Influence of pistachios on force production, subjective ratings of pain, and oxidative stress following exercise-induced muscle damage in moderately trained athletes: A randomized, crossover trial.

Rayo VU, Thayer I, Galloway SDR, et al.

Metabol Open. 2022;16:100215.

This study evaluated the impact of ingesting raw, shelled, unsalted pistachios on subjective pain ratings, force production, vertical jump, and biochemical indices of recovery from eccentrically biased exercise. Using a crossover design, 27 moderately trained, male athletes completed 3 trials in a randomized counterbalanced fashion. Control received water only, low dose (1.5 oz/d; PL) and high dose (3.0 oz/d; PH) consumed pistachios for 2 weeks with a 3-4-week washout between trials. Results showed that 3.0 oz/d of pistachios can reduce delayed onset of muscle soreness and maintain muscle strength, potentially promoting exercise tolerance and training adaptations.