Br J Nutr. 2015 Apr;113:S79-93. doi: 10.1017/S0007114514003250.

Nutrition attributes and health effects of pistachio nuts.

The British journal of nutrition

M Bulló, M Juanola-Falgarona, P Hernández-Alonso, J Salas-Salvadó

PMID: 26148925 DOI: 10.1017/S0007114514003250

Abstract

Epidemiological and/or clinical trials have suggested that nut consumption has a beneficial impact on health outcomes such as hypertension, diabetes, CVD, cancer, other inflammatory conditions and total mortality. Nuts are nutrient-dense foods with a healthy fatty acid profile, as well as provide other bioactive compounds with recognised health benefits. Among nuts, pistachios have a lower fat and energy content and the highest levels of K, γ-tocopherol, vitamin K, phytosterols, xanthophyll carotenoids, certain minerals (Cu, Fe and Mg), vitamin B₆ and thiamin. Pistachios have a high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. The aforementioned characteristics and nutrient mix probably contribute to the growing body of evidence that consumption of pistachios improves health. The present review examines the potential health effects of nutrients and phytochemicals in pistachios, as well as epidemiological and clinical evidence supporting these health benefits.

Keywords: Antioxidants; Blood glucose; Body weight; CVD; Insulin resistance; Pistachios; Polyphenols

Substances

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Antioxidants
• Phytochemicals

MeSH terms

• Animals
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / analysis
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
• Antioxidants / analysis
• Antioxidants / therapeutic use
• Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Diseases / immunology
• Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
• Diet, Mediterranean
• Evidence-Based Medicine*
• Functional Food* / analysis
• Humans
• Hyperphagia / prevention & control
• Nutrition Policy*
• Nutritive Value
• Nuts* / chemistry
• Phytochemicals / analysis
• Phytochemicals / therapeutic use
• Pistacia* / chemistry
• Risk Factors
• Satiety Response

Publication Types

• Journal Article
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
• Review