# Ingesting Nuts Can Regulate Adipokines Expression in Individuals Living with Overweight and Obesity: A Narrative Review of What Is Known So Far

## TL;DR

This review explores how eating nuts may help regulate adipokines in overweight and obese individuals, though more research is needed.

## Contribution

The paper provides a critical review of how almond, walnut, and mixed nut consumption affects adipokine levels in overweight and obese individuals.

## Key findings

- Regular nut intake reduces total cholesterol, LDL-c, and triglycerides in obese individuals.
- A 30 g serving of mixed nuts seems more effective for regulating adipokines than larger or isolated nut consumption.
- Only IL-6 adipokine results are consistent; others remain unclear.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a chronic and multifactorial disease that affects billions of people, and among the factors responsible for obesity are a sedentary lifestyle, a high-calorie diet, and genetic factors. Excessive caloric intake causes adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia, contributing to the secretion of metabolically active molecules, known as adipokines, by adipose tissue. Individuals living with obesity have increased pro-inflammatory adipokines and a reduction in anti-inflammatory adipokines. Nuts contain bioactive compounds associated with potential health benefits, although these effects may vary depending on individual and dietary factors. Thus, this work aimed to critically review the impact of consuming almonds, walnuts, and mixed nuts on the production of adipokines associated with obesity and overweight. Methods: A comprehensive search was carried out using the terms associated with the theme of the work. The inclusion criteria for manuscripts used were the following: (1) in vivo studies; (2) intervention with oilseeds (nuts); (3) results related to adipokines and/or obesity; and (4) publications in English. Results: Studies show that regular intake of nuts reduces total cholesterol levels, LDL-c, and triglycerides and increases HDL-c in individuals with obesity. However, few studies demonstrate changes in adipokine levels related to the intake of nuts. A larger amount of 30 g of mixed nuts appears to be more beneficial for regulating adipokines in overweight or obese individuals than using nuts in larger amounts or isolated form. Of all the adipokines reported, only the results for IL-6 appear consistent, while the others remain unclear. Conclusions: Furthermore, more studies focusing specifically on this topic and humans are needed to draw greater conclusions, including the amount that results in a beneficial effect on health.