Assessment of peanut allergen Ara h1 in processed foods using a SWCNTs-based nanobiosensor.
The goals of this research were to develop a rapid single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based biosensor and to employ it to commercial food products for Ara h1 detection. The SWCNT-based biosensor was fabricated with SWCNTs immobilized with antibody (pAb) through hybridization of 1-pyrenebutanoic acid succinimidyl ester (1-PBASE) as a linker. The resistance difference (ΔR) was calculated by measuring linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) using a potentiostat. Resistance values increased as the concentration of Ara h1 increased over the range of 1 to 105 ng/L. The specific binding of anti-Ara h1 pAb to antigen including Ara h1 was confirmed by both indirect ELISA kit and biosensor assay. The biosensor was exposed to extracts prepared from commercial processed food containing peanuts, or no peanuts, and could successfully distinguish the peanut containing foods. In addition, the application of present biosensor approach documented the precise detection of Ara h1 concentrations in commercially available peanut containing foods.
Origin and Processing Methods Slightly Affect Allergenic Characteristics of Cashew Nuts (Anacardium occidentale).
The protein content and allergen composition was studied of cashews from 8 different origins (Benin, Brazil, Ghana, India, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Tanzania, Vietnam), subjected to different in-shell heat treatments (steamed, fried, drum-roasted). On 2D electrophoresis, 9 isoforms of Ana o 1, 29 isoforms of Ana o 2 (11 of the acidic subunit, 18 of the basic subunit), and 8 isoforms of the large subunit of Ana o 3 were tentatively identified. Based on 1D and 2D electrophoresis, no difference in allergen content (Ana o 1, 2, 3) was detected between the cashews of different origins (P > 0.5), some small but significant differences were detected in allergen solubility between differently heated cashews. No major differences in N- and C-terminal microheterogeneity of Ana o 3 were detected between cashews of different origins. Between the different heat treatments, no difference was detected in glycation, pepsin digestibility, or IgE binding of the cashew proteins.
Caregiver and expecting caregiver support for early peanut introduction guidelines.
BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines recommend early peanut introduction (EPI) beginning around 4-6 months in infants with either severe eczema and/or egg allergy, and around 6 months for all other infants. Caregiver preferences for such practices are unkown. METHODS: We explored preferences for EPI and in-office allergy risk assessment (IRA) through a nationally-representative survey of expecting (n=1000) and new caregivers of infants < 1 year (n=1000). RESULTS: Among a primarily female (99.7%), married (80.3%), and white (74.4%) sample, 29% had no/vague awareness of the new guidelines, 61% had no/minimal concern for their child developing food allergy, but 54% felt timing of introduction has moderate/strong importance for developing food allergy. Only 31% expressed willingness for EPI before/around 6 months of life, with 40% reporting willingness to introduce peanut after 11 months of life, similar to tree nuts and seafood. However, 60% reported willingness to introduce egg before 8 months. 51% and 56.8% were unwilling to allow IRA methods such as skin testing and oral challenge before 11 months of life, respectively. Odds of willingness to both delay peanut introduction and undergo challenge after 6 months of life were lower among expecting caregivers (OR 0.79, CI 0.65-0.96; OR 0.67, CI 0.54-0.82, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Among new and expecting caregivers, there is poor current willingness and questionable support for early allergenic solid food recommendations, including IRA before introduction. Willingness was better among expecting versus current caregivers. These trends underscore a need for broader formal implementation planning to facilitate early allergen introduction and maximize its preventive benefits.
Almonds and Chocolate, the perfect combination for cardiometabolic health?
PhD Student Indira Paz Graniel and Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó
Human Nutrition Unit from the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan de Reus, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IISPV (Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus (Spain). CIBER (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid (Spain).
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Metabolic alterations such as elevated plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and triglycerides (TG), hypertension (HTA), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), overweight (OW) or obesity (OB) and some lifestyle factors are considered risk factors for developing CVD. Moreover, an unhealthy diet has been recognized as an important modifiable cardiovascular risk factor(1) and therefore a key issue for cardiovascular disease prevention(2).
Since the publication of the main results from the PREDIMED study, which showed that a Mediterranean diet, typically low in saturated fatty acids (SFA’s) and high in monounsaturated (MUFA’s) or polyunsaturated (PUFA’s) fatty acids, and rich in phytochemicals supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or with mixed nuts, reduced the incidence of cardiovascular events by 30% compared to a lower-fat control diet(3). The quality of dietary fat has been recognized as being even more important than the total amount in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
In addition, several epidemiological studies(4) have demonstrated that, compared to those rarely consuming nuts, individuals that frequently consume nuts had a reduced risk of CVD. These benefits have been attributed to their lipid composition profile (high in unsaturated fatty acids and low in saturated fatty acids), and the presence of high amounts of bioactive compounds such as antioxidant vitamins, polyphenols, some minerals, phytosterols, plant protein, and fiber.
It is not only dietary fats that have been studied in relation to CVD prevention. Flavonoids, a subclass of polyphenolic compounds known for their antioxidant capacity, have been proposed as cardioprotective molecules due to the insulin resistance reduction, and the improvement of endothelial function and blood pressure in adults(5). Given that cocoa and dark chocolate have been recognized for their high flavonoid content (in even higher amounts per weight than red wine, black tea, cranberry juice and apples(6)) several studies have been conducted in order to understand their possible effects on cardiovascular risk factors(7).
Considering the health benefits of these nutrients, in recent years health professionals and investigators have invested time looking for alternative options to increase their intake through diet. Recently, a group of researchers from The Pennsylvania State University developed a randomized, 4 period, crossover, controlled-feeding trial to investigate the single and combined effects of dark chocolate, cocoa, and/or almond on peripheral lipid, lipoprotein, and apo-lipoprotein concentrations(8). Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of four diets: (1) No treatment food (an average American diet), (2) an almond enriched diet (42.5 g/d of almonds), (3) a chocolate enriched diet (18 g/d cocoa powder and 43 g/d of dark chocolate), or (4) a chocolate and almond enriched diet.
It was observed that compared with an average American diet, an almond enriched diet reduced total cholesterol, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c) and LDL-c by 4%, 5% and 7%, respectively (P-value<0.05). Even when the consumption of almond and chocolate decreased LDL-c by a comparable degree, different treatment effects on LDL subclasses were observed. It has been shown that the combination of dark chocolate with almond consumption lowered apo-lipoprotein B (ApoB) by 5% and therefore the ApoB/Apo-liprotein A1 (ApoA1) ratio compared with the average American diet (0.7 ± 0.0 compared with 0.8 ± 0.0 P-value=0.02).
These findings are of clinical significance since ApoB is an important atherogenic component of lipoprotein particles (especially VLDL and LDL). Unlike apo B, ApoA1, as the major apo-lipoprotein of the HDL particles, has been associated with a lower risk of developing inflammatory response and atherosclerotic plaque growth. Therefore the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio has been considered a better predictive value than classical lipid parameters in cardiovascular risk assessment(9).
Even when higher levels of fasting glucose were observed after a chocolate enriched diet and chocolate with almonds diet (attributed to higher amounts of sugar compared with the other tested diets), no effects on serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein were reported.
These promising results would support the recommendation of the incorporation of almonds, alone or in combination with dark chocolate and cocoa (as the chocolate and almond diet had shown to influence both quantity and quality of LDL-c), as an alternative snack as part of a healthy isocaloric diet, in order to reduce the risk of CVDs. Nevertheless, these recommendations should be followed with caution to avoid an excess of calories and consequently an increase in body weight.
References
- Grundy SM, Cleeman JI, Daniels SR, et al. Diagnosis and management of the metabolic syndrome: an American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Scientific Statement. Circulation. 2005;112(17):2735-2752.
- Krauss RM, Eckel RH, Howard B, et al. AHA Dietary Guidelines: revision 2000: A statement for healthcare professionals from the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association. Stroke. 2000;31(11):2751-2766.
- Estruch, Ramon; Ros, Emilio; Salas-Salvado J, Gómez-gracia E, Ph D, et al. Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet. N Engl J Med. 2013;368:1279-1290.
- Zhou D, Yu H, He F, et al. Nut consumption in relation to cardiovascular disease risk and type 2 diabetes : a systematic review and meta-analysis of. 2014:270-277.
- Keli, SO. Hertog, Mg. Feskens E et al. Dietary Flavonoids, antioxidant, vitamins and incidence of stroke: The Zutphen study. Arch Intern Med. 1996;156:637-642.
- Steinberg FM, Bearden MM, Keen CL. Cocoa and chocolate flavonoids: Implications for cardiovascular health. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103(15):215-223.
- Hooper L, Kay C, Abdelhamid A, et al. Effects of chocolate , cocoa , and flavan-3-ols on cardiovascular health : a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials 1 – 3. 2012:740-751. doi:10.3945/ajcn.111.023457.
- Lee Y, Berryman CE, West SG, et al. Effects of Dark Chocolate and Almonds on Cardiovascular Risk. 2017:1-15.
- Tamang HK, Timilsina U, Singh KP, Shrestha S. Apo B / Apo A-I Ratio is Statistically A Better Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) than Conventional Lipid Profile : A Study from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. J Clin Diagnostic Res. 2014;8(Cvd):34-36.
Almonds and Chocolate, the perfect combination for cardiometabolic health?
PhD Student Indira Paz Graniel and Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó
Human Nutrition Unit from the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan de Reus, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IISPV (Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus (Spain). CIBER (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid (Spain).
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Metabolic alterations such as elevated plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and triglycerides (TG), hypertension (HTA), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), overweight (OW) or obesity (OB) and some lifestyle factors are considered risk factors for developing CVD. Moreover, an unhealthy diet has been recognized as an important modifiable cardiovascular risk factor(1) and therefore a key issue for cardiovascular disease prevention(2).
Since the publication of the main results from the PREDIMED study, which showed that a Mediterranean diet, typically low in saturated fatty acids (SFA’s) and high in monounsaturated (MUFA’s) or polyunsaturated (PUFA’s) fatty acids, and rich in phytochemicals supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or with mixed nuts, reduced the incidence of cardiovascular events by 30% compared to a lower-fat control diet(3). The quality of dietary fat has been recognized as being even more important than the total amount in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
In addition, several epidemiological studies(4) have demonstrated that, compared to those rarely consuming nuts, individuals that frequently consume nuts had a reduced risk of CVD. These benefits have been attributed to their lipid composition profile (high in unsaturated fatty acids and low in saturated fatty acids), and the presence of high amounts of bioactive compounds such as antioxidant vitamins, polyphenols, some minerals, phytosterols, plant protein, and fiber.
It is not only dietary fats that have been studied in relation to CVD prevention. Flavonoids, a subclass of polyphenolic compounds known for their antioxidant capacity, have been proposed as cardioprotective molecules due to the insulin resistance reduction, and the improvement of endothelial function and blood pressure in adults(5). Given that cocoa and dark chocolate have been recognized for their high flavonoid content (in even higher amounts per weight than red wine, black tea, cranberry juice and apples(6)) several studies have been conducted in order to understand their possible effects on cardiovascular risk factors(7).
Considering the health benefits of these nutrients, in recent years health professionals and investigators have invested time looking for alternative options to increase their intake through diet. Recently, a group of researchers from The Pennsylvania State University developed a randomized, 4 period, crossover, controlled-feeding trial to investigate the single and combined effects of dark chocolate, cocoa, and/or almond on peripheral lipid, lipoprotein, and apo-lipoprotein concentrations(8). Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of four diets: (1) No treatment food (an average American diet), (2) an almond enriched diet (42.5 g/d of almonds), (3) a chocolate enriched diet (18 g/d cocoa powder and 43 g/d of dark chocolate), or (4) a chocolate and almond enriched diet.
It was observed that compared with an average American diet, an almond enriched diet reduced total cholesterol, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c) and LDL-c by 4%, 5% and 7%, respectively (P-value<0.05). Even when the consumption of almond and chocolate decreased LDL-c by a comparable degree, different treatment effects on LDL subclasses were observed. It has been shown that the combination of dark chocolate with almond consumption lowered apo-lipoprotein B (ApoB) by 5% and therefore the ApoB/Apo-liprotein A1 (ApoA1) ratio compared with the average American diet (0.7 ± 0.0 compared with 0.8 ± 0.0 P-value=0.02).
These findings are of clinical significance since ApoB is an important atherogenic component of lipoprotein particles (especially VLDL and LDL). Unlike apo B, ApoA1, as the major apo-lipoprotein of the HDL particles, has been associated with a lower risk of developing inflammatory response and atherosclerotic plaque growth. Therefore the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio has been considered a better predictive value than classical lipid parameters in cardiovascular risk assessment(9).
Even when higher levels of fasting glucose were observed after a chocolate enriched diet and chocolate with almonds diet (attributed to higher amounts of sugar compared with the other tested diets), no effects on serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein were reported.
These promising results would support the recommendation of the incorporation of almonds, alone or in combination with dark chocolate and cocoa (as the chocolate and almond diet had shown to influence both quantity and quality of LDL-c), as an alternative snack as part of a healthy isocaloric diet, in order to reduce the risk of CVDs. Nevertheless, these recommendations should be followed with caution to avoid an excess of calories and consequently an increase in body weight.
References
- Grundy SM, Cleeman JI, Daniels SR, et al. Diagnosis and management of the metabolic syndrome: an American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Scientific Statement. Circulation. 2005;112(17):2735-2752.
- Krauss RM, Eckel RH, Howard B, et al. AHA Dietary Guidelines: revision 2000: A statement for healthcare professionals from the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association. Stroke. 2000;31(11):2751-2766.
- Estruch, Ramon; Ros, Emilio; Salas-Salvado J, Gómez-gracia E, Ph D, et al. Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet. N Engl J Med. 2013;368:1279-1290.
- Zhou D, Yu H, He F, et al. Nut consumption in relation to cardiovascular disease risk and type 2 diabetes : a systematic review and meta-analysis of. 2014:270-277.
- Keli, SO. Hertog, Mg. Feskens E et al. Dietary Flavonoids, antioxidant, vitamins and incidence of stroke: The Zutphen study. Arch Intern Med. 1996;156:637-642.
- Steinberg FM, Bearden MM, Keen CL. Cocoa and chocolate flavonoids: Implications for cardiovascular health. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103(15):215-223.
- Hooper L, Kay C, Abdelhamid A, et al. Effects of chocolate , cocoa , and flavan-3-ols on cardiovascular health : a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials 1 – 3. 2012:740-751. doi:10.3945/ajcn.111.023457.
- Lee Y, Berryman CE, West SG, et al. Effects of Dark Chocolate and Almonds on Cardiovascular Risk. 2017:1-15.
- Tamang HK, Timilsina U, Singh KP, Shrestha S. Apo B / Apo A-I Ratio is Statistically A Better Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) than Conventional Lipid Profile : A Study from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. J Clin Diagnostic Res. 2014;8(Cvd):34-36.
Emma Grennall, Nut Sourcing Global Manager at Mondelēz International
Emma Grennall has been the Nut Sourcing Global Manager at Mondelēz International since May 2017. She previously acted as Procurement Manager of Hazelnuts & Almonds (2015-2017) and as Senior Scientist in the same company (2012-2015). Before that, Grennall was Process Engineer & Engineering Manager at Cadbury Trebor Bassett, and Senior Chemical Engineer at Robinson Brothers Ltd. She obtained her Bachelor of Engineering with Honours at Teesside University (Middlesbrough, UK).
What is the role of nuts and dried fruits in Mondelēz’s business?
We use them in most of our product ranges: we include hazelnuts, almonds and dried fruits to give variety to our consumers and have done so for many years.
Are they present in many of the products?
We have a broad range of inclusions in our products and nuts play a part in that, both on their own and as speciality inclusions such as caramelized and salted.
What exactly does a “Nut Sourcing Global Manager” do?
I am responsible for the relationship with our suppliers and the purchasing of hazelnuts and almonds on a global scale for all the Mondelēz factories, both in chocolate and biscuit manufacturing. I coordinate with the factories to ensure they get their deliveries at the correct time and to the best quality. I also work closely with our Research and Development team to ensure our specifications adhere to the latest legislation and are fully compliant to our needs. I advise on our sustainability program and how we integrate the nuts portfolio into this -watch this space as we look to introduce this in 2018!
What are the current consumer trends driving it?
Health and wellbeing is a big driver today. We want to meet consumers’ taste expectations by providing products that create moments of mindful snacking.
What can we expect in the future?
As we look ahead towards 2020, we see an opportunity to build upon our achievements and evolve our portfolio to meet consumers’ growing expectations for snacks that offer good nutrition.
What are the challenges for the industry?
We depend on nuts supplied from different parts of the world, so weather conditions can potentially cause sourcing issues. Also, an increase in demand globally and how we source responsibly will be the main factors we consider in the future.
What do you think consumers value most about nuts and dried fruits?
Due to the positive marketing and education from organizations such as the Almond Board of California and the INC, to name but two, the shift in consumer awareness of mindful snacking and the value of using nuts and dried fruits seems to be on the increase.
Do you think people still think that nuts and dried fruits are “fattening” foods?
No, I think consumers are much more clued up and understand that nuts contain good fats, they provide nutrients we need and are a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.
What is the main area where you expect nuts and dried fruits to play a more significant role in the future: healthy food, confectionery, snacking…?
Independent research shows that nuts and dried fruits are increasing in preference for healthy snacking and at Mondelēz our goal is to be a global leader in wellbeing snacks. Helping people enjoy the snacks they love and stay in balance is our primary mission, so including these ingredients gives consumers small moments of joy!
Specifically, hazelnuts and almonds are expected to play a significant role in the near future.
Yes. Hazelnuts and almonds have a big part to play in our portfolio and we are always on the lookout for great, innovative products and what the consumer desires.
Are there any particular nuts or dried fruits that have a specific potential?
Not really, we try to give a varied range to our consumers to reach different people -some love the tablets with just hazelnuts but some like the variation of a fruit and a nut together, so we try to provide a choice.
Sevilla Congress App and Online Meeting Point Are Already Available
By using the app, delegates will also have access to the exhibition floor plan and to an Exhibitors Catalogue where to find out who the exhibitors are and what they are offering. Moreover, the app includes a download section where the materials of every Congress presentation will be available. Additionally, it will feature video-recordings of all the sessions once they have taken place so that they can be retrieved and reviewed by those interested. Thank to live notifications, the Congress app also guarantees users to stay updated on significant announcements during the event.
The Congress app provides full access to the Online Meeting Point, where INC members are enabled to find other attendees and contact them. The system includes filters by country, activity, product, in order to increase the search’s exhaustivity. This unique platform enables INC members to take maximum advantage of their time while in Congress. Essentially, it allows them to connect with other attendees and INC members prior to the event in order to plan and arrange meetings. During the search for other attendees and exhibitors, filters regarding country, commercial activity or product can be applied. Once found, the user can contact them and set appointments in advance. Those INC members willing to benefit from the advantages of the Meeting Point only need to access the online tool and insert their INC member username and password.
This year's INC Congress App also allows participants to interact during congress sessions by asking questions which will be displayed on the screen so that panelists can answer them.
Sevilla Congress App and Online Meeting Point Are Already Available
By using the app, delegates will also have access to the exhibition floor plan and to an Exhibitors Catalogue where to find out who the exhibitors are and what they are offering. Moreover, the app includes a download section where the materials of every Congress presentation will be available. Additionally, it will feature video-recordings of all the sessions once they have taken place so that they can be retrieved and reviewed by those interested. Thank to live notifications, the Congress app also guarantees users to stay updated on significant announcements during the event.
The Congress app provides full access to the Online Meeting Point, where INC members are enabled to find other attendees and contact them. The system includes filters by country, activity, product, in order to increase the search’s exhaustivity. This unique platform enables INC members to take maximum advantage of their time while in Congress. Essentially, it allows them to connect with other attendees and INC members prior to the event in order to plan and arrange meetings. During the search for other attendees and exhibitors, filters regarding country, commercial activity or product can be applied. Once found, the user can contact them and set appointments in advance. Those INC members willing to benefit from the advantages of the Meeting Point only need to access the online tool and insert their INC member username and password.
This year's INC Congress App also allows participants to interact during congress sessions by asking questions which will be displayed on the screen so that panelists can answer them.
The effect of prunes on stool output, gut transit time and gastrointestinal microbiota: A randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND & AIM: Prunes (dried plums) are perceived to maintain healthy bowel function, however their effects on gastrointestinal (GI) function are poorly researched and potential mechanisms of action are not clear. We aimed to investigate the effect of prunes on stool output, whole gut transit time (WGTT), gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in healthy adults METHODS: We conducted a parallel group, randomised controlled trial with three treatment arms in 120 healthy adults with low fibre intakes and stool frequency of 3-6 stools/wk. Subjects were randomised to 80 g/d prunes (plus 300 ml/d water); 120 g/d prunes (plus 300 ml/d water) or control (300 ml/d water) for 4 weeks. Stool weight was the primary outcome and determined by 7-day stool collection. Secondary outcomes included stool frequency and consistency (stool diary), WGTT (radio-opaque markers), GI symptoms (diary), microbiota (quantitative PCR) and SCFA (gas liquid chromatography). Group assignment was concealed from the outcome assessors. RESULTS: There were significantly greater increases in stool weight in both the 80 g/d (mean + 22.2 g/d, 95% CI -1-45.3) and 120 g/d (+32.8 g/d, 95% CI 13.9-51.7) prune groups compared with control (-0.8 g/d, 95% CI -17.2 to 15.6, P = 0.026). Stool frequency was significantly greater following 80 g/d (mean 6.8 bowel movements/wk, SD 3.8) and 120 g/d (5.6, SD 1.9) prune consumption compared with control (5.4, SD 2.1) (P = 0.023), but WGTT was unchanged. The incidence of flatulence was significantly higher after prune consumption. There were no significant differences in any of the bacteria measured, except for a greater increase in Bifidobacteria across the groups (P = 0.046). Prunes had no effect on SCFA or stool pH. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy individuals with infrequent stool habits and low fibre intake, prunes significantly increased stool weight and frequency and were well tolerated. Prunes may have health benefits in populations with low stool weight.
Assessment of phenolic profile and antioxidant power of five pistachio (Pistacia vera) cultivars collected from four geographical regions of Iran.
Objective: In this study, the levels and antioxidant activities of some secondary metabolites isolated from five pistachio (Pistacia vera) cultivars collected from four different geographical regions of Iran, were studied. Materials and Methods: Total phenolic compounds levels were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Total flavonoid content was determined as AlCl3 complex and expressed as mg of quercetin equivalents (QE)/g dry extract and total proantocyanidins content was expressed as mg of catechin equivalents (CA)/g dry extract. In order to evaluated the antioxidant activity of the compounds, DPPH and FRAP assays were used. Results: The highest level of total phenols (156.42 mg GA/g DE), total flavonoids (130.94 mg QE/g DE) and total proantocyanidins (152.816 mg CA/g DE) were obtained in Akbari cultivar from Rafsanjan, followed by Badami-e-sefid and Ahmad aghaei. The lowest amount of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total proanthocyanidin content (TPrAC) were found in Badami-e-sefid from Feizabad (128.140 mg GA/g DE, 93.176 mg QE/g DE and 118.870 mg CA/g DE, respectively). Also, a positive correlation (r2=0.9834) was found between antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds. Conclusion: Pistachio increased their phytochemical compounds to contrast with abiotic stress. Our data could be useful for introducing special characteristics to the plants, and can be considered when planning a new breeding program or choosing a specific cultivar for a particular use.