Do nuts make your body better at fighting rust?
The effects of high walnut and cashew nut diets on the antioxidant status of subjects with metabolic syndrome
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Despite significantly higher dietary antioxidant capacity in the nut diets, serum antioxidant markers did not improve beyond those seen with the control diet.
This contradicts the common assumption that foods high in antioxidants (like walnuts) will directly boost the body’s antioxidant defenses. It suggests the body may not absorb or utilize these compounds as expected—or that other dietary factors dominate.
Practical Takeaways
Focus on improving your overall diet quality rather than relying on single 'superfoods' like walnuts or cashews to boost antioxidant status.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Despite significantly higher dietary antioxidant capacity in the nut diets, serum antioxidant markers did not improve beyond those seen with the control diet.
This contradicts the common assumption that foods high in antioxidants (like walnuts) will directly boost the body’s antioxidant defenses. It suggests the body may not absorb or utilize these compounds as expected—or that other dietary factors dominate.
Practical Takeaways
Focus on improving your overall diet quality rather than relying on single 'superfoods' like walnuts or cashews to boost antioxidant status.
Publication
Journal
European Journal of Nutrition
Year
2007
Authors
L. Davis, W. Stonehouse, D. Loots, J. Mukuddem-Petersen, F. H. Westhuizen, S. M. Hanekom, J. Jerling
Related Content
Claims (4)
Eating cashews might raise blood sugar levels in adults with metabolic syndrome because they have a fair amount of carbs.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet for about three months can boost your body's natural antioxidants more than taking special nut supplements, especially if you have metabolic syndrome.
If you have metabolic syndrome and eat a healthy diet, adding a lot of walnuts or cashews every day for two months doesn’t seem to boost your body’s antioxidant levels any more than the healthy diet alone—even though nuts are packed with antioxidants.
Eating a diet with lots of walnuts and cashews — making up 20% of your daily calories — may boost your body's antioxidant power more than a standard healthy diet if you have metabolic syndrome.