The effect of almond intake on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective: The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed determine the efficacy of almond intake on blood pressure (BP). Methods: PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane library and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched to infinity until December 2019. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting effects of almond intake on aortic and brachial BP were included. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Standard methods were used for assessment of heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias. Results: A total of 16 RCTs (1128 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis suggested that almond intake can reduced diastolic BP (DBP) (WMD = -1.30 mmHg; 95 % CI: -2.31,-0.30, p= 0.01, I-2 = 0.0 %). However, there was not any impact of almond intake on systolic BP (SBP) (WMD=-0.83 mmHg; 95 % CI: -2.55, 0.89, p= 0.34, I-2 = 58.9 %). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in SBP levels in subjects with lower SBP and lower dose of almonds. Conclusion: We found that almonds might have a considerable favorite effect in BP and especially in DBP, and it could be encouraged as part of a healthy diet; however due to the high calorie content, the intake should be part of healthy diet.