Sesame supplementation does not improve cardiovascular disease risk markers in overweight men and women. Effect of Sesame Oil on Diuretics or ß-blockers in the Modulation of Blood Pressure, Anthropometry, Lipid Profile, and Redox Status Effect of sesame seed on lipid profile and redox status in hyperlipidemic patients Sesame ingestion affects sex hormones, antioxidant status, and blood lipids in postmenopausal women. A pilot study of open label sesame oil in hypertensive diabetics. Regular consumption of cocoa powder with milk increases HDL cholesterol and reduces oxidized LDL levels in subjects at high-risk of cardiovascular disease. Ardeh (Sesamum indicum) could improve serum triglycerides and atherogenic lipid parameters in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized clinical trial. Almonds and almond oil have similar effects on plasma lipids and LDL oxidation in healthy men and women. Effects of Two Energy-Restricted Diets Containing Different Fruit Amounts on Body Weight Loss and Macronutrient Oxidation Effects of kiwi fruit consumption on platelet aggregation and plasma lipids in healthy human volunteers Corn and sesame oils increase serum gamma-tocopherol concentrations in healthy Swedish women. A comparison of the effects of cheese and butter on serum lipids, haemostatic variables and homocysteine. Lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein profiles in active and sedentary men with tetraplegia. Effects of a Controlled Diet Supplemented with Chickpeas on Serum Lipids, Glucose Tolerance, Satiety and Bowel Function Effects of brown and golden flaxseed on the lipid profile, glycemia, inflammatory biomarkers, blood pressure and body composition in overweight adolescents. Comparison of high- and low-glycemic-index breakfast cereals with monounsaturated fat in the long-term dietary management of type 2 diabetes. Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Concentrations Predict Risk for Coronary Heart Disease: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study Macadamia nut consumption lowers plasma total and LDL cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic men. Low plasma retinol predicts coronary events in healthy middle-aged men: the PRIME Study. High-monounsaturated fatty acid diets lower both plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations. Olive and Sesame Oil Effect on Lipid Profile in Hypercholesterolemic Patients, Which Better? Antioxidant Profile and Early Outcome in Stroke Patients Measured energy value of pistachios in the human diet.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Pre- clinical studies suggest that sesame and its lignans induce beneficial changes in risk factors related to cardiovascular disease and increase the bioavailability of mammalian lignans . However , only very few intervention trials have investigated the potential bioactivities of sesame in humans . We aim ed to investigate the effects of sesame supplementation in humans on blood lipids , blood pressure , systemic oxidative stress , inflammatory biomarkers and mammalian lignan metabolism . METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted a r and omized , placebo-controlled cross-over intervention trial at a university research centre . Overweight or obese men and women ( n=33 ) consumed 25g/d of sesame ( approximately 50mg/d of sesame lignan ) and an iso-caloric placebo matched for macronutrient composition for 5 wks each . Each intervention period was preceded by a 4-wk washout period . Blood lipid profiles , day time ambulatory blood pressure , oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers and urinary mammalian lignans were measured before and after each intervention . Results are presented as the effect of sesame supplementation relative to placebo .  Urinary excretion of the mammalian lignans , enterolactone and enterodiol , increased by approximately 8-fold ( P<0.001 ) . Blood lipids and blood pressure were not altered . In addition , markers of systemic inflammation ( C-reactive protein , interleukin-6 , tumor necrosis factor-alpha ) and lipid peroxidation ( F(2)-isoprostanes ) were not affected . CONCLUSION Supplementation with 25g/d of sesame can significantly increase the exposure to mammalian lignans . However , this did not cause any improvement in markers of cardiovascular disease risk in overweight or obese men and women The study was undertaken to investigate the effect of sesame oil in hypertensive patients who were on antihypertensive therapy either with diuretics ( hydrochlorothiazide ) or ß-blockers ( atenolol ) . Thirty-two male and 18 female patients aged 35 to 60 years old were supplied sesame oil ( Idhayam gingelly oil ) and instructed to use it as the only edible oil for 45 days . Blood pressure , anthropometry , lipid profile , lipid peroxidation , and enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants were measured at baseline and after 45 days of sesame oil substitution . Substitution of sesame oil brought down systolic and diastolic blood pressure to normal . The same patients were asked to withdraw sesame oil consumption for another 45 days , and the measurements were repeated at the end of withdrawal period . Withdrawal of sesame oil substitution brought back the initial blood pressure values . A significant reduction was noted in body weight and body mass index ( BMI ) upon sesame oil substitution . No significant alterations were observed in lipid profile except triglycerides . Plasma levels of sodium reduced while potassium elevated upon the substitution of sesame oil .  Lipid peroxidation ( thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [ TBARS ] ) decreased while the activities of superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) , catalase ( CAT ) , and the levels of vitamin C , vitamin E , ß-carotene , and reduced glutathione ( GSH ) were increased . The results suggested that sesame oil as edible oil lowered blood pressure , decreased lipid peroxidation , and increased antioxidant status in hypertensive patients Pre- clinical studies suggest that sesame and its lignans induce beneficial changes in risk factors related to cardiovascular disease . This study was design ed to investigate the effects of sesame on reducing serum lipids and enhancing antioxidant capacity in 38 hyperlipidemic patients who were divided into two groups r and omly . For all individuals along the 60 days of study period , the same drug treatments were considered . Intervention group patients were supposed to eat 40 g white sesame seeds daily , and instead of these calories , 240 kcal was removed from their diet . Anthropometric measurements including height , weight and body mass index ( BMI ) were measured . We assessed lipid profile and oxidative stress indicators such as glutathione peroxidase ( GPX ) , superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances ( TBARS ) before and after the intervention . Significant differences among and between the groups were determined by independent t-test and paired sample t-test using 13th version of statistical package for the social sciences . The results showed that the diet with sesame significantly decreased the levels of serum total cholesterol ( TC ) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) and TC/HDL-C ratio . Lipid peroxidation ( TBARS ) decreased while the activities of GPX and SOD were increased . There were no significant changes in anthropometric indexes such as weight and BMI after consumption of sesame . The results suggested that sesame seed supplementation decreased serum TC , LDL-C and lipid peroxidation , and increased antioxidant status in hyperlipidemic patients Sesame ingestion has been shown to improve blood lipids in humans and antioxidative ability in animals . Sesamin , a sesame lignan , was recently reported to be converted by intestinal microflora to enterolactone , a compound with estrogenic activity and also an enterometabolite of flaxseed lignans , which are known to be phytoestrogens . Whether sesame can be a source of phytoestrogens is unknown . This study was design ed to investigate the effect of sesame ingestion on blood sex hormones , lipids , tocopherol , and ex vivo LDL oxidation in postmenopausal women . Twenty-six healthy subjects attended , and 24 completed , this r and omized , placebo-controlled , crossover study . Half of them consumed 50 g sesame seed powder daily for 5 wk , followed by a 3-wk washout period , then a 5-wk 50-g rice powder placebo period . The other half received the 2 supplements in reverse order . After sesame treatment , plasma total cholesterol ( TC ) , LDL-C , the ratio of LDL-C to HDL-C , thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in oxidized LDL , and serum dehydroepi and rosterone sulfate decreased significantly by 5 , 10 , 6 , 23 , and 18 % , respectively . The ratio of alpha- and gamma-tocopherol to TC increased significantly by 18 and 73 % , respectively . All of these variables differed significantly between the 2 treatments . Serum sex hormone-binding globulin and urinary 2-hydroxyestrone ( n = 8) increased significantly by 15 and 72 % , respectively , after sesame treatment , and these concentrations tended to differ ( P = 0.065 and P = 0.090 , respectively ) from those after the placebo treatment . These results suggest that sesame ingestion benefits postmenopausal women by improving blood lipids , antioxidant status , and possibly sex hormone status The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of sesame oil in hypertensive diabetics medicated with atenolol ( beta-blocker ) and glibenclamide ( sulfonylurea ) .  This open label trial with two intervention periods comprised 22 male and 18 female patients , 45 - 65 years old , with mild to moderate hypertension and diabetes .  Sesame oil ( Idhayam Gingelly oil , V.V.V. & Sons , Virudhunagar , Tamilnadu , India ) was supplied to the patients , who were instructed to use it in place of other cooking oils for 45 days . Blood pressure ( BP ) , anthropometric measurements , plasma glucose , glycated hemoglobin ( HbA1c ) , lipid profiles [ total cholesterol , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) , and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol , and triglycerides ( TG ) ] , lipid peroxidation [ thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances ( TBARS ) ] , electrolytes ( sodium , potassium , and chloride ) , and enzymic ( superoxide dismutase , glutathione peroxidase , and catalase ) and nonenzymic ( vitamin C , vitamin E , beta-carotene , and reduced glutathione ) antioxidants were measured at baseline and after 45 days of sesame oil substitution . The same patients were then switched over to other oils like palm or groundnut oils as their regular oils at r and om for another 45 days , and the investigations were carried out again at the end . Systolic and diastolic BP decreased remarkably . When oil substitution was withdrawn , BP values rose again . Body weight , body mass index , girth of waist , girth of hip , and waist : hip ratio were reduced upon substitution of sesame oil .  Plasma glucose , HbA1c , TC , LDL-C , and TG were decreased . TBARS level was reduced , while the activities of enzymic and the levels of nonenzymic antioxidants were increased . Plasma sodium levels were reduced , while potassium levels were elevated . These results indicate that substitution of sesame oil as the sole edible oil has an additive effect in further lowering BP and plasma glucose in hypertensive diabetics BACKGROUND AND AIMS Epidemiological studies suggest that regular consumption of cocoa-containing products may confer cardiovascular protection , reducing the risk of coronary heart disease ( CHD ) . However , studies on the effects of cocoa on different cardiovascular risk factors are still scarce . The aim of this study was too evaluate the effects of chronic cocoa consumption on lipid profile , oxidized low-density lipoprotein ( oxLDL ) particles and plasma antioxidant vitamin concentrations in high-risk patients . METHODS AND RESULTS Forty-two high-risk volunteers ( 19 men and 23 women , mean age 69.7 ± 11.5 years ) were included in a r and omized , crossover feeding trial . All received 40 g of cocoa powder with 500 mL of skimmed milk/day(C + M ) or only 500 mL/day of skimmed milk ( M ) for 4 weeks in a r and om order . Before and after each intervention period , plasma lipids , oxLDL and antioxidant vitamin concentrations were measured , as well as urinary cocoa polyphenols metabolites derived from phase II and microbial metabolisms . Compared to M , C + M intervention increases HDLc [ 2.67 mg/dL ( 95 % confidence intervals , CI , 0.58 - 4.73 ; P = 0.008 ) ] and decreases oxLDL levels [ -12.3 U/L ( CI,-19.3 to -5.2;P = 0.001 ) ] . No changes between intervention groups were observed in vitamins B1 , B6 , B12 , C and E , or folic acid concentrations . In addition , subjects who showed higher increments in urinary cocoa polyphenol metabolites exhibited significant increases in HDLc and significant decreases in oxLDL levels ( P < 0.05 ; all ) . CONCLUSIONS Consumption of cocoa power with milk modulates the lipid profile  in high-risk subjects for CHD . In addition , the relationship observed between the urinary excretion of cocoa polyphenol metabolites and plasma HDLc and oxLDL levels suggests a beneficial role for cocoa polyphenols in lipid metabolism BACKGROUND Data suggest that sesame seeds have properties beneficial to modulating lipid disorders and decreasing cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) risk factors . The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ardeh , paste of ground unhulled sesame seeds , on lipid profiles and atherogenic lipid parameters . METHODS This r and omized clinical trial included 41 patients with type 2 diabetes , who were r and omly assigned to one of the two groups : group A ( Ardeh 28 g/d , n = 21 ) and group B ( control , n = 20 ) . After an initial two-week washout period , the patients in group A , replaced a part of their usual breakfast with two tablespoon ( tbsp ) ( ~ 28 g ) Ardeh , while group B patients continued the usual breakfast meal for six weeks ; energy content of both breakfast meals was maintained in the same range . Anthropometric measures , blood pressure , serum levels of total cholesterol ( TC ) , triglycerides ( TG ) , LDL-C , HDL-C , and atherogenic index of plasma ( AIP ; log TG/HDL-C ) , TC/HDL-C ratio , and LDL/HDL-C ratio were determined at baseline and six weeks later . RESULTS After six weeks , there were significant decreases in serum TG ( 15.3 mg/dL ) and AIP ( 39 % ) in group A. Moreover , slight decreases in serum TC , LDL-C , and other atherogenic lipid parameters and a mild increase in HDL-C also were observed during Ardeh supplementation . Anthropometric measures and blood pressure were unchanged during the study period in both groups . CONCLUSION Ardeh could have favorable effects in decreasing CVD risk factors in type 2 diabetics Epidemiologic and clinical studies have shown that nut consumption is associated with favorable plasma lipid profiles and reduced cardiovascular risk . These effects may result from their high monounsaturated fat ( MUFA ) content but nuts contain constituents other than fatty acids that might be cardioprotective . We conducted a study to compare the effects of whole-almond vs. almond oil consumption on plasma lipids and LDL oxidation in healthy men and women . Using a r and omized crossover trial design , 22 normolipemic men and women replaced half of their habitual fat ( approximately 14 % of approximately 29 % energy ) with either whole almonds ( WA ) or almond oil ( AO ) for 6-wk periods . Compliance was ascertained by monitoring dietary intake via biweekly 5-d food records , return of empty almond product packages and weekly meetings with a registered dietitian . Fat replacement with either WA and AO result ed in a 54 % increase in percentage of energy as MUFA with declines in both saturated fat and cholesterol intake and no significant changes in total energy , total or polyunsaturated fat intake . The effects of  WA  and  AO  on plasma lipids did not differ compared with baseline ; plasma triglyceride , total and LDL cholesterol significantly decreased , 14 , 4 and 6 % respectively , whereas HDL cholesterol increased 6 % . Neither treatment affected in vitro LDL oxidizability . We conclude that WA and AO do not differ in their beneficial effects on the plasma lipid variables measured and that this suggests that the favorable effect of almonds is mediated by components in the oil fraction of these nuts The consumption of specific foods in energy-restricted diets may affect the weight loss process . The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether obese women following two hypocaloric diets with distinct fruit content differ in weight loss and metabolic responses .  Fifteen obese women were included , who were r and omly assigned to follow a low or a high-fruit energy-restricted diet for 8 weeks . The main outcome variables were weight and fat losses . Metabolic measurements concerning macronutrient oxidation were also assessed by using 13C labelled fructose and indirect calorimetry . The induced weight loss was similar for both diets ( 6.9 ± 2 % vs. 6.6 ± 2 % , p = 0.785 ) . Both experimental diets similarly improved the lipid plasma profile in the participants , but the cholesterol fall was higher in obese subjects receiving the diet containing more fruit . No statistical differences in lipids carbohydrates and 13C labelled fructose utilisation were observed , but protein oxidation was differently affected by the experimental diets . The compensatory effects of the associated fibre/fructose intake may explain the lack of a specific effect of the fruit amount on hypocaloric diets design ed to weight loss , although the increased fibre content from enriched fruit diets may be involved in the favourable effects on cholesterol plasma levels Fruits and vegetables have been thought to be beneficial in cardiovascular disease . The beneficial effects of fruits and vegetables may be explained by the antioxidants and other components contained therein . These nutrients may function individually or in concert to protect lipoproteins and vascular cells from oxidation , or by other mechanisms such as reducing plasma lipid levels ( LDL cholesterol , triglycerides ) , and platelet aggregation response . Kiwi fruit which contains high amounts of vitamin C , vitamin E and polyphenols may be beneficial in cardiovascular disease ; however very little is known about its cardioprotective effects . Platelets are involved in atherosclerotic disease development and the reduction of platelet activity by medications reduces the incidence and severity of disease . To this end , we evaluated whether consuming kiwi fruit modulated platelet activity and plasma lipids in human volunteers in a r and omized cross-over study . We report that consuming two or three kiwi fruit per day for 28 days reduced platelet aggregation response to collagen and ADP by 18 % compared with the controls ( P<0.05 ) . In addition , consumption of kiwi fruit  lowered blood triglycerides levels by 15 % compared with control ( P<0.05 ) , whereas no such effects were observed in the case of cholesterol levels . All these data indicate that consuming kiwi fruit may be beneficial in cardiovascular disease We studied the effects of dietary intervention with three vegetable oils ( Linola , corn or sesame oil , all good sources of gamma-tocopherol ) on absolute and relative concentrations of alpha- and gamma-tocopherol in human serum . The oils contained only small amounts of linolenic acid but varying amounts of oleic and linoleic acids , and they had different concentrations of alpha-tocopherol . Forty healthy female students ( mean age 26 y ) were r and omly assigned to one of three groups and consumed a diet that contained one of the three oils for 4 wk . Refined oils were distributed as ingredients in specially prepared buns , in margarine or as dressing . Serum tocopherols , serum lipoproteins and plasma malondialdehyde concentrations were measured . The gamma-tocopherol concentrations normalized to serum lipids increased significantly in the corn and sesame oil groups ( P < 0.01 ) , and the alpha-/gamma-tocopherol ratios decreased significantly from baseline concentrations in all groups ( P < 0.05 ) . The alpha-tocopherol concentrations did not change during the diet period in any of the three groups . Serum cholesterol , serum apolipoprotein B and plasma malondialdehyde concentrations decreased significantly only in the Linola oil group ( P < 0.05 ) . These data show that a moderately modified natural diet that contains both alpha- and gamma-tocopherol increases the serum gamma-tocopherol concentration in healthy women without affecting the serum alpha-tocopherol concentration Milk fat contains considerable amounts of saturated fatty acids , known to increase serum cholesterol . Little is known , however , about the relative effect of different milk products on risk factors for CHD . The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of Jarlsberg cheese ( a Norwegian variety of Swiss cheese ) with butter on serum lipoproteins , haemostatic variables and homocysteine . A controlled dietary study was performed with twenty-two test individuals ( nine men and thirteen women ) aged 23 - 54 years . The subjects consumed three isoenergetic test diets , with equal amounts of fat and protein , and containing either cheese ( CH diet ) , butter + calcium caseinate ( BC diet ) or butter + egg-white protein ( BE diet ) . The study was a r and omised cross-over study and the subjects consumed each diet for 3 weeks , with 1 week when they consumed their habitual diet in between . Fasting blood sample s were drawn at baseline and at the end of each period . Serum was analysed for lipids and plasma for haemostatic variables and homocysteine . Total cholesterol was significantly lower after the CH diet than after the BC diet ( -0.27 mmol/l ; P=0.03 ) , while the difference in LDL-cholesterol was found to be below significance level ( -0.22 mmol/l ; P=0.06 ) . There were no significant differences in HDL-cholesterol , triacylglycerols , apo A-I , apo B or lipoprotein ( a ) , haemostatic variables and homocysteine between the diets . The results indicate that , at equal fat content , cheese may be less cholesterol increasing than butter OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the risk profile of coronary heart disease ( CHD ) is more favorable in physically active men with tetraplegia compared with sedentary men with tetraplegia . DESIGN Using a cross-sectional design , the lipid and (apo)lipoprotein concentrations of 11 active and 13 sedentary men with tetraplegia were compared . Regression analysis was applied to investigate the influence of subject characteristics and behavioral factors on the risk profile of CHD . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Total plasma cholesterol ( TC ) , high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C ) , triglycerides , apolipoprotein-A1 ( ApoA1 ) , and apolipoprotein-B ( ApoB ) concentrations were determined . Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) and the ratios TC/HDL-C , LDL-C/HDL-C , ApoA1/ApoB , and HDL-C/ApoA1 were calculated . RESULTS A significantly higher HDL-C and ApoA1/ApoB and lower TC/HDL-C were found in the active group . Age and body mass index were important determinants of the lipids and (apo)lipoproteins .  Sport activity was the only significant determinant of HDL-C. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest a positive influence of sport activity on HDL-C in men with tetraplegia , which may reduce the risk of CHD Objective : To compare the effect of a diet supplemented with chickpeas to a wheat-based diet of similar fibre content on serum lipids , glucose tolerance , satiety and bowel function . A third , lower-fibre wheat diet provided further information on dietary fibre quantity and bowel function and satiety . Method : Twenty-seven free-living adults followed two r and omized , crossover dietary interventions each of five weeks duration . The chickpea diet included canned drained chickpeas , bread and shortbread biscuits containing 30 % chickpea flour . The wheat diet included high-fibre wheat breakfast cereals and wholemeal bread . The diets were isoenergetic to the participants ’ usual diet , matched for macronutrient content and controlled for dietary fibre . Following on from the second r and omised intervention , a sub-group of 18 participants underwent a third , isoenergetic lower-fibre wheat diet that included low-fibre breakfast cereals and bread . Results : Repeated measures ANOVA revealed reductions in serum TC of 0.25 mmol/L ( p < 0.01 ) and LDL-C of 0.20 mmol/L ( p = 0.02 ) following the chickpea diet compared to the wheat . An unintended significant increase in PUFA and corresponding decrease in MUFA consumption occurred during the chickpea diet and statistical adjustment for this reduced but did not eliminate the effect on serum lipids . There was no significant difference in glucose tolerance . Perceived general bowel health improved significantly during the chickpea diet although there was considerable individual variation . Some participants reported greater satiety during the chickpea diet . Conclusions : The small but significant decrease in serum TC and LDL-C during the chickpea diet compared to the equivalent fibre wheat diet was partly due to unintentional changes in macronutrient intake occurring because of chickpea ingestion . If dietary energy and macronutrients were not controlled , chickpea consumption might result in greater benefits via influence on these factors BACKGROUND Flaxseed is a promising alternative to reduce the risk of diseases associated with body weight excess because it is rich in a-linolenic acid , lignans , and dietary fiber . Flaxseed ( Linum usitatissimum ) can be found in brown and golden varieties ; however , questions have arisen as to whether the variety may influence the health effects . OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare the effects of brown and golden flaxseeds on lipid profile , glycemia , blood pressure , inflammatory status , body weight , and body composition in overweight adolescents . METHODS Seventy-five overweight adolescents ( 33 boys , 42 girls ; age 13.7 ! 2.1 y ) , from Alegre-ES , Brazil , were r and omized to one of the three groups ( n ¼ 25 ) on a parallel , single-blind clinical trial . They received 28 g/d of brown flaxseed ( BF ) , golden flaxseed ( GF ) , or the equivalent amount of wheat bran ( Control , CG ) in different preparations at school from Monday to Friday for 11 wk . Blood pressure , anthropometric evaluation , and the analyses of blood total cholesterol , lipoproteins , glucose , and inflammatory markers were performed at the beginning and at the end of the intervention . The data were analyzed by ANCOVA at 5 % significance . RESULTS The groups who consumed brown and golden flaxseed showed significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure . Brown and golden flaxseed did not differentially affect plasma lipid responses , plasma glucose and inflammatory profile , although all groups ( BF , GF , and CG ) showed increased levels of TNF-a . CONCLUSIONS The adolescents consumed about half the daily amount provided , which may not have been sufficient to exert the health benefits of flaxseed reported in the literature , concerning the lipid profile , inflammation biomarkers and body composition BACKGROUND Results of 6-wk studies suggest that high-carbohydrate diets are deleterious for people with type 2 diabetes . OBJECTIVE Our objective was to see whether long-term replacement of dietary monounsaturated fatty acids ( MUFAs ) with carbohydrate from breakfast cereals with either a high or a low glycemic index ( GI ) affected blood glucose and lipids in subjects with type 2 diabetes . DESIGN Subjects with type 2 diabetes ( n = 91 ) were r and omly assigned to receive approximately 10 % of energy from a low-GI breakfast cereal , a high-GI cereal , or oil or margarine containing MUFA for 6 mo . Eating breakfast cereal was prohibited for subjects in the MUFA group . RESULTS Seventy-two subjects completed the trial . The subjects who received cereals consumed approximately 10 % more energy from carbohydrate than did the subjects in the MUFA group . Changes in glycated hemoglobin , body weight , and fasting cholesterol and triacylglycerol did not differ significantly among groups . HDL cholesterol increased by approximately 10 % in the MUFA group compared with subjects who consumed either high- or low-GI cereals ( P = 0.002 ) . The ratio of total to HDL cholesterol was higher in the subjects who consumed the high-GI cereal than in the MUFA group at 3 mo but not at 6 mo ( diet x time interaction , P = 0.041 ) . During 8-h metabolic profiles , mean plasma insulin was higher and mean free fatty acids were lower in the 2 cereal groups than in the MUFA group ( P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS A 10 % increase in carbohydrate intake associated with breakfast cereal consumption had no deleterious effects on glycemic control or blood lipids over 6 mo in subjects with type 2 diabetes . The increase in plasma insulin and the reduction in free fatty acids associated with higher carbohydrate intake may reduce the rate of progression of diabetes Objective —To investigate the relationship between plasma levels of  small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( sdLDL-C )  and risk for incident coronary heart disease ( CHD )  in a prospect i ve study among Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities ( ARIC ) study participants . Approach and Results —Plasma  sdLDL-C  was measured in 11 419 men and women of the biracial ARIC study using a newly developed homogeneous assay . A proportional hazards model was used to examine the relationship among sdLDL-C , vascular risk factors , and risk for CHD events  ( n=1158 ) for a period of ≈11 years . Plasma sdLDL-C levels were strongly correlated with an atherogenic lipid profile and were higher in patients with diabetes mellitus than non – diabetes mellitus ( 49.6 versus 42.3 mg/dL ; P<0.0001 ) . In a model that included established risk factors , sdLDL-C was associated with incident CHD with a hazard ratio of 1.51 ( 95 % confidence interval , 1.21–1.88 ) for the highest versus the lowest quartile , respectively . Even in individuals considered to be at low cardiovascular risk based on their LDL-C levels , sdLDL-C predicted risk for incident CHD ( hazard ratio , 1.61 ; 95 % confidence interval , 1.04–2.49 ) . Genome-wide association analyses identified genetic variants in 8 loci associated with sdLDL-C levels . These loci were in or close to genes previously associated with risk for CHD . We discovered 1 novel locus , PCSK7 , for which genetic variation was significantly associated with sdLDL-C and other lipid factors . Conclusions —sdLDL-C was associated with incident CHD in ARIC study participants . The novel association of genetic variants in PCSK7 with sdLDL-C and other lipid traits may provide new insights into the role of this gene in lipid metabolism This study was conducted to assess the cholesterol-lowering potential of macadamia nuts .  Seventeen hypercholesterolemic men ( mean age 54 y ) were given macadamia nuts ( 40 - 90 g/d ) , equivalent to 15 % energy intake , for 4 wk . Plasma total cholesterol , LDL cholesterol , HDL cholesterol , triglycerides and homocysteine concentrations and the fatty acid composition of plasma lipids were determined before and after treatment . Plasma MUFA 16:1(n-7 ) , 18:1(n-7 ) and 20:1(n-9 ) were elevated after intervention with macadamia nuts .  Plasma ( n-6 ) and ( n-3 ) PUFA concentrations were unaffected by macadamia nut consumption . Plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations decreased by 3.0 and 5.3 % , respectively , and HDL cholesterol levels increased by 7.9 % in hypercholesterolemic men after macadamia nut consumption . Plasma triglyceride and homocysteine concentrations were not affected by treatment . Macadamia nut consumption was associated with a significant increase in the relative intake of MUFA and a reduced relative intake of saturated fatty acids and PUFA . This study demonstrates that macadamia nut consumption as part of a healthy diet favorably modifies the plasma lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic men despite their diet being high in fat The role of plasma retinol and carotenoids in coronary heart disease ( CHD ) remains unclear . The PRIME Study prospect ively evaluated these in France and Northern Irel and in 9758 men aged 50 - 59 years who were free of CHD at baseline . After five years ' follow-up 150 incident cases of CHD ( non-fatal myocardial infa rct ion and fatal CHD ) were compared with 285 controls matched for age , date of blood collection and study centre .  Geometric means of major carotenoids did not differ significantly between cases and controls ( P>0.05 ) , whereas the absolute and lipid-st and ardized plasma retinol levels were 9 % lower in cases than controls in both countries ( P<0.002 ) , without correlation with carotenoids . After adjusting for risk factors , the relative risks ( RRs ) of CHD in the first four quintiles of retinol distribution in controls ( < or = 601 , -683 , -760 , and -846 microg/l ) were 2.65 ( P=0.0009 ) , 1.70 , 1.03 , and 1.12 ( all P>0.05 ) respectively , relative to the top quintile ( retinol > or = 846 microg/l ; linear trend P=0.0001 ) . The 10th percentile of lipid-st and ardized retinol ( < or = 544 microg/l ) predicted an RR of 4.7 ( P<0.001 ) . The risk associated with low retinol was comparable to strong risk factors ( e.g. HDL-cholesterol , Interleukin-6 ) and behaved additively . In conclusion , plasma retinol levels of < 601 microg/l in a fifth of middle-aged European men place them at an approximately threefold RR of developing CHD . Thus the intake of vitamin A might be too low in middle-aged men . These findings must be confirmed BACKGROUND Low-fat diets increase plasma triacylglycerol and decrease HDL-cholesterol concentrations , thereby potentially adversely affecting cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) risk . High-monounsaturated fatty acid ( MUFA ) , cholesterol-lowering diets do not raise triacylglycerol or lower HDL cholesterol , but little is known about how peanut products , a rich source of MUFAs , affect CVD risk . OBJECTIVE The present study compared the CVD risk profile of an Average American diet ( AAD ) with those of 4 cholesterol-lowering diets : an American Heart Association/National Cholesterol Education Program Step II diet and 3 high-MUFA diets [ olive oil ( OO ) , peanut oil ( PO ) , and peanuts and peanut butter ( PPB ) ] . DESIGN A r and omized , double-blind , 5-period crossover study design ( n = 22 ) was used to examine the effects of the diets on serum lipids and lipoproteins  : AAD [ 34 % fat ; 16 % saturated fatty acids ( SFAs ) , 11 % MUFAs ] , Step II ( 25 % fat ; 7 % SFAs , 12 % MUFAs ) , OO ( 34 % fat ; 7 % SFAs , 21 % MUFAs ) , PO ( 34 % fat ; 7 % SFAs , 17 % MUFAs ) , and PPB ( 36 % fat ; 8 % SFAs , 18 % MUFAs ) . RESULTS The high-MUFA diets lowered total cholesterol by 10 % and LDL cholesterol by 14 % . This response was comparable with that observed for the Step II diet . Triacylglycerol concentrations were 13 % lower in subjects consuming the high-MUFA diets and were 11 % higher with the Step II diet than with the AAD . The high-MUFA diets did not lower HDL cholesterol whereas the Step II diet lowered it by 4 % compared with the AAD . The OO , PO , and PPB diets decreased CVD risk by an estimated 25 % , 16 % , and 21 % , respectively , whereas the Step II diet lowered CVD risk by 12 % . CONCLUSION A high-MUFA , cholesterol-lowering diet may be preferable to a low-fat diet because of more favorable effects on the CVD risk profile Background : The study on natural substances especially , dietary components such as liquid oils affecting cholesterol can be important for therapeutic propose . Sesame seeds with various biomedical actions can be control the hypercholesterolemia . On the other h and , olive oil has a wide range of therapeutic effect on lipid profile in human . The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare lipid profile changes after olive and sesame oils consumption in hypercholesterolemia . Methods : This study was a clinical r and omized trial that was performed via parallel design on 48 patients . The patients were r and omly allocated in to two groups : A : olive oil and B : sesame oil . After 1 month prescription of Step I National Cholesterol Education Program diet , patients consumed 4 table spoons aprox . 60 g ) of refined olive or sesame oil daily as an exchange of other oils , for 1 month . Lipid profiles The P < 0.05 was considered as significant difference . Results : Out of 48 patients , 24 ( 50 % ) were men . The mean age was 41.7 ± 8.3 years . The mean of total cholesterol , triglyceride ( TG ) , low density lipoprotein ( LDL ) , cholesterol , and high density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol , before oil consumption was 224.5 ± 22 , 256 ± 132 , 132.6 ± 9 , and 44.5 ± 11 mg/dl . After olive oil  consumption cholesterol , TG , LDL-C , weight , waist and BMI were decreased and HDL-C was increased . After sesame oil  consumption cholesterol , TG , LDL-C were significantly decreased . Weight , waist were decreased and HDL-C was increased ( P > 0.05 ) . Conclusions : Sesame oil had equivalent effect on lipid profile in comparison olive oil and lipid profile improvement was better in sesame oil in LDL-C and TG Background and Purpose Experimental studies provide evidence of an association between ischemic stroke and increased oxidative stress , but data in humans are still limited and controversial . The purpose of this study was to investigate the time course of plasma antioxidant changes in ischemic stroke patients . Methods Plasma antioxidants , including water-soluble ( vitamin C and uric acid ) and lipid-soluble ( vitamins A and E ) compounds as well as antioxidant enzyme activities in plasma ( superoxide dismutase [ SOD ] and glutathione peroxidase ) and erythrocytes ( SOD ) , were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography ( antioxidant vitamins ) and by spectrophotometry ( antioxidant enzymes ) in 38 subjects ( 25 men and 13 women aged 77.2±7.9 years ) with acute ischemic stroke of recent onset ( < 24 hours ) on admission , after 6 and 24 hours , and on days 3 , 5 , and 7 . Antioxidant levels in patients on admission were compared with those of age- and sex-matched controls . Results Mean antioxidant levels and activities in patients on admission were lower than those of controls and showed a gradual increase over time . Patients with the worst early outcome ( death or functional decline ) had higher vitamin A and uric acid plasma levels and lower vitamin C levels and erythrocyte SOD activity than those who remained functionally stable . Conclusions These results suggest that the majority of antioxidants are reduced immediately after an acute ischemic stroke , possibly as a consequence of increased oxidative stress . A specific antioxidant profile is associated with a poor early outcome Previous studies have suggested that lipid from nuts is more poorly absorbed than that from other food sources . If lipid from nuts is poorly absorbed , then the metabolisable energy contained in the nuts is less than that predicted by the Atwater general factors . A crossover feeding study was conducted in which sixteen volunteers consumed pistachios for 3 weeks as part of a controlled diet . Pistachio doses were 0 , 42 and 84 g/d . Urine and faecal sample s were collected , and urine , faeces and diet were analysed for N , fat , total dietary fibre , ash and combustible energy . Blood was also collected after each treatment period and analysed for plasma lipids . Energy value of pistachio nuts was calculated from differences in energy excretion during the different dietary treatments . The measured energy density  of pistachios was found to be 22·6 kJ/g , which is 5 % less than the currently accepted energy value of 23·7 kJ/g , as calculated using the Atwater general factors . The pistachio nut intervention lowered LDL-cholesterol by 6 % , but did not significantly change plasma total cholesterol , HDL-cholesterol or TAG . In conclusion , pistachio nuts contain less metabolisable energy than that calculated from the Atwater general factors . Accurate information about metabolisable energy content of foods is important for reliable food labelling
It was concluded that sesame consumption can significantly reduce blood TAG levels but there is insufficient evidence to support its hypocholesterolaemic effects .
Increased plasma lipid profiles are among the most important risk factors of CHD and stroke .
Sesame contains considerable amounts of vitamin E , MUFA , fibre and lignans , which are thought to be associated with its plasma lipid-lowering properties .