What is Pistachios?
The pistachio is a small tree originated in Persia that produces seeds. These seeds, coming under the cashew family, are widely consumed as food.
Pistachio is an edible nut. It is a member of the cashew family which grows on the pistachio tree.
The pistachio tree is a small tree that is indigenous to central Asia and the Middle East. This tree produces seeds that are delicious and are widely consumed as food.
The pistachio nuts are fun to eat because they offer a great taste and are also very healthy.
The seeds contain healthy fats and are an excellent source of antioxidants, protein, and fibre.
Why eat pistachios? Does it offer any health benefits?
The health benefits of pistachio nuts are as follows
1. Packed with nutrients
The pistachio nuts are loaded with nutrients. A single serving of pistachios contains
- 4g of fibre
- 6g of carbs and
- 5g of protein
They also have unsaturated fat, phosphorus, vitamin B6, copper, manganese and thiamine.
Another important point to note is that pistachios are one of the most vitamin B6-rich foods present.
This vitamin is essential for various bodily functions like regulating blood sugar levels and forming hemoglobin that carries oxygen through red blood cells.
2. High protein content
Consuming pistachio nuts would offer many health benefits, one of which is the intake of protein content.
Pistachios are high in protein and relatively low in calories compared to the other nuts.
3. Amino acids
One serving of pistachio would contain good amounts of amino acids that are essential for the body.
Amino acids are essential because they cannot be produced naturally by the body, they can only be obtained through diet.
These amino acids are the building blocks of protein.
4. Help lose weight
Pistachios are loaded with energy. They are one of the most popular weight loss-friendly food items.
Eating pistachio nuts would also help maintain weight. Pistachios are beneficial because they improve mindful eating in an individual.
5. Reduce cholesterol and BP level
The pistachio nuts are high in antioxidants that may lower blood cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
Several studies were conducted on people, illustrating the cholesterol-lowering effects of these nuts. The study shows that the diet which includes pistachios lowers the bad or LDL cholesterol by 8 to 10%.
6. Improve gut health
The pistachio nuts are high in fibre content. The fibre removes undigested food particles present in the digestive system. Also, there is some evidence that suggests that these nuts increase the good bacteria present in the stomach which acts as probiotics.
Consuming pistachios increase the bacteria that produce fatty acids and keeps the gut healthy.
7. Lower blood sugar
Even though having a higher carbohydrate content than most of the nuts in the market, the pistachios have a low hypoglycemic index, which means they do not cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
This means that adding pistachios to the diet will help us to manage the blood sugar levels, thus keeping them regulated.
8. Blood Vessels Health
The lining of the blood vessel is called the endothelium and is important. It should work properly. If the blood vessels are damaged, it may increase the risk of a person getting heart disease.
Pistachios are an excellent source of amino acids that can be converted into nitric oxide and play an important role in improving the health of the blood vessels.
Facts about Pistachios
- Pistachios benefits include weight loss benefits, lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar levels, improved gut health, and blood vessel health.
- Though there are benefits of eating pistachios, it also has side effects. Pistachio side effects include itchy mouth, eyes, skin, or throat, trouble swallowing; nausea and belly pain; diarrhea; congestion; or a runny nose, etc.
- When you talk about pistachios nutrition, 20g of protein in pistachios of weight 100g. 562 pistachios calories are present in 100 g of it.
- What are pistachios good for? Pistachio benefits for skin include its help in antiaging, maintaining healthy skin, and preventing free radicals from damaging and oxidizing the cells in our bodies.
How to eat Pistachios?
The following are some ways to eat pistachios.
- Remove the shell and eat the content inside it.
- You can soak pistachios in water for 5–6 hours so that they become easier to digest.
- You could eat them raw or cooked.
- Pistachios can be added and used in dishes like salads, ice cream, pesto, etc.
- You could store them for future use.
Uses of Pistachios
There are many pistachios health benefits. Let's discuss the pistachios uses.
- Support heart health by preventing cardiovascular conditions.
- Could improve eye health by lowering poor night vision.
- Supports brain health as they contain antioxidants that fight free radicals.
- They help with gut health as they are rich in fiber.
- Help for weight loss by giving the feeling of fullness.
- Combat against inflammation, as they contain antioxidant compounds.
To Sum Up
Consuming nuts regularly provides numerous health benefits.
Pistachios are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, fibre, antioxidants and other essential nutrients required by the body.
The health effects of consuming pistachios may include lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels, aiding in weight loss and improving gut health.
FAQs
1) How many pistachios per day could be taken normally?
Pistachios of about 1 to 1.5 ounces (about a handful) daily are enough. This amount is equivalent to 49 pistachios.
2) How many pistachios should I eat a day for weight loss?
A handful of pistachios (nearly 1.5 ounces) daily might help with weight loss.
3) How many pistachios per day during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant, you can eat around 8 pistachios daily.
4) Are pistachios naturally salty?
No, the original raw pistachios are not salty naturally.
5) How many pistachios can a diabetic eat?
A diabetic person can eat 1-2 servings of pistachios daily, which is about 49 pistachios per serving.
6) Are pistachios good for health?
Yes, pistachios are a healthy food that can be added to your diet.
