More almonds and less cardiovascular risks
Control cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases in your patients with almonds.
If you have patients at risk of or already with cardiovascular diseases, almonds are the new option. They can help your body control harmful cholesterol. In a recent study, the levels and function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol) in people who ate almonds every day were compared to the levels and function of the same cholesterol when they ate something else. The researchers found that while participants included almonds in their diet, their HDL levels and functionality improved. Depending on the amount of cholesterol you have gathered, HDL cholesterol is classified into five “subpopulations”. They range from the smallest pre-1 to the largest and most mature -1. The researchers expected that eating almonds would result in more -1 particles. Which would indicate an improvement in HDL function. During this controlled feeding study, 48 people of both sexes with elevated LDL cholesterol participated in two six-week diet periods. In both, their diets were identical except for one daily snack. On the almond diet, participants received 43 grams (about a handful) of almonds per day. During the control period they received a banana muffin instead. The researchers found that, compared to the control diet, the almond diet increased -1HDL levels. It happened when the particles are at their largest size and most mature stage by 19 percent. Additionally, the diet improved HDL function by 6.4% in regular-weight participants. An increase in this particular HDL subpopulation is significant. Particles have been shown to decrease the overall risk of cardiovascular disease. While almonds won’t eliminate the risk of heart disease, they can be a much healthier option for a healthy snack. She added that in addition to their heart-healthy benefits, almonds also provide a dose of good fats, vitamin E and fiber. Penny Kris-Etherton, distinguished professor of nutrition at Penn State, said the study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, builds on previous research on the effects of almonds in cholesterol-lowering diets. With these new discoveries, these nuts continue to gain points as one of the best snack options for our patients.
