ALA-rich walnuts could protect arteries after high-fat meal

Twelve healthy people and 12 patients with high cholesterol levels were randomly assigned to a high-fat meal (80 g fat, 35 per cent saturated fat) supplemented with 40 grams of walnuts or 25 grams of olive oil. One week later, the participants were crossed over to eat the other supplemented high-fat meal. The Barcelona researchers report that blood flow in the arm in the brachial artery was improved in the people with high cholesterol after consumption of the walnut-supplemented meal (24 per cent increase).

“The fact that a single walnut meal positively affects postprandial vasoactivity further supports the beneficial effects of walnuts on cardiovascular risk,” wrote lead author Berenice Cortés in the October 16th issue of Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Inflammation, measured as a function of soluble inflammatory cytokine levels, were found to decrease independently of the meal, except for E-selectin, a molecule that plays a role in cell adhesion, which fell after the walnut meal. “Walnuts preserve the protective phenotype of endothelial cells,” concluded Cortés.

Steve - chalk another one up for walnuts. They are a wonderful Superfood along with other nuts such as almonds and pecans. If tolerated, make walnuts part of your diet. Try to rotate your consumption of nuts so you do not eat the same ones every day. Like consuming any food on a daily basis, developing an allergy or a sensitivity is always a concern.