Results of new research presented at the American Society of Nutrition in San Diego contributes to the increasing amount of scientific evidence that underscores the health benefits of eating pistachios on a daily basis. A joint study by the UK’s Institute of Food Research and Italy’s University of Messina confirms that key nutrients in pistachios are released during digestion and are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The study quantified polyphenols, carotenoids (vitamin A) and tocopherols (vitamin E)—all with strong antioxidant qualities. The study began in 2010 and was completed in 2011. While a number of studies have demonstrated the positive effects of pistachio consumption in modifying lipid risk factors for coronary heart disease, officials say this study is the first to characterize pistachio polyphenols, carotenoids and tocopherols and investigate their bioaccessibility during digestion. — American Pistachio Growers,www.AmericanPistachios.orgNS