Metabolic Syndrome Features and Excess Weight Were Inversely Associated with Nut Consumption after 1-Year Follow-Up...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Metabolic Disorders
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• High nut consumption is linked to lower metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence across diverse populations.
• The PREDIMED-Plus trial investigated Mediterranean diet interventions in high-risk individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between changes in nut consumption and alterations in MetS features over one year.
• To assess the impact of nut consumption changes on excess weight in a Spanish cohort.

Main Methods:

• Prospective 1-year follow-up cohort study within the PREDIMED-Plus trial.
• Included 5800 overweight/obese Spanish adults (55-75 years) with MetS.
• Assessed nut intake (almonds, pistachios, walnuts) and MetS features (WC, glucose, HDL, TG, BP, weight, BMI) using validated questionnaires and measurements.

Main Results:

• Increased nut consumption correlated with significant reductions in waist circumference, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, weight, and BMI.
• Higher nut intake was associated with a significant increase in HDL cholesterol, particularly in women.
• Increased nut consumption also led to greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet and higher extra virgin olive oil intake.

Conclusions:

• Changes in nut consumption over one year were inversely associated with features of metabolic syndrome and excess weight in the PREDIMED-Plus cohort.
• This suggests that increasing nut intake can be a beneficial dietary strategy for managing MetS and weight.
• Findings support the role of nuts in improving cardiovascular risk factors within a Mediterranean dietary context.