Research article

HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF TREE NUTS IN RELATION TO MAJOR LIFESTYLE DISORDERS

Aanisah Shafi1, Dr Naila Irshad2, Rakia Koul3

Online First: June 30, 2022


Emerging research from epidemiologic studies and clinical studies is demonstrating that nut consumption could be a healthy dietary strategy to prevent and treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and related cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The objective of this review is to understand the health implications of tree nut intake, the functional mechanism behind nut intake in promoting good health and busting myths associated with the consumption of tree nuts. The distinctive nutritional makeup and bioactive substances in nuts may be the cause of the beneficial benefits of nuts. Research studies have shown that nut intake has a cholesterol-lowering effect, and there is also emerging evidence of beneficial effects on inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular reactivity. Nuts contain compounds that favorably influence glucose homeostasis, and prevent onset of CVDs. It has been seen that regular nut consumption is unlikely to contribute to obesity and may even help in weight loss. Safety related to the infrequent occurrence of nut allergy in children is limited. Further investigations are required to be conducted on those experiencing CVDs, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. This will have new insights into the health benefits of nuts and also to validate the time and the form of consumption influencing the effect of nuts on lipoprotein or blood serum levels.

Keywords

Nuts, Diabetes, CVD, Inflammation, Oxidative stress, Vascular reactivity, Appetite, Allergic reaction.