A recent US research has shown that pistachios nuts can help in lowering cardiovascular disease risk. The number of people suffering from cardiovascular diseases is increasing at an alarming rate. Sedentary and tense lifestyles, along with faulty eating habits, increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The research has shown that only handful of pistachios nuts can help in lowering cardiovascular diseases risk. But intake of these nuts in large amount can adversely affect health. The pistachio nut is one of the oldest edible nuts on the planet. Th study was conducted by Dr Sarah K. Gebauer and colleagues from Integrative Biosciences and the Department of Nutritional Sciences and Biobehavioral Health Department at the Pennsylvania State University in the US. 
  
Researchers analyzed the data collected from 28 people (10 men and 18 women). LDL cholesterol level of the study subjects was higher than the optimal range. 

These people were first given a diet rich in cheese, oil and butter. Then these people were given a low-fat diet without pistachios for a month. For the second month they were given a similar diet that also included one daily serving of pistachio nuts. Then these people were given a similar diet with two daily servings of pistachios in the third month. Researchers put a two-week break between each type of diet. 

Analysis of data showed that two daily servings of pistachios led to 12% decrease in the bad cholesterol levels and 8% decrease in the total cholesterol of the participants. 

The researchers believe that these nuts contain an antioxidant, called lutein, which slashes the growth of bad cholesterol in the arteries. Moreover pistachios trim down levels of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, the "bad" cholesterol in the blood.

However, nutritionists warn that excessive consumption of pistachios may lead to excess weight, which is not good for the heart. Besides being the greater source of protein like all other nuts, pistachios are also rich in fibre and healthy fats.  

Pistachio nuts are available in roasted, salted, shelled and unsalted forms. According to health experts, people should eat unsalted rather than salted pistachios as too much salt can raise blood pressure. Both types generally have the same effect on cholesterol