Pistachio Nut Effects on the Blood Lipid Profile in Patients With Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Single-Blind Randomized Crossover Controlled Clinical Trial

Nuts are known for their health properties, and they play a special role in Mediterranean diets. This study aimed to determine Iranian pistachio effects on serum lipid levels in type II diabetic patients.
 
In this randomized crossover single-blind trial, 48 diabetic patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: one that consumed 50 g of Iranian pistachios and one that followed the usual diet for 12 weeks. After an 8-week washout period, the participants were crossed over to the alternate arm.
 
Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the pistachio phase than the usual diet. Changes in diastolic blood pressure, lipid values (cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein), weight, and body mass index were not significantly different between the 2 intervention phases.
 
In diabetic patients, an Iranian pistachio intake (50 g daily) improved systolic blood pressure. Additionally, no detrimental effects were caused by pistachio consumption on lipid values. It seems that pistachio consumption at a high dose could change the results. (Iranian Heart Journal 2021; 22(3): 23-32)