Effects of chronic peanut consumption on indices of cardiovascular disease risk, energy balance and hedonics
Abstract
Diets containing nuts are associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk factors. This has primarily been attributed to their fatty acid composition, but other constituents may also contribute. Peanuts, the most widely consumed ‘nut’ (actually a legume) are a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), magnesium, and folate. If evidence that nut consumption reduces cardiovascular disease risk factors prompts recommendations for increased nut consumption, their impact on energy balance will be critical. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of chronic peanut consumption on diet composition, serum lipids, magnesium, and homocysteine concentrations under different conditions of peanut intake. Appetitive indices, energy expenditure, body weight, and hedonics also were measured. Fifteen healthy adults participated in a 30wk cross-over intervention. They were provided 500 (±136) Kcal of peanuts for 8wks with no dietary guidance (free feeding - FF), 3wks with instructions to add peanuts to their customary diet (addition - ADD) and 8wks where peanuts replaced an equal amount of other fats in the diet (substitution - SUB). Dietary magnesium, folate and energy intake from MUFA and polyunsaturated fatty acid increased while saturated fatty acid intake remained relatively stable under all conditions. Triacylglycerol was significantly reduced during ADD and SUB. Serum magnesium increased significantly during FF. No changes were found in total plasma homocysteine concentration. Pleasantness and hunger ratings for peanuts did not decline with long-term consumption nor was there any hedonic shift for selected snack foods with various taste qualities. During FF, peanut consumption elicited a strong compensatory dietary response and body weight gain was significantly lower than predicted. During SUB energy intake, as well as body weight, were maintained precisely. Resting energy expenditure was increased after 19 wks of regular peanut consumption. Despite being energy dense, peanuts have a high satiety value and chronic ingestion evokes little change in energy balance.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Mattes, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Nutrition|Public health
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