Pistachios decrease cardiovascular disease risk factors and identification of potential mechanism of action.

Nut consumption lowers cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Studies are lacking about the effects of pistachios, a nutrient-­‐dense nut, on CVD risk factors, dose-­‐response relations, and lipid-­‐lowering mechanisms. Diets containing pistachios decrease serum lipids (LDL, total cholesterol) and circulating cytokines. Several of the bioactive molecules in pistachio are high in anti-­‐oxidant capacity and activate anti-­‐ inflammatory transcription factors. [PMID 18779280, 20013886, 20357077]