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72789Wellness_Insider193171752/Articles/Wellness_InsiderWellness Insider
43583322BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000342248For matters of the heart, almonds multi-taskFor-matters-of-the-heart-almonds-multi-task1211383680000The Food and Drug Administration reaffirmed what research has shown for many years: that almonds are a heart smart food; but, new, preliminary research published in this month's Journal of Nutrition provides further insight into how the antioxidants in almonds may help maintain a healthy heart. Ground-breaking research reveals more about the effects of almonds' antioxidants on heart health true45562111618BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000259478CorpSarah1215744835BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000342250435833220The American Heart Association estimates that one in three American adults have some type of cardiovascular disease, and that cardiovascular disease is the largest major killer of American men and women. So, new research into mechanisms behind fighting heart disease is welcome to many of us -- particularly when it involves a simple behavior change that can make a difference. <br><br>The Food and Drug Administration reaffirmed what research has shown for many years: that almonds are a heart smart food; but, new, preliminary research published in this month's Journal of Nutrition provides further insight into how the antioxidants in almonds may help maintain a healthy heart. <br><br>Almonds aren't typically known for their antioxidants beyond vitamin E, but in previous research, experts determined total antioxidants (phenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids) in California almonds' skins and kernels using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/electrochemical detection, UV detection and mass spectometry. They found that almonds contain flavonoids and phenolics in their skins similar to fruits and vegetables. <br><br>8215744837BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_100000000000003422534358332210Antioxidants at WorkIn a previous study, 27 men and women with high cholesterol levels
consumed three supplements with the same calories each for one month.
Supplements consisted of full-dose almonds (73+/-3 g/d), half-dose
almonds plus half-dose muffins, and full-dose muffins. Significant
reductions from baseline were seen on both half- and full-dose almonds
for LDL cholesterol (4.4% and 9.4% respectively). The current study,
conducted in collaboration by researchers at the University of Toronto
and Tufts University, sought to investigate other factors, beyond
lowering cholesterol, that make almonds a heart-smart food,
specifically almonds' antioxidants. <br><br>
The effects of almonds on two markers of oxidative stress, a process
which can contribute to clogged arteries, were measured by a team at
the Tufts University Antioxidants Research Laboratory led by one of the
single-most pioneering researchers in antioxidant research, Dr. Jeffrey
Blumberg. The research team found that when men and women with elevated
cholesterol ate about two and a half servings of almonds every day for
a month, their levels of these two established markers – blood
malondialdehyde (MDA) and urinary isoprostane – statistically
significantly decreased. MDA significantly decreased by 18.75% from
baseline in the full-dose almond group and isoprostane decreased by 27%
in both almond groups compared to controls. <br><br>
The researchers hypothesize the antioxidants in almonds are causing
this positive effect, and further, that the antioxidants in almonds
combined with almonds' favorable effects on blood cholesterol levels
may help to explain the overall effects of almonds on maintaining a
healthy heart. Although this ground-breaking study provides support for
the role of almonds' antioxidants in health, further research is needed
to verify these findings. <br><br>
Almonds deliver a dose of monounsaturated fats, the good kind found in
avocados and olive oil. A recommended serving of almonds (about a
handful, or 23 almonds) is an excellent source of vitamin E and
magnesium, a good source of fiber, riboflavin and phosphorus, and
offers protein (6 grams), calcium (75 mg) and potassium (200 mg). Not
only can almonds boost nutrition, but they also add great taste and
crunch to any meal or snack. <br><br>
<a href="link:http://www.AlmondsAreIn.com">The Almond Board of California</a><br>
Modesto, Calif.872789Wellness_Insider193171752/Articles/Wellness_InsiderWellness Insider74511Research193171752Research
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