Pistachios Could Protect Against Cancer (Plus Best Nuts For Health) | HuffPost Life

Pistachios Could Protect Against Cancer (Plus Best Nuts For Health)

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Former Lifestyle Editor of The Huffington Post UK

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Experts have long advocated the health benefits of nuts, and a recent study may show that pistachios, in particular, could reduce the risk of cancer.

According to a report by UPI a study conducted by the University of Texas and Texas Woman’s University suggests that gamma-tocopherol, a form of Vitamin E, which is present in pistachios could be responsible.

According to shortnews.com, Lempert, a food industry analyst, worked on the study.

In a statement, Phil Lempert says: “Obtaining vitamin E through foods like pistachios rather than through supplements, ensures that your body is not only getting the various vitamin E compounds but other vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds as well."

“Vitamin E rich foods act as antioxidants, helping to prevent damage from free radicals, protect skin from ultraviolet light, and allow for proper cell communication,” he adds.

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The researchers randomized the participants to either continue on their normal diets or to eat their normal diet plus two ounces (approximately 100 kernels) of pistachios per day. After one month, the pistachio eaters had significantly higher levels of gamma-tocopherol in their blood as compared with the non pistachio eaters," Lempert said in a statement.

Health Benefits Of Nuts

How Nuts Can Help Your Health(01 of09)

(credit:Alamy)

Walnuts(02 of09)

According to recent research, walnuts are the superfood for reducing the progression of prostate cancer. Scientists from the University of California Davis found that walnuts decrease the levels of endothelia - a substance that increases inflammation of blood vessels which is high in men with prostate cancer. Walnuts are also packed with other health-boosting properties like omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for maintaining good heart health, inflammation-fighting vitamin E and polyphenol plant compounds which act like antioxidants. (credit:Alamy)

Almonds(03 of09)

Just a small handful of almonds is enough to give you almost 25% of your daily amount of magnesium and has more bone-strengthening calcium than a glass of cow's milk. Almonds are also a great source of antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium. Due to their high fibre content, they are also a good colon cancer preventative and help lower cholesterol. (credit:Alamy)

Peanuts(04 of09)

Unsalted, ordinary peanuts are a brilliant source of monounsaturated fats which help keep the heart healthy as they contain resveratrol - the phenolic antioxidant also found in red grapes. According to research by the Nurses' Health Study, people who eat peanuts frequently, significantly reduce their risks of cardiovascular disease. (credit:Alamy)

Pecan Nuts(05 of09)

Pecan nuts are an excellent source of over 19 essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, which protects the skin from UVA damage and is proven to help lower the risks of Alzheimer's disease plus folic acid and calcium to name a few. According to recent research by the National Pecan Shellers Association, pecan nuts are also proven to significantly help lower cholesterol. (credit:Alamy)

Brazil Nuts(06 of09)

A single Brazil nut provides your daily dose of selenium, an antioxidant that may play a role in preventing breast cancer. These nuts are extremely nutrient-rich and according to previous research by the University of Illinois, they could help prevent breast cancer due to their super-strength antioxidant levels. (credit:Alamy)

Cashew Nuts(07 of09)

Nearly 90% of the unsaturated fat in cashew nuts is oleic acid - the heart-healthy fat found in olive oil. Cashew nuts are also a great source of magnesium, which regulates high blood pressure, helps treat Type 2 diabetes and prevents cardiovascular disease. (credit:Alamy)

Pistachio Nuts (08 of09)

According to research by Pennsylvania State University, a handful of pistachio nuts could help destroy bad cholesterol that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. This is because pistachios contain rich amounts of antioxidants beta-carotene (which turns into vitamin A and helps ward off cancer) and gamma-tocopherol (common form of vitamin E that prevents from heart disease). (credit:Alamy)

Hazelnuts(09 of09)

Hazelnuts are rich in iron and proanthocyanidins (a flavonoid that offers anti-inflammatory protection) and antioxidants that strengthen blood vessels and help protect against heart disease. Hazelnuts have no cholesterol and are low in saturated fats but high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These 'healthy' fats help to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and decrease the risk of heart disease. (credit:Alamy)

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