According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, pistachios may help prevent the degeneration of eyes and brain as people age.

Researchers at Tufts University in the United States randomly divided 36 healthy adults aged 40 to 70 into two groups. One group continued their usual diet, while the other added 2 ounces of pistachios daily. This roughly doubled their lutein intake, equivalent to about two handfuls of pistachios. The researchers measured the participants' MPOD levels before the study, at the midpoint (6 weeks), and at the end of the study (12 weeks).

 

The study results showed that participants who consumed 2 ounces of pistachios daily experienced a significant increase in macular pigment optical density (MPOD), an important indicator of eye health, in just 6 weeks. MPOD helps protect the retina and reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. The researchers stated, "Regular consumption of pistachios suggests an increase in lutein levels in the retina, which may help maintain eye health."

Lutein moves from the blood to the brain, acting as an antioxidant and calming inflammation, which may help brain health by reducing the risk factors for diseases such as dementia. Previous studies have shown that high intake of lutein is associated with improved cognitive functions later in life, including faster memory and processing abilities.

 

Professor Tammy Scott, the lead author of the study, said, "Pistachios are a nutritious snack that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants." She added, "Pistachios can be a simple and natural way to maintain long-term eye health. This is especially important as the risk of vision problems increases with age."

 

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Regular consumption of pistachios

Lutein levels in the retina have increased

It is said to help maintain eye health.