Comparison of metabolic and antioxidant responses to a breakfast meal with and without pecans

Abstract

Substitution of butterfat with tree nuts in meals may provide metabolic protection, although responses among males and females is unknown. Objective: Determine postprandial responses in triglycerides, glycaemia, appetite, and antioxidant capacity from a high saturated fat (SFA) meal containing butter vs. partial substitution of butter for pecans (28 g) in adult males (n = 10) and females (n = 12). Methods: This was a double-blind, randomized crossover trial with two testing visits involving consumption of control (high SFA) vs. pecan meal. Blood draws, and a visual analog scale for appetite, were taken at fasting and intermittently for 3 h postprandially. Results: Triglycerides (p = 0.02) and lipid peroxidation (p = 0.02) were suppressed more, and antioxidant capacity increased more (p = 0.05), for pecan vs. control in males, but not females. Conversely, females, showed improved satiety ratings (p < 0.05) following the control vs. pecan meal. Conclusion: Partial substitution of butter with pecans in a breakfast meal positively affected several health measures in males.

Keywords

• Cardiovascular disease
• Saturated fat
• Tree nuts
• Glycemia
• Triglycerides