Nut consumption is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Because most studies have administered single nut varieties, it is unknown whether mixed nuts will also reduce CVD risk. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of mixed nut and pistachio consumption on lipid profiles, glucose, inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity in rats fed an atherogenic diet. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats (21 days old) were assigned into three groups (n = 10) based on initial body weight and fed either an isocaloric control diet (no nuts), 8.1% pistachio diet (single nut), or 7.5% mixed nut diet (almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts) for 8 weeks. Both pistachios and mixed nuts significantly decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05) compared with controls. Both nut groups exhibited reductions in C-reactive protein (p = 0.045) and oxidative stress (p = 0.004). The mixed nut group had greater superoxide dismutase (p = 0.004) and catalase (p = 0.044) and lower aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.048) activities. Gene expression for Fas, Hmgcr, and Cox2 was downregulated for both nut groups compared to controls (p < 0.05). In conclusion, mixed nuts and individual nut varieties have comparable effects on CVD risk factors in rats.
Although some studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of watermelon supplementation on metabolic diseases, no study has explored the potential mechanism by which watermelon consumption improves body weight management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fresh watermelon consumption on satiety, postprandial glucose and insulin response, and adiposity and body weight change after 4 weeks of intervention in overweight and obese adults. In a crossover design, 33 overweight or obese subjects consumed watermelon (2 cups) or isocaloric low-fat cookies daily for 4 weeks. Relative to cookies, watermelon elicited more (p < 0.05) robust satiety responses (lower hunger, prospective food consumption and desire to eat and greater fullness). Watermelon consumption significantly decreased body weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratio (p ≤ 0.05). Cookie consumption significantly increased blood pressure and body fat (p < 0.05). Oxidative stress was lower at four week of watermelon intervention compared to cookie intervention (p = 0.034). Total antioxidant capacity increased with watermelon consumption (p = 0.003) in blood. This study shows that reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure can be achieved through daily consumption of watermelon, which also improves some factors associated with overweight and obesity (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03380221).
Objectives Watermelon has a great potential in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to its high levels of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive constituents such as L-citrulline, lycopene, and beta-carotene. Although previous studies have examined the effects of watermelon juice or extract on risk factors for CVD, it is unknown if the results can be extrapolated to fresh watermelon consumption. This study examined the effects of fresh watermelon consumption on risk factors for CVD in overweight and obese adults. Methods In a crossover design, 33 overweight or obese adults consumed two cups of watermelon or isocaloric low-fat cookies daily for four weeks with a two- to four-week washout period. Body weight, body composition, waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure, glucose and insulin levels, inflammation, lipid profiles, antioxidant capacity, and liver function markers were measured at baseline and after the interventions. Results Watermelon consumption significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased body weight, body mass index (BMI), and systolic blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratio. Cookie consumption significantly increased blood pressure and body fat (P < 0.05). Watermelon intake reduced triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and improved HDL cholesterol and total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). Serum glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, catalase, and liver function markers were not significantly different between the interventions. Conclusions These findings suggest that daily consumption of fresh watermelon improves lipid profiles and anthropometric measurements, reduces blood pressure, and increases antioxidant capacity, which may have implications for chronic diseases such as CVD. Funding Sources National Watermelon Promotion Board.
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