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 .
Including walnuts in a low-fat/modified-fat diet improves HDL cholesterol-to-total cholesterol ratios in patients with type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a moderate-fat diet inclusive of walnuts on blood lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This was a parallel r and omized controlled trial comparing three dietary advice groups each with 30 % energy as fat : low fat , modified low fat , and modified low fat inclusive of 30 g of walnuts per day .  Fifty-eight men and women , mean age 59.3 + /- 8.1 years , started the trial . Dietary advice was given at baseline with monthly follow-up and fortnightly phone calls for support .  Body weight , percent body fat , blood lipids , HbA1c , total antioxidant capacity , and erythrocyte fatty acid levels were measured at 0 , 3 , and 6 months . Data were assessed by repeated- measures ANOVA with an intention-to-treat model . RESULTS The walnut group achieved a significantly greater increase in HDL cholesterol-to-total cholesterol ratio ( P=0.049 ) and HDL ( P=0.046 ) than the two other treatment groups . A 10 % reduction in LDL cholesterol was also achieved in the walnut group , reflecting a significant effect by group ( P=0.032 ) and time ( P=0.036 ) . There were no significant differences between groups for changes in body weight , percent body fat , total antioxidant capacity , or HbA1c levels . The higher dietary polyunsaturated fat-to-saturated fat ratio and intakes of omega-3 fatty acids in the walnut group were confirmed by erythrocyte biomarkers of dietary intake . CONCLUSIONS Structured " whole of diet " advice that included 30 g of walnuts/day delivering substantial amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acid improved the lipid profile of patients with type 2 diabetes
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 .