30-60 years of age

moderately elevated ldl-c (120-175 mg/dl) and normal hdl-c (30-50 mg/dl)

tg < 350 mg/dl

smokers

a history of myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, kidney disease, and thyroid disease (unless controlled on medication)

lactation, pregnancy, or desire to become pregnant during the study

cholesterol-lowering medications

intake of putative cholesterol-lowering supplements (psyllium, fish oil capsules, soy lecithin, niacin, fiber, flax, and phytoestrogens, stanol/sterol supplemented foods)

vegetarianism

allergic to nuts (other food allergies will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)