Almonds aren’t just great sources of fat and protein anymore. According to a research team from the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, the delicious little nuts are also imbued with impressive antioxidant powers.
27 males and females with elevated cholesterol were selected for the study. The first third was given a “full dose” of almonds (2.5 ounces/day); the second given half almonds, half muffins; and the control group was fed only muffins. Everyone was on a similar low-fat, low-calorie diet and instructed to maintain weight and follow an exercise regimen throughout the study.
When the volunteers ate the full dose of almonds, concentrations of two significant biomarkers of oxidative stress – plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and urinary isoprostanes – were greatly reduced. By the end of the study, MDA had dropped by almost 19 percent in those eating the full dose when compared to pre-study levels. And in both half- and full-dosers, urinary isoprostanes decreased by 27 percent, suggesting that almonds were effective, albeit with a threshold.
Keep in mind, though, that the vitamin E and flavanoids inherent to almonds may have something to do with the nut’s antioxidant properties. Further studies should flesh this out for us.
The same cannot be said for the antioxidant properties of muffins – of which, according to the study, there are none. The tasty pastries can, however, be very filling.
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