Pistachio consumption reduces blood sugar, systolic BP and increases HDL levels: Study

Iran: Pistachio consumption could improve some components of metabolic syndrome (MetS), including triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, HDL, and fasting blood glucose, a recent study in Nutrition Reviews has stated. However, the supplementation does not affect anthropometric indices and diastolic blood pressure.

Nut consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease and promote healthy body weights due to their favorable macronutrient profile. Pistachios, compared to other nuts have a balanced nutrition profile with lower fat [polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)], higher protein, fiber (both soluble and insoluble), potassium, phytosterols, γ-tocopherol, vitamin K, and xanthophyll carotenoids. They are also known for their high antioxidant potential

Previous observational and experimental studies have evaluated the effects of pistachio intake on MetS but have yielded inconsistent results. Soudeh Khanamani Falahati-Pour, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran, and colleagues aimed to determine the effect of pistachio consumption on MetS components by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials.

For this purpose, the researchers searched the online databases from 1986 to 2021. The study included English-language RCTs on pistachio intake that provided outcomes on hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Results are presented as pooled mean differences (MDs) between intervention and control groups. 

The inclusion criteria for the systematic review and meta-analysis were met by seventeen RCTs including 940 adults. 

The researchers conclude, "the results of this study show that consumption of pistachios could improve some MetS components, including systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, and HDL levels, without affecting anthropometric indices and diastolic BP."

Reference:

Fatemeh Baghery, Noushin Mohammadifard, Soudeh Khanamani Falahati-Pour, The effect of pistachio supplementation on metabolic syndrome and its components in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Nutrition Reviews, 2022;, nuac027, https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuac027