Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1390079
The challenges of crafting a novel research study Ayurveda set the stage for greater research (using modern science and clinical studies) on how consumption of almonds could impact external features, leading NRC to direct ABC to invest in a pilot study that explored almonds' impact on wrinkle reduction among postmenopausal women. 1 Before starting work, however, ABC and NRC took multiple steps to ensure the research was conducted in a scientifically valid way that would allow the results – if promising – to become a foundation of further skin health research with almonds. To conduct this first-of-its-kind study in almonds ABC and NRC had to find the right researcher, which required a hunt for someone with the right balance of skills – an understanding of dermatology, nutritional clinical studies and data collection. The team also sought to work with a research professional who understands Ayurveda. Because the concept of Ayurveda is highly uncommon among researchers, ABC and NRC searched high and low for someone with the necessary know-how. Fortunately, they found someone who not only checked all the boxes, but who also resides and practices right here in the Central Valley: Dr. Raja Sivamani from the University of California (UC) Davis. "Dr. Sivamani is a hand and glove fit for the qualifications that were needed in a skin researcher. In addition to being a certified dermatologist, he has extensive understanding of nutrition clinicals, Ayurveda and naturopathy. We were extremely fortunate to find Dr. Sivamani right in our own backyard!" said ABC's Associate Director of Nutrition Research Dr. Swati Kalgaonkar. With the researcher search complete, ABC and NRC funded Dr. Sivamani's proposed study. The study focused on investigating if almond consumption could help reduce wrinkle width and severity in postmenopausal women with types I and II skin, as these skin types tend to be more susceptible to wrinkle development. Studies show link between almonds and skin health Today, NRC has published results from three studies – and counting – on almonds and skin health. The pilot study, 2 published in 2019 by Dr. Sivamani, found that postmenopausal women who consumed two servings of almonds per day for 16 weeks, compared with those consuming two servings of nut-free snacks, experienced a 9-10% RESEARCH UPDATE "Our team is interested in whether certain foods like almonds can help maintain healthy skin and strengthen the skin's natural defenses from within." — Dr. Zhaoping Li 1 Foolad N, Vaughn AR, Rybak I, Burney WA, Chodur GM, Newman JW, Steinberg FM, Sivamani RK. Prospective randomized controlled pilot study on the effects of almond consumption on skin lipids and wrinkles. Phytotherapy Research. 2019;1–6. https://bit.ly/2S2UDVX 2 Learn more about the findings from this study in this Jan./Feb. 2020 How We Grow article: https://bit.ly/3uLDYU1 Dr. Raja Sivamani University of California Davis Continued from page 12 13