Nuts in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Nuts are rich in many bioactive compounds that can exert beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. We reviewed the evidence relating nut consumption and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. Nuts reduce the postprandial glycemic response; however, long-term trials of nuts on insulin resistance and glycemic control in diabetic individuals are inconsistent. Epidemiologic studies have shown that nuts may lower the risk of diabetes incidence in women. Few studies have assessed the association between nuts and abdominal obesity, although an inverse association with body mass index and general obesity has been observed. Limited evidence suggests that nuts have a protective effect on blood pressure and endothelial function. Nuts have a cholesterol-lowering effect, but the relation between nuts and hypertriglyceridemia and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is not well established. A recent pooled analysis of clinical trials showed that nuts are inversely related to triglyceride concentrations only in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia. An inverse association was found between the frequency of nut consumption and the prevalence and the incidence of MetS. Several trials evaluated the effect of nuts on subjects with MetS and found that they may have benefits in some components. Compared with a low-fat diet, a Mediterranean diet enriched with nuts could be beneficial for MetS management. The protective effects on metabolism could be explained by the modulation of inflammation and oxidation. Further trials are needed to clarify the role of nuts in MetS prevention and treatment.

Dietary Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Are Positively Associated with Risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome in Middle‐Aged and Elderly Adults

“…Therefore, an essential strategy in the clinical management of people at risk of MetS is to place major emphasis on therapeutic lifestyle changes, including diet. Some dietary components have been associated with lower risk of MetS or its components, although their potential beneficial effect in older people is more controversial . It has been proposed that diets with a high glycemic index (GI) and high glycemic load (GL) are associated with greater risks of obesity, T2DM, MetS, and CVD .…”

Diabetes Reversal by Plant-Based Diet

“…The research analyzed 11-year incidence of type 2 diabetes, and reported 21% lower risk of diabetes with greater fruits and vegetables intake in diet (Cooper et al, 2012). A research based on epidemiological and clinical trials found that nuts can improve post-prandial glycemia and reduce the risk of diabetes [20]. Many studies have reported the relation between nut consumption and metabolic syndrome (MetS).…”

“…Nuts have been found to play an important role in adjusting the components of MetS by influencing inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function. This in process influences the insulin sensitivity and reduces chances of diabetes, hypertension and obesity [20].…”

Mechanisms of Endothelial Protection by Natural Bioactive Compounds from Fruit and Vegetables

“…Consumption of extra virgin olive oil is associated with lower CVD risk and mortality in people with high cardiovascular risk (Guasch-Ferre et al 2014). Eating a diet rich in polyphenols containing olive oil can decrease the BP and improve endothelial function (MorenoLuna et al 2012).…”