sampling in the small intestine (H. Mohammed et al., Device (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.device.2025.100904)

Coral-Inspired Capsule Samples Hidden Bacteria from Small Intestine

The gut microbiome has been linked to conditions ranging from immune disorders to mental health, yet conventional stool tests often fail to capture bacterial populations in the small intestine.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.