According to a recently conducted research, pistachios up antioxidant levels in the blood of those suffering from high cholesterol.
Penny Kris-Etherton, part of the nutritional scientist team who carried out the research says the new data indicates that pistachios have many health benefits apart from being able to lower lipids and lipoproteins – which all pose risks towards heart conditions.
In the May 20th issue of the Journal of Nutrition, this team of researchers says that there is a deficiency in studies carried out on the oxidative effect of pistachios – while also noting that pistachio nuts are high in gamma-tocopherol, beta carotene and lutein.
The renewed interest in antioxidants is due to its ability to prevent low density lipoproteins (LDL) from being associated with a buildup of plaque within blood vessels and inflammation.
According to Kris-Etherton, most studies do not indicate anything major in terms of benefits from antioxidants. She attributed this to many reasons, one being that perhaps scientists were not studying people well enough. She also said that there could be something contained in that particular food item which goes along with the antioxidant. All in all, the data regarding antioxidants is currently very disappointing.
None of the studies indicate any kind of health benefits from particular antioxidants – however, this is quite the opposite with regards to epidemiological studies.
The results of the research indicated that pistachios included in a diet for a healthy heart would add to the decline in serum oxidized LDL levels. This would take place by an immediate lowering of cholesterol levels – which would be brought on by the antioxidants contained in pistachios.