The effect of pistachios on human health: A review study

Abstract

Background: Health is an important pillar of human life and the pistachio is among the nuts which have an impact on human health. The aim of this study was to review the effects of pistachios on human health. Materials and Methods: This was a review study. Data were collected from PubMed and from among articles published from the year 2005 to 15 July 2015 using the keyword pistachio in combination with cholesterol, cardiovascular, health, consumption, diabetes, serum lipid levels, glucose, and metabolic syndrome. Results: Of the total of 194 articles searched, 19 articles were included in the study. The consumption of pistachio, due to its minerals, vitamins, proteins, and antioxidants, improved health and had a positive impact on health outcomes, such as fat, blood sugar, and weight control. It also helped in the promotion of a healthy heart and recovery of high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), metabolic syndrome, and pre-diabetes. Conclusions: Pistachio, due to its nutrients, has positive impact on human body health, including the cardiovascular system, blood lipids, and blood pressure. Moreover, because of its unsaturated fats, it also affects the lipoproteins and reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes, and helps in the management of weight and metabolic syndrome. It can also help in the recovery of patients with pre-diabetes through changes in their harmful metabolism. Pistachios are recommended as part of a healthy diet for the human health and prevention of chronic non-infectious diseases.