Is Pistachio Healthy?

Pistachios have always been known to be a healthy snack, with plenty of nutrients and benefits when you eat it regularly. This nut is packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, protein and essential fats that can be very good for your health. Not only is it packed with health benefits, it also helps prevent major and life-threatening diseases that are either hereditary or come from lifestyle. Among those health scares that pistachio can help prevent are cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. It can also help control your weight, improve your digestion and keep the blood circulation healthy and normal.

One of the oldest types of nuts that has been used and eaten around the world, pistachios originated in Asia, particularly in Iraq and Iran from as far back as 6,000 BC. As of today, pistachios are produced in many parts of the world, not only Asia. Pistachio nuts can grow anytime of the year, thus production is constant and products can be bought from any grocery store. Whether you like to eat while taking it out of its shell, or unshelled, sweet, salty or regular, there are so many choices you can take. However, do take note that sweetened and salted pistachios may contraindicate with the natural health benefits of the nut.

A Healthy Heart

One of the most amazing health benefits of eating pistachios is making the heart healthy. Eating pistachios regularly can decrease levels of bad cholesterol while acting with antioxidants and fatty acids.

A Healthy Brain

Pistachios are rich in vitamin B6 which is a great vitamin to increase haemoglobin in the blood. Increased haemoglobin in the blood is supplied to the brain, which then makes the brain more active and healthy.

Manages Weight

Pistachios have lower calorie count, low saturated fat, high in protein and unsaturated fats which makes it very much ideal for individuals who are on a strict diet or are managing their weight. This is a preferable nut for weight management as compared to other types of nuts.

Eliminates Dryness of Skin

Saturated fats found in pistachios play a big role in eliminating skin dryness. The saturated fats found in pistachios are even used in aromatherapy and massage therapies to help with moisturizing the skin.

Acts as Dietary Fiber

Pistachios act as a good dietary fiber which aids in good digestion. A 30-grams serving of pistachios is enough to help your digestive system in functioning properly and digesting the food you have eaten for the day.

Prevents Diabetes

Are pistachios healthy for diabetes? Yes, one of the amazing benefits of pistachios is its ability to prevent diabetes. The minerals found in pistachios aid in processing glucose and increasing glucose tolerance.

Prevents Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a common eye disease that happens mostly to the elderly, making them unable to see properly. Pistachios contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin, antioxidants that work against free radicals that cause macular degeneration.

Helps Absorb Iron

Pistachios help absorb more iron from the food we eat because of its high copper content. This factor can help in preventing conditions such as anemia.

Acts as Antioxidants

Pistachios contain lots of antioxidants that even the shells have been found to also contain them. These antioxidants act as neutralizer for free radicals which can cause heart diseases and some forms of cancer. Through the antioxidants found in pistachios, these free radicals are fought and prevented.

Has Anti-inflammatory Properties

Pistachios have good anti-inflammatory properties because of its vitamin A and vitamin E contents. These can help avoid and prevent inflammation of the skin or inner organs due to any form of illness or injuries.

Boosts the Immune System

The immune system is an important part of your physical wellbeing as it is responsible for fighting away diseases. Pistachios are rich in vitamin B6 which is an essential ingredient for a healthy immune system. With a healthy immune system, the body can receive proper blood supply and keep all the organs function properly.

Keeps the Glands Healthy

The spleen, thymus and other glands in the body function well when they receive proper and adequate blood supply. Through the help of vitamin B6 from pistachios, proper blood supply is distributed to these glands and throughout the body.

Works as Aphrodisiac

According to research, men who eat pistachios regularly have seen much improvement in their erectile functions by around 50 percent. Through further studies and ultrasound, it has shown that there is a healthier blood flow to the penis.

Are pistachios healthy? Although the answer is sure, pistachios still contain a good amount of calories per serving. It is advised that you only snack and take this nut in moderation and avoid too much intake. Also, choose the unsalted type to lessen your salt intake, and avoid the sweetened type to avoid increase in sugar. In a study done in “Appetite”, it was learned that your intention to eat pistachios can be lessened when they are still in the shell as compared to the unshelled products. Therefore, it is advisable to choose the products with less preservatives, no salt and sweeteners, and still inside the shell.