Eating Pistachios Can Help Protect Against Type 2 Diabetes

Pistachiomobile Cruising Media Outlets in California

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7th Annual APG Membership Luncheon

Research suggests that eating just a handful of pistachios can help prevent diabetes. The study found that a regular portion of the heath-boosting nuts can fi ght the condition. Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is fueled by obesity. Experts believe pistachios can improve insulin resistance, which therefore lowers the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

APG Ambassador Monica Bulló Bonet, BSC PhD, of the human nutrition unit at Virgili University in Reus, Spain, conducted a study containing 49 overweight or obese pre-diabetic patients. The patients were given either a controlled diet or a diet that included a handful of pistachios. Those on the pistachio diet had a signifi cant improvement in their fasting glucose and insulin resistance levels. Additionally, their weight did not change after eating the nuts, and blood tests showed levels of sugar and insulin (and “bad cholesterol”) in the blood fell – a sign the body was fi nding it easier to process sugar in food.

The results of the research were presented at the 2014 European Congress on Obesity in Bulgaria. Dr. Bulló concluded, “Regular consumption of pistachios could decrease insulin resistance, thus suggesting a potential protective role for pistachio consumption against development of Type 2 Diabetes.”

2014 European Congress on Obesity. Abstract T5:OS2.3, presented May 31, 2014.

Mònica Bulló Bonet is a lecture professor in the Human Nutrition Unit of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology at Rovira i Virgili University in Reus, Spain. She has a degree in biology from the University of Barcelona (UB) and a PhD and honorary thesis PhD from Rovira i Virgili University. She also holds research positions at the Municipal Medical Research Institute (IMIM) in Barcelona, and at the Biomedical Research Center of Sant Joan de Reus University Hospital.

Her research includes: Metabolism energy for obese patients and patients with AIDS; mechanisms involved in pathophysiology of obesity; expression of adipokines and their relationship to metabolism, obesity and metabolic syndrome; effect of the Mediterranean diet on the metabolism lipid, cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein fractions and other risk factors cardiovascular; effect of the Mediterranean diet on primary prevention cardiovascular; effect of the Mediterranean diet on diabetes prevention; effect of the Mediterranean diet on bone metabolism; effect of dietary fi ber on weight, glucose tolerance and bowel function; effect of intake phytosterols on lipid metabolism; effect of nuts on infl ammatory and oxidative parameters; effect of glycemic index and glycemic load on body weight, infl ammation and endothelial function.

In May, APG nutrition ambassador Dr. Palacios spoke to the Spanish press about the benefi ts of pistachios for skin and cardiovascular health. At a media event hosted by APG, she addressed infl uential journalists from leading publications about the benefi ts of pistachios for skin. Her presentation included a nutritional breakdown of pistachios and their role in skin renewal, hydration and protection. Then, in a radio interview with Spain’s popular radio station AINYM, Dr. Palacios broadcasted the powerful pistachio message for health, beauty and fi tness to thousands of listeners across Spain.

Men’s Health Month was established to heighten the public’s awareness of the many preventable health problems that affect men and boys. APG joined in this national effort by pitching targeted media outlets with the nutritional benefi ts of pistachios for men. As a result, American pistachios were featured on Good Morning San Diego with APG Nutrition Ambassador Becci Twombley offering tips for proper nutrition and smart food choices, such as pistachios, for men. To watch the segment click here.

Decked out in the “Power of Pistachios,” APG’s Pistachiomobile has been busy delivering APG media kits to magazines, newspapers and radio stations from San Diego to Sacramento. The kits are fi lled with information about American pistachios’ range of health benefi ts, pistachio sample packs and our popular American Pistachio mascot dolls.

Popular German running guru Achim Achilles believes American pistachios are the ideal snack for runners. To help spread the pistachio message to runners, American pistachios were featured on the product-of-the-month page of Achim Achilles’ website (generates more than 563,000 unique users annually), his Facebook page (20,000 fans) and in an article in his newsletter (13,000 subscribers).

Achim Achilles is a renowned journalist, runner and “Natural Running” advocate. Based in Berlin, his mission is to educate, report and promote the benefi ts of expanding and strengthening the foot’s natural motion to create better balance, improve proprioception, counter supination and pronation. He is also a proponent of proper nutrition for optimal fi tness.

APG partnered with Fitness First in Hamburg, Germany on April 14 to educate their clients about the benefi ts of pistachios for active lifestyles. Armed with pistachio sample packs, APG teamed up with the club’s personal trainers and exercise instructors to raise awareness of the nutritional benefi ts of pistachios for health and fi tness.

Fitness First is the largest privately owned fi tness club in the world. It consists of 540 Fitness First clubs worldwide, and over 1 million members in 21 countries.

More than 20,000 APG sample packs were included in the race goodie bags of the Haspa Marathon in Hamburg on May 4. APG reached over 700,000 cyclist and spectators with donated sample packs and press coverage generated by the event.

Thirteen thousand cyclists powered-up with American pistachios at the Garmin-Velothon road race, in Berlin, May 18.

APG partnered with Finisher Triatlon magazine at the Zurich Marathon Expo Sports Exhibition in Barcelona. More than 2,300 APG sample packs and copies of the magazine were distributed to running and outdoor sport enthusiasts. Over 60,000 active consumers attended the fair, which is one of Europe’s largest events for running and outdoor sports.

APG joined forces with the Spanish Legion to raise awareness of the nutritional benefi ts of pistachios for people with active lifestyles. More than 7,800 sample packs were distributed to the cyclists after the grueling 24-hour, 101-kilometers (63 miles) race on May 10-11. The Spanish Legion is an elite unit of the Spanish Army and Spain’s Rapid Reaction Force.

More than 1,500 cyclists refueled with American pistachios at one of the Spain’s top ten road races held on May 10 in Ayora.

Over 1,700 APG sample packs were included in the race goodie bags on May 12, in Pozuelo.

Over 1,500 runners received APG sample packs at the Carrera Popular de Majadahonda in Madrid on May 25.

More than 1,200 cyclists sampled American pistachios at the Sierras de Mortalla road race on May 14.

APG is celebrating the 4th of July with the Fresno Grizzlies Baseball team. Here’s the breakdown of activities you don’t want to miss.

The First PitchAPG celebrity American Pistachio will throw the ceremonial fi rst pitch to start the game. Our popular mascot will also be giving away APG sample packs of pistachios, and fans will also have the opportunity to have their photos taken with our loveable ambassador. Go Grizzlies!

FireworksAs if the game, the free sample packs and photo ops were not enough, immediately following the game, the Fresno Grizzlies will light up the sky over downtown Fresno with a fi reworks extravaganza.

Discounted Tickets Available to APG Members for this Special EventDiscounted tickets are available to APG members. Just click here to place your order online. Type in “pistachio” in the special offer code box, and proceed to the Field Reserve tab to purchase your ticket. General admission tickets are $17 (starting July 1) with your special code APG members pay only $9 (an $8 discount)!

APG proudly sponsors the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund, the Central California Farm Grown Program. The Grizzlies, along with the Land-Based Learning FARMS Leadership program, have extended an invitation to all APG members to attend their inaugural “Dinner on the Field” fundraiser. This event will celebrate the region’s agricultural bounty with a dinner for 300 on the fi eld at Chukchansi Stadium. Funds raised will support hands-on agricultural education programs throughout the Fresno area. Tickets are $100 per seat or $1,000 for a table of 10, which comes with a sponsor-acknowledgement banner placement, recognition during the event and a concourse table. For more information contact Jerry James at (559) 320-2511 or email: jjames@fresnogrizzlies.com