ACTA FAC MED NAISS 2008; 25 (1): 11-16

Review article

NUTRITIONAL IMPORTANCE OF WALNUTS IN PREVENTION OF KARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Lazarevic Konstansa 1

Djonovic  Nela 2,3

 

1 Public Health Institute Nis,

2 Public Health Institute Kragujevac, 

3 School of Medicine University of Kragujevac 

 

    SUMMARY

   

              

The aim of the paper was to point out the significance of the walnut use in nutrition with the purpose of cardiovascular disease incidence reduction.

The paper demonstrated and analyzed the published data about the role of walnut in nutrition in control of some of the risk factors for development of cardiovascular disease, above all, about the role of lipid status. We provided an analysis of energetic value and nutritional walnut composition, as well as health significance of its cardio-protective ingredients.

The results obtained by epidemiological research indicated that the frequent use of nuts reduces mortality and risk of cardiovascular disease development.

In clinical studies, after introduction of walnuts in nutrition, statistically significant reduction of total cholesterol (TC) has been achieved, as well as that of LDL-cholesterol. The values of other investigated parameters (HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride) after introduction of walnuts into nutrition were significantly affected. The walnut diet increased endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and reduced levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule and inflammatory cytokines.

The results undoubtedly indicated that walnuts should be an important part of nutrition for cardiovascular patients and subjects at high risks of cardiovascular disease development,   especially subjects with hypercholesteremia.

 

Key words: walnut, nutrition, cardiovascular disease, prevention