June 1, 2010: 06:10 AM EST
People with high cholesterol could obtain some significant relief by adding pistachio nuts to a healthy diet, according to new research. Pistachios have previously been found to lower lipid (fat) and lipoprotein levels in the blood, but have now been found to boost antioxidants in the blood of adults with high cholesterol. According to the researchers, pistachios are packed with the antioxidants lutein, beta-carotene and gamma-tocopherol that may reduce the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) linked to blood vessel inflammation and plaque buildup. But conclusive evidence of the benefits of antioxidants is still lacking. In the study, the amounts of pistachios in the diets of participants were 1.5 ounces and 3 ounces daily. After eating both pistachio-enriched diets, participants had lower oxidized-LDL concentrations in their blood than those who ate the control diet.
Colin D. Kay3,4,6, Sarah K. Gebauer3,5,7, Sheila G. West3,4 and Penny M. Kris-therton3,5,*, "Pistachios Increase Serum Antioxidants and Lower Serum Oxidized-LDL in Hypercholesterolemic Adults1,2", Journal of Nutrition, June 01, 2010, © American Society for Nutrition
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