Volume 32, Nº 3, May and June 2019
DOI: http://www.dx.doi.org/10.5935/2359-4802.20190016
REVIEW ARTICLE
Nuts and Cardiovascular Diseases: Focus on Brazil Nuts
Ana Carla Tavares da Silva
Ludmila F. M. F. Cardozo
Beatriz Oliveira da Cruz
Denise Mafra
Milena Barcza Stockler-Pinto
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of death globally and most CVD can be prevented by addressing their risk factors, such as an unhealthy diet. Many authors have studied the benefits of nut consumption on CVD. Nuts contain high amounts of vegetable protein, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and many other bioactive compounds, like phytosterols and phenolic compounds, which are able to reduce cholesterol levels and promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing cardiovascular risks. This review aims to describe studies involving the consumption of nuts, including Brazil nuts and CVD risk factors with positive results in the improvement of lipid profile, glucose metabolism, vascular function, and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.
Keywords: Cardiovascular Diseases; Nuts; Seeds; Diet, High-Protein; Cholesterol; Anti-Oxidants; Anti-Inflammatory Agents.
