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Frequently Asked Questions

Are pistachios a good choice for diabetics?

Are pistachios a good choice for diabetics?

Yes. Pistachios are naturally low in carbohydrates and are a good source of protein and a good source of mono - and polyunsaturated fats (MUFA), making them a perfect snack for diabetics following recommended dietary guidelines.

Pistachios are also included in the FDA health claim for nuts which states: "Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts such as pistachios, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. See nutrition information for fat content." Supporting heart health is important for diabetics.

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References

  1. Rainey CJ, Nyquist, Food Research Inc., Los Angeles. Unpublished original research 2006
  2. Wu et al, "Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant capacities of common foods in the United States," J. Agric Food Chemi, 52 (12), 4026-4037
  3. Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, 3rd Edition, Roberta Duyff
  4. Institute of Medicine, 2002a. "Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids. Washington , DC: National Academy Press
  5. American Chemical Society, "Sunflower seeds, pistachios among top nuts for lowering cholesterol," Dec. 7, 2005.
  6. Wu et al, "Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant capacities of common foods in the United States," J. Agric Food Chemi, 52 (12), 4026-4037
  7. Institute of Medicine, 2004. "Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate." Washington DC
  8. "Trans fat share attack on Americans' hearts," USA Today, accessed online Feb. 23, 2007
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  11. Seeram NP, Aviram M, Zhang Y, Henning SM et al. Comparison of Antioxidant Potency of Commonly Consumed Polyphenol-Rich Beverages in the United States. J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Feb 27;56(4):1415-1422.
  12. Painter, J. The Pistachio Principle: Calorie Reduction Without Calorie Restriction. Weight Management Matters, 6(2),8.
  13. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. (2007). USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 18. Beltsville, MD: USDA Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory.
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