Do pistachios lower the risk of cardiovascular disease?

In one diet, the subjects got 10 percent of their calories from pistachios and in the other diet, the subjects got 20 percent of their calories from pistachios. (The pistachios were eaten as snacks and in a variety of recipes.)

Among other things, the study found that when pistachios were consumed, it resulted in a decrease in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. The researchers concluded that when eaten with a “healthy diet,” pistachios have a beneficial effect on the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Worth noting is that the study was partially funded by the California Pistachio Commission (which is no longer in existence).

In July 2003, The Food and Drug Administration approved this labeling of certain nuts—including pistachios—and nut-containing products: “Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.”