PURPOSE

Regular nut consumption is inversely associated with cardiovascular disease risk. No study has compared the effects of regular consumption of different types and forms of nuts on acceptance, which is a crucial determinant of long-term compliance to consume nuts regularly.

METHODS

This study examined the effects of different types and forms of raw, unpeeled nuts on acceptance and the effects of nut consumption on blood lipids through a randomised crossover study with six dietary phases: 30 g/day of ground, sliced, or whole almonds or hazelnuts for 5 days each (n = 74). Acceptance ('desire' and 'liking') for nuts was measured daily using visual analogue scales. Blood lipids were measured at baseline and week 6.

RESULTS

Acceptance was stable over all conditions, but there were differences between nut forms (ground < sliced < whole, P < 0.001 for both 'desire' and 'liking') with some nut type-nut form interactions. Compared with baseline, week 6 HDL-C was higher (0.06 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.02-0.10, P = 0.002) while LDL-C and total-C:HDL-C ratio were lower (0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.06-0.25, P = 0.002 and 0.25, 95% CI 0.07-0.43, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, acceptance was stable for all combinations but was highest for whole nuts. Six weeks of nut consumption improved blood lipids.