Nuts Roasting Machine

intermediate markers of CHD [reviewed in 13,20-22]. The mechanism for these salutary effects

probably lies in the synergistic interaction of the many bioactive constituents of nuts, which may all

favorably influence human physiology. Thus, nuts contain high amounts of vegetable protein [5] and

fat, mostly unsaturated fatty acids [6]. They are also dense in a variety of other nutrients and provide

dietary fiber [23], vitamins (e.g., folic acid, niacin, tocopherols, and vitamin B6), minerals (e.g.,

calcium, magnesium, potassium) and many other bioactive constituents such as phytosterols [24] and phenolic compounds [25].

Contrary to expectations due to the high energy density of nuts, evidence from both epidemiological

studies and clinical trials suggests that their regular consumption neither contributes to obesity nor

increases the risk of developing diabetes, as reviewed [13,16,26,27]. The present review summarizes

current knowledge on the expanding topic of nuts and health outcomes.

First an outline of the uniquenutrient content of nuts is necessary in order to better understand their health effects.