Health Benefits of Pistachios

Pistachios are high in antioxidants. They are a good source of protein, fats and minerals. Pistachio nuts are a rich source of energy. They are an excellent source of phosphorous which is known to help prevent diabetes and improve glucose tolerance. Opting for a bag of Pistachios over a less healthy snack can be beneficial to your immune system as well as your heart and eye health.

Pistachios have almost no sodium or cholesterol. They contain more potassium than most other nuts. Eating raw pistachio nuts can boost your immune system and help fight infection.

You can eat pistachios raw as a snack or roast and crush them to use in a variety of recipes. Raw pistachios help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). They have a high quantity of B6 that increases oxygen quantity in the blood which is beneficial to the hemoglobin. Pistachios contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that help prevent macular degeneration. These nuts are beneficial in improving brain health. They contain vitamin E which helps maintain healthy skin. They are also a beneficial source of the fatty acids that help maintain healthy hair, stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Health Tips

A one-ounce serving of pistachios equals 49 nuts – more nuts per serving than any other nut and contains more than 10% of the Daily Value for dietary fiber, vitamin B-6, thiamin, phosphorus and copper.
You can get more dietary fiber from a serving of pistachios than a 1/2 cup of broccoli or spinach.
Pistachios are especially rich in phytosterols, which are directly associated with lowering cholesterol levels, and may offer protection from certain types of cancer.
A serving of pistachios has as much thiamin as a 1/2 cup serving of cooked rice.
The amount of vitamin B-6 in a one-ounce serving of pistachios is comparable to a standard three-ounce serving of pork or chicken.
One serving of pistachios has as much potassium as half a large banana.
Pistachios are a very high quality plant source of protein, providing adequate and balanced amounts of essential amino acids. In addition, pistachios are relatively high in a nonessential amino acid, arginine, which may play a potential role in prevention or reduction of cardiovascular disease.
While pistachios contain fat, the fat is predominantly monounsaturated, similar to that found in olive oil.