Pistachios: all they're cracked up to be
May
29, 2013 — A new research study, using an experimental model that
mimics digestion, suggests that
nearly all of the polyphenols in
pistachios are released to the body during digestion. The new findings,
when considered along with earlier research that suggests dietary fat
may not be completely absorbed, is a win-win for those on the lookout
for nutrient-rich snacks they can feel good about as part of an overall
healthy diet.
The new study appears in the January issue of the Journal of
Nutrition and was conducted by the Model Gut Group at the Institute of
Food Research (IFR) in the United Kingdom in association with the
University of Messina, Italy.1
The study specifically looked at polyphenols and antioxidants, such
as gamma-tocopherol (vitamin E), found in pistachios. The study found
that these polyphenols and antioxidants, which are also found in fruits
and vegetables, are released during digestion, making them available to
the body.
This study may be interesting because it suggests that the body may
be able to absorb the polyphenols and antioxidants found in pistachios,
which may be significant because nutrients aren't always readily
accessible by the body. As an example, iron in spinach is naturally
harder for the human body to absorb. However, the iron can be made more
readily absorbed by the body when combined with vitamin C.
Pistachios: antioxidants you can see
Pistachios are the colorful nut, owing their green, yellow, and
purple-red colors to the antioxidants and polyphenols found in the
kernels and skins. It's easy to spot the good nutrition provided by
pistachios: their true colors shine through in their green and yellow
kernels, and their purple and red skins.
Fat in pistachios may not be completely absorbed2
A preliminary study published in the January 2012 issue of British
Journal of Nutrition suggests that the fat in pistachios may not be
completely absorbed by the body. The small, randomized
controlled-feeding study, which is the first-of-its-kind research with
nuts, suggests we may consume less calories per serving than originally
thought.
Conducted by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the study suggests that
pistachios provide 160 calories per 30 gram serving (approximately 1
ounce).
The research measured the energy value of pistachios by feeding 16
healthy adults the nuts as part of a controlled diet and calculating the
energy value from differences in energy excretion during the dietary
treatment timeframe. The resulting energy value of one 30-gram serving
of pistachios was 5-percent less than previous calculations.
The snacking bottom line
Pistachios are a great-tasting, fun, and healthy snack with protein,
fiber, and antioxidants. A naturally cholesterol-free food, 90-percent
of the fat in pistachios is the healthy unsaturated type. A one-ounce
serving of pistachios equals 49 nuts, which is more nuts per serving
than any other snack nut. Be sure to color your plate with pistachios.
Source:
PistachioHealthInstitute.org
Reprinted from:
http://www.chiroeco.com/chiropractic/news/14186/54/pistachios-%20all%20they-re%20cracked%20up%20to%20be/
References
1Mandalari, et al. Bioaccessibility of pistachio polyphenols,
xanthophylls, and tocopherols during simulated human digestion. J Nutr.
2013; 29:338-344.
2Baer DJ, Gebauer SK, Novotny JA. Measured energy value of pistachios in the human diet. Br J Nutr. 2012; 107(1):120-5.
