KOLLAM: A recent study funded by the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) has found consumption of nuts may have favourable effects on human health. The review also examined the effect of nut consumption on inflammatory biomarkers and endothelial function associated with cardiovascular disease to get a positive result. The review is expected to make a positive impact in the cashew industry globally. “The research and knowledge on the effects of nut consumption on human health have increased in recent years," said Pratap Nair of Vijayalaxmi cashew company, who is also the INC’s ambassador for India.
“The study has findings that nut consumption may play a key role in the prevention of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, among others.” The study observes that some chronic diseases are accompanied by a state of low-grade of inflammation which influences the progression and development of the disease. Changes in this inflammatory state can be identified via inflammatory biomarkers like C-reactive protein.
The study also investigated the effects on endothelial dysfunction associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. The review describing 32 studies has been published in BMJ Open journal. In the studies, nuts were consumed in either prescribed doses (18 to 85g/day) or as a percentage of dietary energy, so that the number of nuts provided to each subject was different.
The study found evidence for favourable effects on flow-mediated dilation, a measure of endothelial function. These findings also align with a review conducted by the European Food Safety Authority in 2011 to substantiate the health claim – ‘walnuts contribute to the improvement of the elasticity of blood vessels’. The study concluded that including nuts within a healthy dietary pattern may have favourable effects on endothelial dysfunction. This study was supported by the INC which includes more than 700 nut and dried fruit sector companies from over 70 countries.
