India, May 26 -- They've long been sprinkled over biryanis, tucked into mithai, and enjoyed during festive feasts - but pistachios are finally being recognised for more than just their garnish-worthy appeal. As India grapples with soaring numbers of diabetes and prediabetes - 101 million and 136 million adults, respectively - this humble nut is quietly being recast as a nutritional powerhouse.

Earlier this year, the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) published a study in The Journal of Nutrition that underscores pistachios' potential in diabetes prevention. Led by MDRF chairman Dr V Mohan, the 12-week clinical trial involving 120 individuals with prediabetes found that consuming 30 grams of roasted pistachios before breakfast and...