These nuts are known to produce a cholesterol-lowering effect and provide antioxidants that are typically found in food products of plant origin.

`It is known that vitamin E provides a degree of protection against certain forms of cancer. Higher intakes of gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, may reduce the risk of lung cancer,` study author Ladia M. Hernandez said.

Hernandez, doctoral candidate at Texas Women's University (TWU), and colleagues conducted a six-week controlled clinical trial to evaluate if the consumption of pistachios would increase dietary intake and serum levels of gamma-tocopherol.

The study, conducted at TWU, included 36 healthy participants who were randomised into either a control group or the intervention group, who were on a pistachio diet.

There were 18 participants each in the control and intervention group. There was a two-week baseline period, followed by a four-week intervention period in which the intervention group was provided with 68 grams (117 kernels) of pistachios daily. The control group continued with their normal diet.

Researchers found a significant increase in energy-adjusted dietary intake of gamma-tocopherol at weeks three and four in those on the pistachio diet, compared with those on the control diet.

A similar effect was seen at weeks five and six among those on the pistachio diet compared with those on the control diet.

A pistachio-rich diet could potentially help reduce the risk of other cancers from developing as well, said Hernandez. `Because epidemiologic studies suggest gamma-tocopherol is protective against prostate cancer, pistachio intake may help,` she added.

`Other food sources that are a rich source of gamma-tocopherol include nuts such as peanuts, pecans, walnuts, soybean and corn oils,` Hernandez said.

`Pistachios are one of those `good-for-you` nuts, and two ounces per day could be incorporated into dietary strategies designed to reduce the risk of lung cancer without significant changes in body mass index,` said Hernandez.

Source: IANS