Washington, DC (April, 1999) New research presented at Experimental Biology '99 suggests that consuming almonds and other nuts can help people to effectively lose and maintain body weight, as well as to reduce their risk of developing colon cancer and coronary heart disease. This was the second consecutive year that the conference included a session focusing exclusively on the health benefits of nuts.

Researchers from Harvard University presented encouraging findings for people concerned about losing weight and keeping it off. They reported that a low-calorie diet containing ample fat from almonds, other nuts, and olive oil was as effective for weight loss as a low-calorie, low-fat diet and was more effective for weight loss maintenance. "We found that initially people were reluctant to join the nut and olive oil diet group because they feared they might gain weight," said Kathy McManus, MS, RD, lead study researcher. "But in the end, not only was this eating pattern as effective for weight loss as the low-fat diet, but there were additional benefits, both in terms of health and enjoyment." People in both diet groups lost an average of 10 pounds over a 12-month period. The nuts and olive oil group was successful in keeping weight off six months later and even showed a significant drop in blood pressure. In contrast, those on the low-fat diet began to regain lost pounds and showed no change in blood pressure. …

"The bottom line is that healthy fats can be part of a weight loss program as long as total calories are controlled," McManus said. "When adding fat calories to a reducing diet, however, it is crucial for overall health to choose foods, such as almonds and other nuts, that are rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, as well as flavor."

Almonds Reduce Colon Cancer Risk in Rats

Research conducted at the University of California at Davis showed that a high-fat diet rich in whole almonds reduced the colon cancer risk in rats chemically treated to induce this cancer. When compared to rats fed a high-fat, wheat bran-rich diet thought to protect against colon cancer, the whole-almond group showed a 33 percent reduction in colon cancer precursor cells. …"In fact, not only did whole almonds inhibit colon cancer precursor cells from developing, but we were gratified to see that they were significantly more effective than wheat bran, widely believed to protect against this type of cancer," said Paul Davis, PhD, lead researcher on the study.

Almonds And Other Nuts Contribute To A Heart-Healthy Diet

A variety of studies at Experimental Biology '99 showed that regular consumption of almonds and other nuts, as part of a low-saturated fat diet, can lower the risk of heart disease in general by beneficially affecting blood cholesterol levels and can reduce the risk of having a second heart attack. In a study from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Davis demonstrated a significant improvement in blood lipid profiles among men and women who replaced 50 percent of their habitual fat intake with either whole almonds or almond oil for six weeks. They had reductions in "bad" LDL-cholesterol levels (11 percent with whole almonds and 12 percent with almond oil) and maintenance of "good" HDL-cholesterol levels. "Since there were no differences in blood lipid parameters between the two dietary groups in this study," said Davis, "it appears as if the oils in almonds, which contain monounsaturated fats as well as other lipid-related compounds, are primarily responsible for their cholesterol-lowering effects."

Researchers from Harvard University's School of Public Health found that four thousand male and female heart attack survivors who ate nuts at least twice weekly had a 25 percent reduction in risk of recurrent coronary heart disease, compared to those who never consumed nuts. Reductions in risk were seen both in those on cholesterol-lowering therapy and those not on such therapy. "We looked at other healthful foods, such as fruits, vegetables and grains," said Lisa Brown, DSc. "Of these, only broccoli, cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables showed a similar reduction in recurrent heart disease risk."        
       
........  Reprinted from www.almondsarein.com

MEDJOOL & NEGLET NOOR DATES ARE GOOD FOR YOU

Medjool dates are large moist dates (2 ½ times as large as a normal date), while the smaller Deglet Noor dates are a drier date. These dates provide fiber, potassium, and magnesium nutrients that defend us from heart disease and cancer. Evidence shows that eating fiber-rich foods reduces our risk of colon, rectum, and breast cancers. Soluble fibers have been linked to low blood cholesterol levels and scientists believe they may help lower blood pressure and stabilize blood sugar. Four medjool dates provide 570 milligrams of stroke-reducing Potassium and 10% of the U.S. RDA of essential Magnesium. Potassium works with sodium and magnesium to regulate blood pressure and to control the proper rhythm of the heart. One study showed that eating even one serving daily of fresh fruits or vegetables high in potassium can reduce the risk of stroke by 40%. Potassium is necessary to maintain fluid balance in cells, transmit nerve signals, release energy from carbohydrates and proteins, improve the delivery of oxygen to the brain, and aids clear thinking. Magnesium is very important because it plays a major role in almost every major biological process. It is essential for maintaining the heart, good nerve function, bone formation and many general metabolic processes. Magnesium has been shown to be an essential component of more than 300 critical enzymatic reactions. It activates enzymes that control energy release from glucose and fats, and releases energy stored in muscles so it can be used.

NEW RESEARCH ON VITAMIN E

New research shows that vitamin E has a greater role than just being an antioxidant in the battle against coronary heart disease (CHD). According to comments made by Lester Packer, PhD, UC Berkeley, at the Experimental Biology Symposium in San Diego recently, vitamin E outperforms other antioxidants because it may prevent narrowing of the arteries. Vitamin E reduces the "stickiness" of red blood cells. "The outcome is less adhesion, less narrowing of the arteries. The benefit is a potential drop in cardiac events," said John F. Kearney, M.D., Boston University School of Medicine. Vitamin E helps prevent white blood cells from forming plaque and functions as an anti-inflammatory agent that protects artery walls from heart-disease producing damage. Almonds are one of the richest food sources of vitamin E.

PISTACHIOS

Another nut with many nutritional benefits is the pistachio. Because pistachios are very similar to almonds in unsaturated fat content, they too can help protect against heart disease. They have about the same amount of protein as almonds, 19 grams per 100 grams of the edible portion. They also have more potassium and iron by weight than any other nut, fruit, or vegetable. Among nuts and fruits, they are one of the best sources of thiamin (vitamin B-1).

FIGS

Figs are one of the most nutritious fruits that one can eat. A half-cup of figs has as much calcium as a half-cup of milk. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. Figs have more fiber than any other common fruit with 28% of the fiber being soluble fiber. Studies have shown that soluble fiber may aid in the loss of weight. Figs have the highest level of polyphenols of any common food. Polyphenols can reduce cancer risk by carcinogen-blocking activities, antioxidant and free radical scavenging, and antiprogression activities. Polyphenols can also help reduce risk of heart disease.

LECITHIN

Every cell in your body requires the lipid, lecithin. The protective sheaths around your brain are made of lecithin. This makes lecithin a very important nutrient to the body. Lecithin can protect against arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. It can improve brain function! It can also slow down the aging process, help in fat digestion, and help improve immune disorders. It can increase energy levels!

GINGER

Ginger is known to stimulate gastric juices and is widely known in preventing motion sickness. Only a small amount is used in Almondjool, less than what is normally found in foods.

DISCLAIMER

The intent of the above information is solely informational and educational and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Please consult with a qualified health professional for diagnosis and/or treatment of any health condition needing attention.