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Snacking on pistachios could lower cholesterol
Feb 22, 2006 - 4:13:00 PM, Reviewed by: Dr. Priya Saxena
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Pistachios and sunflower seeds contain phytosterols, chemicals that have been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of some cancers, it said.
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By IANS,
Snacking on pistachios and sunflower seeds may help lower your cholesterol and reduce the risk of some cancers, says a study.
Researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University analysed 27 different nut and seed products, including raw nuts, dry and oil roasted nuts and peanut butter, reported online news portal canada.com.
They said pistachios and sunflower seeds were more likely to be consumed as a snack food and could therefore be easily incorporated in a cholesterol-lowering diet, it said.
Pistachios and sunflower seeds contain phytosterols, chemicals that have been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of some cancers, it said.
While the exact mechanism by which phytosterols lower cholesterol is not fully understood, it's believed these compounds inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the stomach.
But before you say "nuts to cholesterol", keep in mind that in addition to phytosterols, nuts also pack a hefty dose of fat and calories. So if you do indulge, watch your serving size.
A typical portion of nuts is one ounce (28 grams) or a small handful. 
- Indo-Asian News Service
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