The pistachios have a low glycemic index (GI) and are relatively high in fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants and anti -inflammatory phytonutrients, so they are beneficial for people with diabetes.
In addition, eating pistachios has a minimum effect on blood sugar levels after a meal;And, when added to an intake rich in carbohydrates, they help minimize any increase in blood sugar.
According to the first study carried out on the alterations produced in glucose intolerance during pregnancy (Gigt) or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women, they show that eating pistachios can contribute to controlling blood sugar levels.
The study led by Dr. Sheng Ge and who has had the collaboration of Dr. Zhaoping Li, is the first to evaluate the level of glucose response after the consumption of pistachios by pregnant women with GDM or Gigt.
These data have been presented within the framework of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics ’2017 Food & AMP conference;Nutrition Conference & AMP;Expo ™ held in Chicago, Illinois.
The study has been carried out with a sample of 30 women who presented gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, which were randomly chosen.After the night fast, part of them took a total of 42 grams of pistachios, the equivalent of a cup room (1 ration includes 49 pistachos);While the rest of the women ingest 100 grams of whole wheat bread, two slices.
The pistachios and the bread of whole wheat were paired by calories.After the intake, every 30 minutes and until reaching the first 120 minutes, blood sugar and LPG-1, a key hormone for insulin production was measured.
Seven days later, the groups alternated.At the end of the study, the blood sugar levels registered after pistachios intake were significantly lower than after consuming whole wheat bread in each of the time intervals of 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes.In fact, blood sugar levels after eating pistachios were comparable to the initial levels.
In addition, LPG-1 levels were significantly higher after pistachio consumption compared to whole wheat bread after 60, 90 and 120 minutes.
"The increase in blood sugar during pregnancy not only affects the mother's health, but can also increase the baby's risk of developing diabetes," explained Dr. Zhaoping Li, a research member of the study and medical teacher,and head of the Clinical Nutrition Division at the University of California, Los Angeles, who added that "this study shows that pistachios can be a useful complement to the diet to maintain healthy levels of blood sugar providing, thus, nutrientsessential for both the mother and the baby during this period. "
