Almonds to Improve Gut Health and Decrease Inflammation

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 35-60 years * 3 or more of the following: hypertension (systolic BP 130-179 mmHg or diastolic BP 85-119 mmHg); hyperglycemia (fasting glucose 100-599 mg/dL); central obesity \[waist circumference greater than 40.1 inches (M) or 34.6 inches (F); hypertriglyceridemia (150-499 mg/dL); low HDL \[lower than 40 mg/dL (M) or 50 mg/dL (F)\] * Willing to restrict consumption of nuts other than study nuts for 1 week prior to and throughout the study (13 weeks) * Willing to stop probiotic supplements one week prior to and during the study (13 weeks) * Willing to stop multivitamins and supplements containing vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc and copper one week prior to and during the study (13 weeks) * Willing to complete intake diaries during the study * Willing to maintain current eating patterns (no significant diet change during study) Exclusion Criteria: * Weekly consumption of almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts and sunflower seeds combined greater than 2 servings (about 2 oz) in the past 3 months * Nut, wheat, or gluten allergy/intolerance * Regular use of vitamin E supplements * Consume more than 2 alcoholic drinks daily * Tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, or smoking of any substance (e.g. cannabis) in the past 3 months * Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant before completing the study * Vigorous exercise greater than 7 hours/week * History of cardiovascular disease, liver disease or cancer * Have had bariatric surgery (e.g. ga…