Your health can often be greatly improved by just the tiniest dietary adjustments. One of those easy yet effective additions could be a handful of pistachios, the green nut. Pistachios help promote heart health, help with weight management, and stabilise blood sugar levels since they are high in protein, fibre, and healthy fats. However, new research indicates that they may also aid in preventing diabetes, a serious worldwide health issue that affects millions of people.

The Study and Its Findings

Led by Dr. V. Mohan, Senior Diabetologist and Chairman of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre and MDRF, the research was recently published in the Journal of Nutrition. The clinical trial involved 120 prediabetic participants and was conducted in partnership with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, and Spain’s Institut d'Investigacio Sanitaria Pere Virgili and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII). The study was funded by the non-profit organization American Pistachio Growers.

Remarkable Health Benefits

According to the findings, individuals who regularly consumed pistachios had notable improvements in a number of important health indicators. Among them were:

•     Improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels
•     Helps in weight management.
•     Reduced HbA1C readings, which indicate sustained blood sugar regulation

Consuming a handful of roasted, unsalted pistachios (approximately 30g) before meals can significantly slow the progression to diabetes in individuals with prediabetes.

Why Pistachios Work

Healthy fats, fibre, protein, and antioxidants found in American pistachios help control blood sugar, lower inflammation, and support heart health. They are a wise snack option for people trying to naturally control their blood sugar and weight because of their nutrient combination, which promotes insulin sensitivity and prolongs feelings of fullness.