scholarly journals Snacking on Whole Almonds for Six Weeks Increases Heart Rate Variability during Mental Stress in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1828
Author(s):  
Vita Dikariyanto ◽  
Leanne Smith ◽  
Philip J. Chowienczyk ◽  
Sarah E. Berry ◽  
Wendy L. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Mental Stress ◽  
Energy Requirement ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Average Risk ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Stroop Color Word Test ◽  
The Impact

Cardiac autonomic regulation can be indirectly measured by heart rate variability (HRV). Low HRV, which can be induced by mental stress, is a predictor of risk of sudden cardiac death. Few studies have investigated cause-and-effect relationships between diet and HRV. Nut consumption is associated with CVD risk reduction, but the impact on HRV, particularly in response to stress, is unclear. Men and women (30–70 y) with above average risk of developing CVD were randomly assigned in a 6-week randomized, controlled, parallel arm trial to consume either whole almond or isocaloric control snacks (20% of daily estimated energy requirement). Control snacks contained the average nutrient profile of UK snacks. Five-minute periods of supine heart rate (HR) and HRV were measured at resting and during mental stress (Stroop color-word test) at baseline and six weeks. High frequency (HF) power, which reflects parasympathetic regulation of HR, was increased following almonds during the mental stress task relative to control (mean difference between groups 124 ms2; 95% CI 11, 237; p = 0.031, n = 105), but other indices were unaffected. Snacking on whole almonds instead of typical snacks may reduce risk of CVD partly by ameliorating the suppression of HRV during periods of mental stress.

scholarly journals The impact of sedentarism on heart rate variability (HRV) at rest and in response to mental stress in young women

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (18) ◽  
pp. e13873 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Robertto Zaffalon Júnior ◽  
Ariane Oliveira Viana ◽  
Gileno Edu Lameira de Melo ◽  
Kátia De Angelis
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Mental Stress ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Effects of yoga breathing practice on heart rate variability in healthy adolescents: a randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maheshkumar Kuppusamy ◽  
Dilara Kamaldeen ◽  
Ravishankar Pitani ◽  
Julius Amaldas ◽  
Padmavathi Ramasamy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled

scholarly journals Effects of Daily Intake of Almonds on Cardiac Autonomic Functions Measured by Heart Rate Variability in Response to Acute Stress: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 20-20
Author(s):  
Vita Dikariyanto ◽  
Leanne Smith ◽  
May Robertson ◽  
Eslem Kusaslan ◽  
Molly O'Callaghan-Latham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Mental Stress ◽  
Autonomic Function ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Physical Stress ◽  
Cardiometabolic Health ◽  
Cardiac Autonomic Function ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Objectives Stress is inversely associated with heart rate variability (HRV), an indicator of cardiac autonomic function and a predictor of risk of sudden cardiac death. At times of stress, people tend to favor high sugar and fatty foods, often as snacks, with potential adverse effects on cardiometabolic health. Dietary recommendations for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention emphasize fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and nuts. There is evidence that consumption of nuts can reduce LDL cholesterol and blood pressure and help with weight management, however the impact of nuts on HRV in response to stress is unknown. The ATTIS dietary intervention study investigated the HRV response to acute stress following 6-week substitution of almonds for typical snacks high in refined starch, free sugars and saturated fats, and low in fibre. The study population comprised adults aged 30–70 y, who were habitual snack consumers, and at moderate risk of developing CVD. It was hypothesized that snacking on almonds would increase HRV during stress tasks, when HRV is expected to be reduced due to increased sympathetic activity. Methods A 6-week randomized controlled parallel trial was conducted. Participants were randomized to 1) control snacks (mini-muffins formulated to follow the average UK snack nutrient profile), or 2) dry-roasted whole almonds, both providing 20% estimated energy requirement. Supine HRV was measured (Mega Electronics Emotion Faros 180°, 2-leads wearable ECG-HRV monitor) during resting (5 min), physical stress (blood pressure monitor cuff inflation 200 mmHg, 5 min) and mental stress (Stroop colour-word test, 5 min) tasks pre- and post-intervention. A total of 105 participants (73 females and 32 males; mean age 56.2 y, SD 10.4) completed the trial. Results Almonds significantly increased the beat-to-beat HRV parameter, high-frequency power, during the mental stress test (mean difference 124 ms2; 95% CI 11, 237; P = 0.031) relative to control, indicating increased parasympathetic regulation. There were no treatment effects during resting and the physical stress task. Conclusions Snacking on whole almonds as a replacement for typical snacks increases HRV during mental stress, indicating an increased resilience in cardiac autonomic function and a novel mechanism whereby nuts may be cardioprotective. Funding Sources Almond Board of California.

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