Pistachio anti cancer

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

 

Here is an article you might want to read.

 

Good health to you all.

 

Melly

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Pistachios may reduce lung cancer risk

Published: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 - 18:25 in Health & Medicine

A diet that incorporates a daily dose of pistachios may help reduce the risk of

lung and other cancers, according to data presented at the American Association

for Cancer Research Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference, held

Dec. 6-9. " It is known that vitamin E provides a degree of protection against

certain forms of cancer. Higher intakes of gamma-tocopherol, which is a form of

vitamin E, may reduce the risk of lung cancer, " said Ladia M. Hernandez, M.S.,

R.D., L.D., senior research dietitian in the Department of Epidemiology at the

University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, and doctoral candidate at

Texas Woman's University - Houston Center.

" Pistachios are a good source of gamma-tocopherol. Eating them increases intake

of gamma-tocopherol so pistachios may help to decrease lung cancer risk, " she

said.

Pistachios are known to provide a heart-healthy benefit by producing a

cholesterol-lowering effect and providing the antioxidants that are typically

found in food products of plant origin. Hernandez and colleagues conducted a

six-week, controlled clinical trial to evaluate if the consumption of pistachios

would increase dietary intake and serum levels of gamma-tocopherol. A

pistachio-rich diet could potentially help reduce the risk of other cancers from

developing as well, according to Hernandez.

" Because epidemiologic studies suggest gamma-tocopherol is protective against

prostate cancer, pistachio intake may help, " she said. " Other food sources that

are a rich source of gamma-tocopherol include nuts such as peanuts, pecans,

walnuts, soybean and corn oils. "

The study, conducted at Texas Woman's University - Houston Center, included 36

healthy participants who were randomized into either a control group or the

intervention group consisting of a pistachio diet. There were 18 participants in

the control group and 18 in the intervention group. There was a two-week

baseline period, followed by a four-week intervention period in which the

intervention group was provided with 68 grams (about 2 ounces or 117 kernels) of

pistachios per day; the control group continued with their normal diet.

The effect on the intake and serum cholesterol-adjusted gamma-tocopherol was

investigated. Intake was calculated using the Nutrition Data System for Research

Version 2007, and consumption was monitored using diet diaries and by measuring

the weights of the returned pistachios.

Hernandez and colleagues found a significant increase in energy-adjusted dietary

intake of gamma-tocopherol at weeks three and four in those on the pistachio

diet compared with those on the control diet. The similar effect was seen at

weeks five and six among those on the pistachio diet compared with those on the

control diet. For those on the pistachio diet, cholesterol-adjusted serum

gamma-tocopherol was significantly higher at the end of the intervention period

compared to baseline.

" Pistachios are one of those 'good-for-you' nuts, and 2 ounces per day could be

incorporated into dietary strategies designed to reduce the risk of lung cancer

without significant changes in body mass index, " said Hernandez.

Source: American Association for Cancer Research