Energy Value of Macronutrients From Almonds and Mechanisms of Nutrient Action

The objective of this study is to measure the energy value of almonds in the human diet and study molecular mechanisms that may help explain the beneficial health effects of almonds. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an inverse or no relationship between nut consumption and body weight, despite the fact that nuts are an energy dense food. Intervention studies have shown that consumption of nuts has no effect on body weight or an effect that is significantly less than predicted. Fecal analyses in studies with peanuts, almonds, and pecans have found increased fecal fat and energy loss with nut consumption; however studies with almonds are lacking. Previous studies have suggested that nut consumption imparts a variety of health benefits, including reduction of cardiovascular disease and improved satiety. However, studies of almonds are extremely limited. The aim of this study is to determine the energy value of almonds in the human diet and to probe mechanisms by which almonds impart health benefits. The metabolizable energy value of almond nuts will be calculated based on the chemical composition and energy content of the consumed diet and excreta. This will provide a better estimate of the energy value of almonds than simply calculating energy value based on Atwater factors. In addition to determining the energy value of almonds, we will evaluate the effects of almond-rich diets on plasma phytonutrient levels and on gene expression changes to determine what protective mechanisms are activated by almond consumption.