Pistachio anti cancer

[Guest guest]

Obviously, eating a well-rounded diet that includes nuts (like

pistachios and ALMONDS, among others), sea vegetables, the various

" superfoods " , etc., and lots of vegetables and fruits, is a good way to

avoid cancer and other health problems, and to BE HEALTHY.

 

Posted by: " Melly Bag " tita_mel   tita_mel

Wed Dec 9, 2009 7:05 am (PST)

 

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