Anti-Osteoporotic Factors in ALMONDS
Eating almonds has many health benefits, such as reducing oxidative damage, improving lipid profile and lowering cardiovascular disease risk. It has also been associated with increased bone mineral density, and recent evidence suggests that its regular inclusion in the diet (at least 4 servings/week) may be a protective factor in relation to the risk of developing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Both osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and osteoclasts (involved in bone resorption and degradation) have been studied in the laboratory to test the effects of different dietary factors on their formation and function.
A study, conducted in Canada, tested 14 healthy subjects for the effects of serum obtained 4 hours after ingestion of 3 snacks consisting of almonds, rice and potatoes respectively, all identical in terms of macronutrient content.
The participants avoided consumption of supplements or foods high in antioxidants, maintained the same level of physical exertion and recorded food diaries to keep track of what they ate.
Blood samples were collected
Blood samples were collected from the subjects on an empty stomach and after consumption of 60g almonds, along with 97g white bread. These measures aimed to limit the effects of other factors. On separate visits, the two other menus consisting of rice and boiled potatoes with Cheddar cheese and butter were also tested.
The serums obtained 4 hours after consumption of almonds were shown to decrease the average number of osteoclasts formed by about 20%, compared to those obtained from the same subjects immediately after the meal. Also changes in gene expression were observed, as well as seeing that calcium was released into the bloodstream of the patients.
The lack of these changes in potato or rice snack test subjects severed to reinforce the understanding that a positive effect is seen in the postprandial condition.
The changes could not be linked to the antioxidant content of almonds (osteoclast formation is stimulated by reaction to oxidation)
All three snacks were similar in this respect.
In other words
In other words, the combined effect of the various chemical compounds in almonds or the known metabolites of almonds is much more relevant than the effects of any single nutrients or factors.
The data is considered direct evidence to support the association between regular consumption of almonds and a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis.
In conclusion, the value of whole foods along with a varied diet, deserves the attention and effort of proper menu planning.
Source:
1. Platt I., Josse A., Kendall C., Jenkins D., El-Sohemy A., „Postprandial effects of almond consumption on human osteoclast precursors-an ex vivo study”, în Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 2011 vol: 60 (7) pp. 923-9.
2. https://nutritionfacts.org/video/almonds-for-osteoporosis/
3. Revista Viața + Sănătate, Caleidoscop medical, dr. Prelicz Cristian-Reinhard, 2019. ianuarie
Related Articles:
1. Anti-Osteoporotic Factors in ALMONDS
2. Importance of Regular NUT CONSUMPTION
3. Red Beetroot – Colour, Taste and Good Health
WHO WE ARE?
💁♂️ Let We Help You to Reach Customers Who Don’t Know They Need You
