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In a controlled intervention trial of pistachios
conducted by National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (NDOC),daily
consumption of a handful of the nut was found to reduce symptoms of
diabetes andcardiovascular diseasein peoplewith metabolic syndrome.
“Nuts(mainly pistachios, almonds and walnuts) have been shown to have
beneficial effects on glycemic and lipid parameters. Pistachios are most
beneficial for Indians,” said Dr Anoop Misra, chairman,FortisC-DOCcenter
for diabetes, obesity, metabolicdiseases,
andendocrinology,wholedthestudy.
Nearly 500 people, between the ages of 25 and 65 years, who had
pre-diabetic conditions were analysed for two years.
Half the peoplein the programme were put on a restricted healthy diet,
45 minutes of moderate to brisk exercise and given pistachios. The other
half followed the same schedule with the exception of consumption of
pistachios.
After being observed for about six months, the candidates showed
marginal weight loss, reduction in gut fat, better insulin action among
other positive results.
“We recommended that in a day, 20% of the calories, out of a calorie
demand of about1,200kcal,shouldcome from pistachios. But it also depends
on a person’s weight, height, lifestyle etc. Pistachios are known to
reduce appetite, have good fat and boost metabolism to an extent,” said
Dr Seema Gulati, also a partof thestudy.
More and more young people are suffering from pre-diabetic conditions
owing to their unhealthy lifestyle. “We are also genetically predisposed
to acquiring lifestyle diseases and that is why we need to be careful,
especially those who are at a higher risk due to high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, smoking,etc,”saidDr Misra.
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