This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.Extensive epidemiologic evidence suggests that nut consumption decreases cardiovascular disease risk (CVD) and CVD outcomes. Tree nuts have some similar attributes, but differ in their magnesium, L-arginine, omega-three and other fat fractions. Walnuts have an optimal nutrient content to exert positive health effects. Walnuts have been shown to have a favorable effect on lipid profile and vascular reactivity but these effects alone do not explain the positive health effects observed in observational studies. In addition, the effect of walnuts on the metabolic syndrome as a whole has never been studied. To date the mechanisms of the effects of walnuts on inflammatory biomarkers, body weight and insulin sensitivity remain unknown. Walnuts include many potentially beneficial micronutrients and phytochemicals and in this study we propose to examine the effects of walnuts independent of macronutrient content. We plan to perform a placebo controlled cross-over study to examine in depth the short-term effects of walnut consumption in men and women with the metabolic syndrome.
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