Pistachios are the latest to join the list of nuts experts have found to be good for your health. New research shows the green-tinged nuts boost digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that occur naturally in the gut.
The first-of-its-kind research, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition this week, suggests eating pistachios has a positive impact on the bacteria that aid digestion.
The study, involving 16 people, found pistachios deliver health-boosting phytochemicals and contain food components such as dietary fiber promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
"Modifying [bacteria] towards a 'beneficial' composition is a promising approach for supporting intestinal health, with potential effects on overall health, said lead researcher Volker Mai, with the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “And it appears that pistachios may play a role in this modification."
For the study, 16 healthy individuals were randomly assigned to eat a typical diet that included either 0 ounces, 1.5 ounces or 3 ounces of pistachios or almonds per day. After 19 days, the researchers found people who ate up to 3 ounces of pistachios -- 147 nuts or 2 servings -- per day had greater increases in levels of beneficial gut bacteria than those who ate less or who consumed almonds.
Researchers said a one-ounce serving of pistachios provides 3 grams of dietary fiber, which is 12 percent of the recommended daily value, more than a serving of wheat bread. Pistachios are also a good source of vitamin B6, copper, manganese, phosphorus and thiamin.