Iranian Heart Association Iranian Heart Journal 22 3 2021 07 01 Pistachio Nut Effects on the Blood Lipid Profile in Patients With Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Single-Blind Randomized Crossover Controlled Clinical Trial 23 32 132824 EN Ashraf Khorramirad Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, IR Iran. 0000-0003-0475-9797 Saeide Heidari Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, IR Iran. 0000-0002-6382-8062 Mahmoud Parham Clinical Research Development Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, IR Iran. 0000-0001-5400-7900 Shahram Arsang Jang Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, IR Iran. 0000-0001-7476-0414 Mohammad Hozoori Clinical Research Development Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, IR Iran. 0000-0001-9604-4347 Journal Article 2020 04 10 <strong><em>Introduction:</em></strong> 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.   <strong><em>Methods:</em></strong> 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.   <strong><em>Results:</em></strong>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.   <strong><em>Conclusions: </em></strong>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.<strong><em> (Iranian Heart Journal 2021; 22(3): 23-32)</em></strong> https://journal.iha.org.ir/article_132824_fa769f9fceebabf6bd17310797090ab8.pdf