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 .
Effect of pistachio nuts on serum lipid levels in patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia.
BACKGROUND Elevated serum cholesterol levels play an important role in the development of coronary artery disease . Previous studies have suggested that nut consumption benefits lipid profile .  Pistachio nuts are widely available , inexpensive and frequently consumed by the general population . OBJECTIVE To determine whether substituting 20 % of the daily caloric intake in the form of pistachio nuts will improve the lipid profiles of humans with primary , moderate hypercholesterolemia . DESIGN Controlled , r and omized crossover design . SETTING Outpatient dietary modification , counseling and blood analysis . PATIENTS Ten patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia . INTERVENTION Three weeks of dietary modification with 20 % caloric intake from pistachio nuts . MEASUREMENTS Body weight , blood pressure , total cholesterol , LDL , HDL , and triglycerides were monitored . Lipid profiles were analyzed prior to , during and after dietary modification . RESULTS After three weeks , there was a decrease in total cholesterol ( p<0.04 ) , an increase in HDL ( p<0.09 ) , a decrease in the total cholesterol/HDL ratio ( p<0.01 ) and a decrease in the LDL/HDL ratio ( p<0.02 ) . Triglycerides and LDL levels decreased , but not significantly . Body weight and blood pressure remained constant throughout the study . CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that eating pistachio nuts instead of other dietary fat calories can improve lipid profiles , thereby decreasing coronary risk . Further studies will be required to confirm these results and to determine the mechanism of this effect
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 .