High uric acid levels have been on the rise as more and more people around the world adopt a Western dietary habits.
High uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) is associated with gout, a painful arthritis, where crystals of uric acid deposit in joints including (e.g. big toe).
There is also evidence that high uric acid levels are associated with coronary artery disease.
Another consideration is that diet high in purines can be a contributing factor to excess uric acid. Briefly, when purines are consumed they get converted in the body to uric acid.
Foods high in purines include:
- Beer
- Fatty foods
- Organ Meat (e.g. liver, etc.)
- Bacon
- Gravy
Almonds are popular for incorporating into a daily diet to help reduce lipid levels, however, another use may be for reducing high uric acid levels.
A clinical trial was published in Nutrition Journal that evaluated the role of American Almonds and Pakistani almonds for reducing uric acid levels in patients with CAD.
Previous research has suggested that markers of inflammation can be reduced with almonds and was used to help support the hypothesis of this study.
Almonds are high in the amino acid L-arginine which is a precursor to Nitric Oxide (NO) and is a possible mechanism for reducing high blood pressure.
Interestingly, in this study no benefit was seen on reducing blood pressure, however, all human subjects had blood pressure maintained by blood pressure medications.
Here are the study details:
- Three groups: Placebo (25), Pakistani Almonds (27), American Almonds (33)
- 10 grams per day of almonds were consumed in the two different almond groups
- The study lasted 12 weeks
- Blood samples were collected at 6 and 12 weeks
- Average age of the groups: Placebo (61), Pakistani Almonds (57), American Almonds (61)
Here are the results:
- Pakistani Almonds decreased in uric acid by 16% in males
- Pakistani Almonds decreased uric acid by 14% in females
- American Almonds decreased uric acid by 18% in both males and females
- The decrease in uric acid with almonds was statistically significant
- No changes were observed in blood pressure
Takeaway message: This study provides some evidence that almonds can reduce uric acid levels. Previous research has shown that almonds can normalized blood cholesterol levels owing to its benefits for the heart. High uric acid levels have been shown to be associated with a 16% increase in all cause mortality which is reason enough to take steps to help control it. Also, don’t forget that certain foods increase the risk of gout and should be limited or substituted as an additional strategy to reduce high uric acid levels.
Nutrition Journal. 2016 August 19; Volume 15 (Issue 1): Page 77
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Inflammation, Pain, Plant Medicine
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