Two handfuls of pistachios daily improved macular pigment optical density
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition assessed the effect of pistachio consumption on macular pigment optical density, which protects the eye from light damage and is positively associated with eye health.
In this 12-week single-blinded, randomized-controlled trial, 36 healthy adult participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an intervention group that consumed 2 ounces (57 grams) of shelled pistachios plus their usual diet, or a control group that ate their usual diet. The researchers measured macular pigment optical density as well as serum concentration of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.
Participants who ate pistachios saw significant increases in macular pigment optical density after only six weeks. The findings also showed that lutein intakes nearly doubled and blood lutein levels were significantly elevated in the pistachio group. The researchers concluded that the inclusion of pistachios in a healthy diet could be an effective dietary strategy for promoting eye health.
Scott, T. M., Ogunbodede, O., McKay, D., & Johnson, E. J. (2024). Pistachio consumption increases Macular Pigment Optical Density in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Nutrition, S0022-3166(24)01099-X. Advance online publication.