Posted on 10/30/2024 6:02:58 AM PDT by Red Badger
A study from Tufts University found that daily consumption of pistachios can enhance eye health by increasing macular pigment optical density (MPOD), which helps protect against blue light and age-related eye damage. This benefit is attributed to pistachios’ unique content of lutein, a plant pigment essential for eye health and potentially useful in preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Daily pistachios boost eye health by raising lutein, protecting against age-related damage, and supporting brain function.
A recent study by researchers at Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy suggests that eating pistachios daily may greatly benefit eye health. This improvement is linked to an increase in macular pigment optical density (MPOD), thanks to lutein, a plant pigment that plays a crucial role in shielding eyes from blue light and age-related damage.
The randomized controlled trial showed that compared to eating a usual diet alone, eating 2 ounces (57 grams) of pistachios per day for 12 weeks as part of a usual diet resulted in a significant increase in MPOD in otherwise healthy middle-aged to older adults. MPOD is an important indicator of eye health, as it protects the retina and is linked to a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in older adults.
Findings from this research are timely, as according to a national poll by the American Foundation for the Blind, Americans fear vision loss more than they fear other serious health problems.
Key Findings
Increased MPOD: Participants who consumed pistachios daily saw a significant rise in MPOD after just 6 weeks, with the effect sustained throughout the 12-week study.
Natural Lutein Source: Pistachios are the only nut that provides a measurable source of lutein, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the eyes.
AMD Prevention Potential: The study suggests that regular pistachio consumption could offer a natural dietary approach to reducing the risk of AMD.
“Our findings indicate that pistachios are not only a nutritious snack, but they may also provide significant benefits for eye health,” said Dr. Tammy Scott, a research and clinical neuropsychologist and lead author of the study. “This is especially important as people age and face higher risks of vision impairment.”
Unique Role of Lutein from Pistachios and Eye Health
Lutein, found in pistachios, plays a critical role in maintaining eye health by filtering blue light and acting as an antioxidant in the eye. The study found that pistachio consumption nearly doubled participants’ daily intake of lutein, which is typically very low in most American diets, and significantly raised plasma levels of lutein.
Pistachios More Than Meets The Eye Infographic
Pistachios: More Than Meets The Eye Infographic. Credit: American Pistachio Growers
Dr. Scott explains that in the study, participants were selected to have low habitual baseline lutein intakes in their diet and just 2 ounces per day rapidly increased lutein levels in the blood in only 6 weeks. “By simply incorporating a handful of pistachios into your diet, you can improve your intake of lutein, which is crucial for protecting your eyes,” notes Dr. Scott. She adds that pistachios provide a source of healthy fat, potentially making the lutein from pistachios better taken up into the body.
In the study, about 1.6 mg of lutein was provided from pistachios, which would be enough to double the average daily consumption of lutein, which is in a class of plant pigments known as xanthophylls, in U.S. adults.
Broader Health Benefits of Lutein
Beyond supporting eye health, the lutein found in pistachios may also benefit brain function. “Lutein crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation,” notes Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, a co-investigator on the study.
As with the eye, lutein selectively accumulates in the brain and may play a role in reducing cognitive decline.5 Studies suggest higher lutein levels are associated with better cognitive performance, including memory and processing speed, making pistachios a valuable addition to a diet aimed at supporting overall healthy aging.
Reference:
“Pistachio consumption increases Macular Pigment Optical Density in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial”
by Tammy M. Scott, Olaniyi Ogunbodede, Diane McKay and Elizabeth J. Johnson, 18 October 2024, The Journal of Nutrition.
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.10.022
This study was supported by the American Pistachio Growers, who had no role in the final design, conduct, or interpretation of this study. The project described was also supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Award Number UM1TR004398.
Disclosures:
Tammy M. Scott reports financial support was provided by American Pistachio Growers.
Probably..............
“In the study, about 1.6 mg of lutein was provided from pistachios, which would be enough to double the average daily consumption of lutein...”
An egg contains about 1 mg lutein and comes with fat to aid absorption.
A serving of leafy greens like kale and spinach- even Romaine lettuce- has several times the amount of lutein that a serving of pistachios has.
Bell peppers, especially the green ones, are loaded with lutein.
Yellow sweet corn and corn products like corn chips and tortillas also have larger amounts of lutein than pistachios.
GREAT IDEA!
thanks
Other, less expensive sources of higher levels of lutein:
Kale, romaine lettuce, spinach, and corn. Other foods that have less lutein, include parsley and green pepper.
My multivitamin has 300 mcg, which is, imo, nearly insignificant.
One in each ear before election, good for mental health. With all the Harris, Hitler, Haley, Hinchcliffe, Hillary, I’m losing my grip.
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Lutein is found in large quantities in much cheaper vegetables...talk about hijacking science research for monetary considerations
Study paid for by The Pistachio Growers of America.
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