Nutrient-Rich Almonds Lower Cholesterol

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.Consuming a diet rich in almonds helps reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increase cardiovascular health, according to a study published in the journal Nutrition Review.

The scientific review was conducted by researchers at Penn State University and suggests the mechanisms responsible for the LDL-C reduction observed with almond consumption are likely associated with the nutrients almonds provide, including unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, phytosterols, protein, -tocopherol, arginine, magnesium, copper, manganese, calcium and potassium.

Biologically active by nature, these nutrients target primary mechanistic routes of LDL-C reduction, including decreased reabsorption of cholesterol and bile acid, increased bile acid and cholesterol excretion, and increased LDL-C receptor activity. The nutrients present in almonds may regulate enzymes involved in de novo cholesterol synthesis and bile acid production.