Skip to Content

Ask an Expert

Q:
I just read that pistachios are a good snack for diabetics – is this true?
- Jimmy, D., Nevada
A:

Yes. Because pistachios are a good source of fiber, naturally low in carbohydrates and rich in healthy fats, this makes them a great snack for diabetics following recommended dietary guidelines.  In fact, new research from the University of Toronto found that a diet that includes nuts like pistachios (about two handfuls per day) had a significant reduction in HbAIC, a marker of blood sugar control over the previous three months.  Another study by the same group studied the ability of pistachios to help control blood sugar levels. In this study, subjects ate three nutritionally equivalent test meals on three separate occasions: 1) white bread alone; 2) white bread plus 2 ounces of pistachios; or 3) white bread with butter and cheese. The researchers measured blood sugar responses to each of the test meals over a three-hour period. Their results showed that, compared to white bread alone, pistachios blunted the blood sugar response.

You must upgrade your Flash player to use the Country Selector.