Significant heterogeneity was not observed by nut type or other factors .
Tree nut intake  lowers total cholesterol , LDL cholesterol , ApoB , and triglycerides .
The major determinant of cholesterol lowering appears to be nut dose rather than nut type .
BACKGROUND The effects of nuts on major cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) risk factors , including dose-responses and potential heterogeneity by nut type or phytosterol content , are not well established .
OBJECTIVES We examined the effects of tree nuts ( walnuts , pistachios , macadamia nuts , pecans , cashews , almonds , hazelnuts , and Brazil nuts ) on blood lipids [ total cholesterol , low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol , high-density lipoprotein , and triglycerides ] , lipoproteins [ apolipoprotein A1 , apolipoprotein B ( ApoB ) , and apolipoprotein B100 ] , blood pressure , and inflammation ( C-reactive protein ) in adults aged ≥18 y without prevalent CVD .
Effects of pistachios on cardiovascular disease risk factors and potential mechanisms of action: a dose-response study.
BACKGROUND  Nut consumption lowers cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) risk . Studies are lacking about the effects of pistachios , a nutrient-dense nut , on CVD risk factors , dose-response relations , and lipid-lowering mechanisms . OBJECTIVE We evaluated the effects of 2 doses of pistachios , added to a lower-fat diet , on lipids and lipoproteins , apolipoprotein (apo)-defined lipoprotein subclasses , and plasma fatty acids . To investigate the mechanisms of action , we measured cholesteryl ester transfer protein and indexes of plasma stearoyl-CoA desaturase activity ( SCD ) . DESIGN In a r and omized crossover controlled-feeding study , 28 individuals with LDL cholesterol > or = 2.86 mmol/L consumed 3 isoenergetic diets for 4 wk each . Baseline measures were assessed after 2 wk of a typical Western diet . The experimental diets included a lower-fat control diet with no pistachios [ 25 % total fat ; 8 % saturated fatty acids ( SFAs ) , 9 % monounsaturated fatty acids ( MUFAs ) , and 5 % polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFAs ) ] , 1 serving/d of a pistachio diet ( 1 PD ; 10 % of energy from pistachios ; 30 % total fat ; 8 % SFAs , 12 % MUFAs , and 6 % PUFAs ) , and 2 servings/d of a pistachio diet ( 2 PD ; 20 % of energy from pistachios ; 34 % total fat ; 8 % SFAs , 15 % MUFAs , and 8 % PUFAs ) . RESULTS The 2 PD decreased ( P < 0.05 compared with the control diet ) total cholesterol ( -8 % ) , LDL cholesterol ( -11.6 % ) , non-HDL cholesterol ( -11 % ) , apo B ( -4 % ) , apo B/apo A-I ( -4 % ) , and plasma SCD activity ( -1 % ) . The 1 PD and 2 PD , respectively , elicited a dose-dependent lowering ( P < 0.05 ) of total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ( -1 % and -8 % ) , LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ( -3 % and -11 % ) , and non-HDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ( -2 % and -10 % ) . CONCLUSIONS Inclusion of pistachios in a healthy diet beneficially affects CVD risk factors in a dose-dependent manner , which may reflect effects on SCD
Significant heterogeneity was not observed by nut type or other factors .
Tree nut intake  lowers total cholesterol , LDL cholesterol , ApoB , and triglycerides .
The major determinant of cholesterol lowering appears to be nut dose rather than nut type .
BACKGROUND The effects of nuts on major cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) risk factors , including dose-responses and potential heterogeneity by nut type or phytosterol content , are not well established .
OBJECTIVES We examined the effects of tree nuts ( walnuts , pistachios , macadamia nuts , pecans , cashews , almonds , hazelnuts , and Brazil nuts ) on blood lipids [ total cholesterol , low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol , high-density lipoprotein , and triglycerides ] , lipoproteins [ apolipoprotein A1 , apolipoprotein B ( ApoB ) , and apolipoprotein B100 ] , blood pressure , and inflammation ( C-reactive protein ) in adults aged ≥18 y without prevalent CVD .