The effect of nut consumption on markers of inflammation and endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Neale EP, Tapsell LC, Guan V, Batterham MJ.
BMJ Open 2017
This systematic review of randomized, controlled trials (with a duration of 3 weeks or more through January 2017) examined the effect of consuming tree nuts or peanuts on inflammatory biomarkers and endothelial function. Inflammatory biomarkers included C-reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion protein 1 and flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Nut intake resulted in significant improvements in FMD. There were small, non-significant differences in CRP and other biomarkers of inflammation. The findings suggest that more research in this area is needed, with a particular focus on randomized controlled trials.