Benefits of Eating Nuts

Benefits of Nut Consumption for People
With Abdominal Obesity, High Blood Sugar

And High Blood Pressure

 

Scientists now are reporting a significant link between eating
nuts and higher levels of serotonin in the bodies of patients with

metabolic syndrome (MetS) who are at high risk for heart disease. Serotonin is a substance that helps transmit nerve signals and

decreases feelings of hunger, makes people feel happier and
improves heart health. It took only one ounce of mixed nuts
(raw unpeeled walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts) a day to produce
the beneficial effects.

 

The report appears in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research...

Resaerchers from the Biomarkers & NutriMetabolomics Research Group of the University of Barcelona in collaboration with the Human Nutrition Unit
of the Rovira i Virgili University explain that the rise in obesity around the world means more and more patients have metabolic syndrome. Symptoms include excess abdominal fat, high blood sugar and high
blood pressure, which increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
and heart disease.

 

Dietary changes may help patients reduce the excess weight and become healthier. They're recommending increased regular consumption of nuts, which are packed with healthful nutrients, such as healthy fats (unsaturated fatty acids) and antioxidants (polyphenols). Nuts have been recommended to fight the metabolic abnormalities associated with MetS.

To check the biochemical effects of nut consumption, the researchers put 22 MetS patients on a nut-enriched diet for 12 weeks and compared them to another group of 20 patients who were told to avoid nuts.

The scientists analyzed the broad spectrum of compounds excreted in the patients' urine and found evidence of several healthful changes. One surprise was evidence that nut consumption had boosted patients' levels of serotonin metabolites in urine, since these findings suggest the role of serotonin
in the beneficial effects of nuts. They point out that the study provides
the first evidence in humans of the beneficial effects of nut consumption
in reducing levels of substances in the body associated with inflammation and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome.

 

Journal Reference: Metabolomics Unveils Urinary Changes in Subjects
with Metabolic Syndrome following 12-Week Nut Consumption. Journal
of Proteome Research, 2011;

 

American Chemical Society (2011, November 2). Benefits of nut consumption for people with abdominal obesity, high blood sugar,

high blood pressure.

 

This article is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional for medical and nutritional consultation.