Pistachios Offer Protective Benefits Against Heart Disease, Type II Diabetes and Obesity
Research Presented at Experimental Biology 2009 Reveals Cardiovascular and Glycemic Control Benefits of Pistachios
sented this week at Experimental Biology 2009 in from human clinical trials showing major health benefits from eating pistachios.
Pistachios – The “Skinny” Nut
Several studies have previously shown that pistachios – and tree nuts in general – do not contribute to overweight or obesity, when consumed in moderation.(1) In fact, more recent studies suggest that nut consumption is linked to a lower body mass index – a marker for overweight and obesity, and pistachios are thought to provide a high satiety value that may help curb appetite, making adherence to a calorie-reduced diet easier. The
The researchers randomly assigned overweight adults to follow a diet that cut calories by 500 per day from usual calorie intake. The new diet added in either an afternoon snack of 2 ounces of unsalted pretzels (220 calories), or 3 ounces of in-shell pistachios (240 calories). The subjects following the pistachio intervention lost a statistically significant amount of weight, enough to reduce BMI fromಞ.88 at the onset of the study to 28.84. This is equivalent to about a 10-12 pound weight loss for most adults of average height. At the mid-point (six weeks) of the study, pistachio eaters had significantly lower triglycerides (a form of fat present in the bloodstream that is linked to diet and lifestyle factors) compared to pretzel eaters. Subjects who ate pistachios had an average triglyceride level of 90 mg/dl versus 132 mg/dl for the pretzel eaters. Triglycerides of 150 mg/dl or higher are associated with an increased risk for heart disease, metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes.
Pistachios are one of the lowest calorie, lowest fat nuts. In fact, pistachios have three calories per nut – about half the calories of most snack nuts. In addition, 30 pistachio kernels yield about 100 calories – compare that to just 14 for almonds, and 11 for cashews. Pistachios are also unique in that they are the only in-shell snack nut. In-shell pistachios take longer to eat, so the consumption time is slowed. Empty pistachio shells serve as an important visual cue, encouraging “mindfulness” as one eats, thereby curbing calorie consumption.
“Our results are promising because they show that pistachios can be part of a successful weight loss program, and they provide the added benefits of helping to control blood lipids, like triglycerides and LDL cholesterol,” said Dr. Heber, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition.
Pistachios Blunt Blood Sugar
Researchers from the
The same researchers presented their findings from the largest human clinical trial to evaluate the effects of nut consumption on individuals with Type II diabetes. The three-month study included 117 subjects (mean age 62) who were randomly assigned to receive one of three diet interventions: 1) 2-1/2 ounces or 1/2 cup of mixed nuts (including pistachios) 2) 1-1/3 ounces or 1/4 cup of mixed nuts and half portion of muffin; or 3) full portion of muffin. Each snack accounted for绂 calories, and all the overall diets were matched for caloric intake.
While on each diet intervention, researchers measured the subjects’ HbA1c (a marker of blood sugar control over the previous three months) as well as blood lipid markers associated with heart heath. The findings revealed that the full dose nut group had significantly reduced LDL and total cholesterol levels compared to the full dose muffin group, as well as a significant reduction in HbA1c from baseline in the full dose nuts compared to the other two diets.
“Type II diabetes, heart disease and overweight are all related conditions, and a healthy diet – one that includes pistachios – may have a positive impact on these widespread public health conditions,” said registered dietitian
About PistachioHealth.com
PistachioHealth.com is the leading online source of information on the health and nutrition benefits of pistachios, including research updates and educational materials, to both consumers and health professionals. The site is provided by Paramount Farms,
About Paramount Farms
Paramount Farms is the world’s largest vertically integrated supplier of pistachios and almonds. Paramount Farms’ 30,000 acres of pistachio orchards, located in ers under the Wonderful(R), Everybody’s Nuts(TM) and Sunkist(R) brand names. Paramount Farms pistachios are not a part of the recent Setton Farms recall. For more information, visit www.pistachiorecall.org.
References:
1. Sabate, J. (2003). Nut Consumption and Body Weight. Am J Clin Nutr, 78(3), 647S-650.
SOURCE Paramount Farms; PistachioHealth.com
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Obesity is a growing health problem these days because people are too lazy to do some extra exercise and they eat too much. i always exercise and do cardio regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
Obesity is really an epidemic these days. People have become very lazy and does not want to exercise anymore. I do a lot of jogging and brisk walking everyday just to be fit and healthy.
more people are becoming obese these days because of too much junk food and too much sugar in snacks and fast foods. .