Menopause imposes a dramatic fall in
estrogens, which is followed by an increase in the proportion of fat. The rising
androgen/
estrogen ratio along the menopause transition favors the accumulation of central fat, which contributes to
insulin resistance and a series of concatenated effects, leading to a higher incidence of
metabolic syndrome. The modulatory effect of diet on the
metabolic syndrome phenotype has been shown for the
Mediterranean diet, and nuts are key determinants of these health benefits. This review of the impact of nuts on the risk factors of the
metabolic syndrome cluster examined studies-prioritizing meta-analyses and systemic reviews-to summarize the potential benefits of nut ingestion on the risk of
metabolic syndrome associated with menopause. Nuts have a general composition profile that includes macronutrients, with a high proportion of
unsaturated fat, bioactive compounds, and fiber. The mechanisms set in motion by nuts have shown different levels of efficacy against the disturbances associated with
metabolic syndrome, but a beneficial impact on
lipids and carbohydrate metabolism, and a potential, but minimal reduction in blood pressure and fat accumulation have been found.