Latest Pistachio Study Reveals Significant Reduction in Markers of Inflammation - an Emerging Risk Factor in Hea...( Penn State University Study Demonstra...),Health

Penn State University Study Demonstrating Important Cardiovascular Findings

Presented at the American Dietetic Association's Food & Nutrition

Conference & Expo in Chicago, IL

CHICAGO, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- According to new data presented yesterday at the American Dietetic Association's (ADA) Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) in Chicago, pistachios -- when paired with a healthy diet -- significantly reduce markers of inflammation at the cellular level when compared to an average American diet. High levels of inflammation are related to the development of heart disease -- the number one cause of death in the U.S. -- and other chronic conditions. The data conducted by Penn State University was presented on Sunday, October 26.

"In addition to the effect of pistachio-rich diets on markers of inflammation, we also found that diet-induced changes in gene expression may help explain changes in heart disease risk factors following consumption of pistachio-rich diets," says Sarah Gebauer, recent Penn State Ph.D. recipient, currently a post-doctoral research associate, USDA Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center. "This is a very exciting time for both researchers and the general public. Our continued research surrounding the health benefits of pistachios is leading to significant findings that will inevitably help people reduce common risk factors that may lead to heart disease."

The new groundbreaking study led by Penny Kris-Etherton, Distinguished Professor of Nutrition, Penn State University, examined changes in inflammation-related gene expression (changes varied according to diet) and evaluated the effects of pistachio-rich diets on heart disease risk factors in subjects with moderately elevated LDL-cholesterol ("bad cholesterol"). Participants in this randomized, crossover, controlled-feeding study followed three different diets -- one without pistachios, and two with different levels of pistachio consu
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