Thanks to their “hearty” nutrient profile that includes antioxidantsAntioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals (compounds made during the metabolism of oxygen). , phytosterolsPhytosterols, also referred to as plant sterols are a functional component found in plants that may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol levels by blocking dietary cholesterol absorption., unsaturated fats and various vitamins and minerals, pistachios offer many cardio-protective properties. In fact, a growing body of research shows that diets containing nuts, such as pistachios, are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

Seal of Approval

Nuts including pistachios have significant scientific agreement that they can help reduce the risk of coronary heart diseaseCoronary heart disease is a condition (usually caused by atherosclerosis – hardening of the arteries) that reduces the blood flow through the coronary arteries to the heart muscle and typically results in chest pain or heart damage Coronary heart disease is also referred to as coronary disease and coronary artery disease.. In fact the Food and Drug Administration awarded tree nuts – including pistachios – a qualified health claim in 2003 stating:

“Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces of most nuts, such as pistachios, as part of a diet low in saturated fatSaturated fat is the main dietary cause of high blood cholesterol. and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Pistachios Pack a “1 – 2” Heart-Health Punch

A groundbreaking study published in the September 2008 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that one to two handfuls of pistachios may be just what the cardiologist ordered. The study found that pistachios actively lowered harmful LDL-cholesterol levels in a dose-dependent manner. The authors’ conclusions:

• Adding one-and-a-half or three ounces of pistachios per day to a NCEP Step 1 diet resulted in a nine and 12 percent reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels respectively.
• HDL cholesterol levels in women increased when adding three ounces per day to the diet, indicating a two-pronged approach to improving heart health.
• The bioactive compounds in pistachios, including fiberDietary fiber generally refers to parts of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and legumes that can't be digested by humans. , phytosterolsPhytosterols, also referred to as plant sterols are a functional component found in plants that may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol levels by blocking dietary cholesterol absorption. and antioxidantsAntioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals (compounds made during the metabolism of oxygen). , are thought to contribute to these heart-health benefits.

To read more about this study click here.

Pistachios are a Heart-Smart Snack

• The highest levels of polyphenol antioxidants of any snack nut
• Rich in the amino acidAmino acids function as the building blocks of proteins. arginine
• A good source of mono- and polyunsaturated fats
• More phytosterols than any other nut
• The nut with the most potassium