Pistachios: A pre-meal snack to control prediabetes

Consuming pistachios before meals can help control glycemic levels (blood sugar levels) in prediabetic patients, stated a study published in the Journal of Nutrition. 

Pistachios have a glycemic index of 15, which is considered very low, making them a good choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Glycemic levels are classified as follows: 1-55 is considered low, 56-59 as medium, and 70-100 as high.

The study, titled ‘Effect of Premeal Pistachio Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Among Asian Indian Adults with Prediabetes,’ was a randomised controlled trial by Ashwini Karthikeyan and others.

It found that eating unsalted pistachios 30 minutes before lunch and breakfast may help control blood sugar levels, potentially preventing spikes in people with prediabetes.

Study led by Vishwanathan Mohan, study involved 120 participants with prediabetes. The intervention group of 60 people consumed 60g of pistachios before breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the control group of 60 participants followed a regular diet that excluded nuts.

After 12 weeks, blood samples were collected for analysis. The results showed a significant reduction in sugar levels among those in the intervention group who consumed pistachios.