Almonds, walnuts, and serum lipids.

• Date posted:  01/01/1996 
• Posted In:
• Almonds,
• Mixed Nuts,
• Walnuts,
• Cardiovascular Health,

Sabaté J., D.G. Hook. Almonds, walnuts, and serum lipids.  In: Spiller, G.A.  Handbook of Lipids in Human Nutrition.  New York, NY: CRC Press, Inc.; 1996.

This chapter reviews human studies that look at the effects of whole almonds and walnuts on blood lipid levels. Although each of the studies differ in methodology, the overriding consensus is that almonds, walnuts, and possibly other nuts with a similar nutrient composition, have a cholesterol lowering effect.  The protective effect of nuts on coronary heart disease may be due to their fatty acid composition (mostly unsaturated fats) and other components in nuts.