Iranian Heart Journal

Iranian Heart Journal

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

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ashraf Khorramirad 1
Saeide Heidari 1
Mahmoud Parham 2
Shahram Arsang Jang 3
Mohammad Hozoori 2
1 Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, IR Iran.
2 Clinical Research Development Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, IR Iran.
3 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, IR Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: 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.
 
Methods: 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.
 
Results: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.
 
Conclusions: 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)
Keywords
Type 2 diabetes
Pistachio nut
Serum lipid
Systolic blood pressure
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Iranian Heart Journal
Volume 22, Issue 3
Summer 2021
Pages 23-32