Pistachios May Reduce Lung Cancer Risk
Findings presented at the American Association for Cancer Research’s semi-annual Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference, suggest that a small daily portion of pistachio nuts may lower individual risk for developing lung and related cancers.[1]
Multiple Benefits
Medical experts have long known that dietary vitamin E, or more specifically a type of vitamin E chemically referred to as gamma-tocopherol, offers a certain amount of protection from some forms of lung cancer. Pistachio nuts are easily accessed, and contain relatively large amounts of gamma-tocopherol vitamin E by total volume. They are also known to be a good source of antioxidants, and have been shown to lower cholesterol levels.
According to Ladia Hernandez, senior research dietitian at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center’s Department of Epidemiology in Houston, this logically suggests that eating foods, such as pistachios, that are naturally rich in gamma-tocopherol, could be a valid means of decreasing lung cancer risk.Scientific Support
In a study carried out at Texas Woman’s University — Houston Center campus, 36 generally healthy participants were randomly divided into control and experimental test groups.[2] Members assigned to the study’s experimental test group were instructed to consume about 2 ounces of pistachio nuts per day. Members of the study’s comparison control group were instructed to continue with their normal preexisting diets, as usual.
Following an initial two-week baseline assessment period, during which individual normal blood serum levels were established, each of the participants underwent weekly blood tests for an additional four-week period to determine what changes, if any, had occurred.
According Hernandez and her colleagues, participants in the experimental pistachio group showed significantly higher gamma-tocopherol blood serum levels than their control group counterparts. Furthermore, thanks to pistachios natural ability to help lower cholesterol, individual body mass index remained relatively consistent among members of the study’s experimental group. This not only demonstrates that regular consumption of pistachio nuts may help to reduce the risk of lung cancer, but that they do so without unwanted side effects, like weight gain, that could potentially undermine their other health promoting benefits.Add Pistachios to Your Diet
While pistachio nuts have shown to be a great source of natural cancer and cholesterol fighting chemical compounds, they aren’t the only one. A variety of different tree and ground nuts, as well as their byproducts, have also been proven to contain similarly large quantities of gamma-tocopherol. Pecans and walnuts are also considered to be good and readily available sources.
References (2)
- American Association for Cancer Research. Pistachios may reduce lung cancer risk. AACR Press Releases. 2009 December 8.
- Phil Lempert. Pistachios may reduce cancer risk. UPI.com. 2012 July 5.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
