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Research Area: Consumption

Consumption and portion sizes of tree nuts, peanuts and seeds in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohorts from 10 European countries

Jenab, M., J. Sabate’, N. Slimani, P. Ferrari, M. Mazuir, C. Casagrande, G. Deharveng, A. Tjønneland, A. Olsen, K. Overvad, M.-C. Boutron-Ruault, F. Clavel-Chapelon, H. Boeing, C. Weikert, J. Linseisen, S. Rohrmann, A. Trichopoulou, A. Naska, D. Palli, C. Sacerdote, R. Tumino, A. Mattiello, V. Pala, H.B. Bueno-de-Mesquita, M.C. Ocke’, P.H. Peeters, D. Engeset, G. Skeie, P. Jakszyn, E. Ardanaz, J.R. Quiro’s, M.D. Chirlaque, C. Martinez, P. Amiano, G. Berglund, R. Palmqvist, B. van Guelpen, S. Bingham, T. Key, E. Riboli, 2006. Consumption and portion sizes of tree nuts, peanuts and seeds in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohorts from 10 European countries. British Journal of Nutrition. 96, Suppl. 2, S12-S23

Tree nuts, peanuts and seeds are nutrient dense foods whose intake has been shown to be associated with reduced risk of some chronic diseases. They are regularly consumed in European diets either as whole, in spreads or from hidden sources (e.g. commercial products). However, little is known about their intake profiles or differences in consumption between European countries or geographic regions. The objective of this study was to analyze the population mean intake and average portion sizes in subjects reporting intake of nuts and seeds consumed as  whole, derived from hidden sources or from spreads. Data was obtained from standardized 24-hour dietary recalls collected from 36,994 subjects in 10 different countries that are part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Overall, for nuts and seeds consumed as whole, the percentage of subjects reporting intake on the day of the recall was: tree nuts = 4.4%, peanuts = 2.3% and seeds = 1.3%. The data show a clear northern (Sweden: mean intake = 0.15 g/d, average portion size = 15.1 g/d) to southern (Spain: mean intake = 2.99 g/d, average portion size = 34.7 g/d) European gradient of whole tree nut intake. The three most popular tree nuts were walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts, respectively. In general, tree nuts were more widely consumed than peanuts or seeds. In subjects reporting intake, men consumed a significantly higher average portion size of tree nuts (28.5 v. 23.1 g/d, P<0.01) and peanuts (46.1 v. 35.1 g/d, P<0.01) per day than women. These data may be useful in devising research initiatives and health policy strategies based on the intake of this food group.

There are many Mediterranean diets.

Noah, A., A.S. Truswell, 2001.  There are many Mediterranean diets. Asia Pacific J Clin Nutr. 10(1):2-9.

Interest in Mediterranean diet began 30 years ago, when Ancel Keys published the results of the famous Seven Countries Study. Since 1945, almost 1.3 million people have come to Australia from Mediterranean countries as new settlers. There are 18 countries with coasts on the Mediterranean sea: Spain, southern France, Italy, Malta, Croatia, Bosnia, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Libya, Malta, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. This study from which this report derives aims to investigate the influence of the food habits of immigrants from Mediterranean countries on Australian food intake. Here we look at the ‘traditional’ food habits of the above Mediterranean countries as told by 102 people we interviewed in Sydney, who came from 18 Mediterranean countries to Sydney. Most of the informants were women, their age ranged from 35 to 55 years. The interview was open-ended and held in the informant’s home. It usually lasted around 11/2 hours. The interview had three parts. Personal information was obtained, questions relating to the food habits of these people back in their original Mediterranean countries and how their food intake and habits have changed in Australia were also asked. From the interviews, we have obtained a broad picture of ‘traditional’ food habits in different Mediterranean countries. The interview data was checked with books of recipes for the different countries. While there were similarities between the countries, there are also important differences in the food habits of the Mediterranean countries. Neighboring countries’ food habits are closer than those on opposite sides of the Mediterranean Sea. We suggest that these food habits can be put into four groups. The data here refer to food habits in Mediterranean countries 20 or 30 years ago, as they were recovering from the Second World War. There is no single ideal Mediterranean diet. Nutritionists who use the concept should qualify the individual country and the time in history of their model Mediterranean diet.

U.S. consumption patterns of tree nuts.

Lin, B.H., E. Frazao, J. Allhouse, 2001.  U.S. consumption patterns of tree nuts. Food Review 24(2):54-8.

Americans are more than a little nutty when it comes to their diets. Recent USDA food consumption data show that about 1 in every 10 consumers eats tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, cashews, and others) on any given day, and the amount eaten is fairly small. On average, slightly more than 1 gram of tree nuts are eaten per person per day. Tree nut consumption is higher among wealthier consumers and Whites in the United States. More adults age 40 and above eat tree nuts than younger consumers. A smaller proportion of consumers living in the South and in rural areas consume tree nuts than other consumers.

Optimizing the plant-based diet.

Mann, J.I., 2000.  Optimizing the plant-based diet. Asia Pacific J Clin Nutr. 9(suppl):S60-4.

Any attempt to optimize a plant-based diet necessitates an identification of the features of the diet which confer benefit as well as any which may be associated with detrimental effects. The former task is more difficult than might be assumed as there is no doubt that some of the apparent health benefits observed amongst vegetarians are a consequence of environmental determinants of health which characterize groups of people who choose vegetarian diets, rather than dietary practices. This review will consider the major health benefits of plant-based diets, the specific foods or nutrients which confer the benefits as far as can be ascertained from present knowledge, potential nutrient deficiencies associated with a plant-based diet and nutritional strategies that can be employed to prevent any such deficiencies.

The role of nuts in a healthy diet.

Lino, M., K. Marcoe, J.M. Dinkins, H. Hiza, R. Anand, 2000.  USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.  The role of nuts in a healthy diet. Insight 23, December.

While not a staple in the American diet, nuts are consumed by many Americans. This Nutrition Insight examines the contribution nuts can make to a diet, consumption of nuts, characteristics of people who eat nuts, and the association of nut consumption with diet quality.

Nuts – nutrition and health benefits of daily use.

Rainey, C., L. Nyquist, 1997. Nuts – nutrition and health benefits of daily use. Nutrition Today. 32(4):157-63.

This article about the nutritive value and uses of nuts is part of a series on fruits, vegetables, and nuts and their place in the American diet.