Alternative Health Blog

In a randomized, controlled study involving 50 metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients, results indicate that nut consumption may significantly reduce DNA damage. The subjects received a healthy diet with or without 30 g of mixed nuts daily for 12 weeks. During intervention, a significant reduction in DNA damage was observed in the mixed nuts group, compared with the control group. Additionally, no significant differences were found between the groups in plasma antioxidant capacity, oxidized LDL, conjugated diene formation, 8-isoprostanes or endothelial function. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Nut consumption has no deleterious effect on lipid oxidation. The decrease in DNA damage observed in this study could contribute to explain the beneficial effects of regular nut consumption on some MetS features and several chronic diseases."   Reference: "Effect of nut consumption on oxidative stress and the endothelial function in metabolic syndrome," Lopez-Uriarte P, Salas-Salvado J, et al, Clin Nutr, 2010 Jan 9; [Epub ahead of print]. Human Nutrition Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, IISPV, Rovira i Virgili University, Sant Llorenc 21, 43201 Reus, Tarragona, Spain).