Abstract
This research paper reviews the acute effects of pecan nuts ingestion on plasma levels of nutrients, polyphenols and biomarkers of antioxidant status. It specifically discusses whether, after the consumption of pecans, there is any increase in plasma polyphenol concentration. It also discusses when the peak concentration for polyphenols in plasma occurs, after consumption of a pecan-containing meal. The paper then looks at whether there is there any increase in plasma antioxidant capacity after consumption of pecans. Finally, the paper discusses whether there is any decrease in plasma lipid peroxidation after pecan consumption.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Chapter One
Introduction
Statement Of The Problem
Purpose Of The Study
Research Questions
Chapter II
Literature Review
Introduction
Chemistry, Classification And Distribution
Phenolic Acids
Flavonoids
Lignans
Stillbenes
Tannins
Metabolism
Absorption And Bioavailability Of Polyphenols
Deconjunction And Reconjunction Of Polyphenols
Metabolism By Microflora In Colon
Polyphenol Excretion
Polyphenol Content Of Foods
Polyphenol Content Of Nuts, Pecans, & Other Nuts
Biological Effects Of Polyphenols
Analytical Procedure & Findings Of The Study
Assays
Review Of Postprandial Studies And Effect On Plasma Polyphenols

From the Paper
"The diet is abundant in polyphenols, which are micronutrients. Furthermore there is a great deal of evidence, which exists to demonstrate the role polyphenols play in prevention of certain diseases and including cancer. (Manach et al 2004) The amount consumed and absorbed is the factor that determines the effects to health of polyphenols. In making determination of the absorption of polyphenols following food intake there are two studies that are differential in nature and which are conducted on the basis of both direct and indirect proof of polyphenol availability. Plasma concentrations can provide individual or total polyphenols in plasma and can be measured through use of Folin-Ciocaltau (FC) assay. The Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP) is a method used for measurement of the ferric reduction ability of plasma. The ferric tripyridytriazine complex at low pH results in reduction to the ferrous form. Test conditions are favorable to the complex reduction and the development of an intense blue color but only when a reductant or antioxidant is present. Linear rates in absorbance changes are noted over a range with antioxidant mixtures that is wide and includes both plasma and solutions that are inclusive of antioxidants."

Tags:nutrients, polyphenols, biomarkers, antioxidant

Abstract
This paper researches and attempts to resolve a major issue surrounding modern day nutrition: Whether whole food based nutritional supplementation is better than fragmented vitamin and mineral supplementation at delivering bio available nutrients to the human body.

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Americans' interest in nutrition has grown in proportion to their waistlines over the last 30 years or so. Further, as healthcare in general improves and the population ages, problems associated with old age which were relatively rare in the past (because few people lived to see their 80th birthday) have become increasingly common. This has also contributed to the growing interest in nutrition among Americans. Unfortunately, this interest has most frequently taken the form of an act of desperation - people look for a silver bullet to slay the monster of obesity or senescence (Tomlin, 2001). The silver bullet itself most often takes the form of a nutritional supplement or a fad diet. People seldom address the root cause of their obesity or medical problems, usually a lack of self-discipline at the dinner table and/or the gym. Even when embracing a fad diet people usually lack the self-discipline to stick with it long enough for it to truly fail."

Tags:effectiveness, bioavailability, necessary, fraction, ingested, utilized, physiological, functions, storage