Pistachio consumption linked to reduced blood pressure

A study published in the journal of the American Heart Association indicates that consuming pistachios can help patients with hypertension reduce their blood pressure during sleep. Researchers conducted a four-week trial where participants were divided into a low-fat snack group and a medium-fat group that included pistachios.

The findings suggest that a diet containing pistachios reduces several cardiovascular risk factors. Experts noted that the effect of pistachios on lowering blood pressure was more significant than other types of nuts. The nuts contain monounsaturated fatty acids and L-arginine, an amino acid that the body converts into nitric oxide, which helps relax and dilate blood vessels. The researchers confirmed that the blood pressure-lowering effect is most effective when pistachios constitute approximately 20% of daily calorie intake.