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 .
Walnuts and fatty fish influence different serum lipid fractions in normal to mildly hyperlipidemic individuals: a randomized controlled study.
BACKGROUND Increased consumption of n-3 ( omega-3 ) fatty acids decreases the incidence of coronary heart disease ( CHD ) . OBJECTIVE The objective was to determine whether walnuts ( plant n-3 fatty acid ) and fatty fish ( marine n-3 fatty acid ) have similar effects on serum lipid markers at intakes recommended for primary prevention of CHD . DESIGN In a r and omized crossover feeding trial , 25 normal to mildly hyperlipidemic adults consumed 3 isoenergetic diets ( approximately 30 % total fat and < 10 % saturated fat ) for 4 wk each : a control diet ( no nuts or fish ) , a walnut diet ( 42.5 g walnuts/10.1 mJ ) , or a fish diet ( 113 g salmon , twice/wk ) . Fasting blood was drawn at baseline and at the end of each diet period and analyzed for serum lipids . RESULTS Serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations in adults who followed the walnut diet ( 4.87 + /- 0.18 and 2.77 + /- 0.15 mmol/L , respectively ) were lower than in those who followed the control diet ( 5.14 + /- 0.18 and 3.06 + /- 0.15 mmol/L , respectively ) and those who followed the fish diet ( 5.33 + /- 0.18 and 3.2 + /- 0.15 mmol/L , respectively ; P < 0.0001 ) . The fish diet result ed in decreased serum triglyceride and increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations ( 1.0 + /- 0.11 and 1.23 + /- 0.05 mmol/L , respectively ) compared with the control diet ( 1.12 + /- 0.11 and 1.19 + /- 0.05 mmol/L , respectively ) and the walnut diet ( 1.11 + /- 0.11 mmol/L , P < 0.05 , and 1.18 + /- 0.05 mmol/L , P < 0.001 , respectively ) . The ratios of total cholesterol : HDL cholesterol , LDL cholesterol : HDL cholesterol , and apolipoprotein B : apolipoprotein A-I were lower ( P < 0.05 ) in those who followed the walnut diet compared with those who followed the control and fish diets . CONCLUSION Including walnuts and fatty fish in a healthy diet lowered serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations , respectively , which affects CHD risk favorably
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 .