Since our childhood, we have heard about nuts and their various health benefits. We can eat a handful of nuts within a few minutes. The amazingly crunchy and delicious nuts are great mid-meal snacks. Walnuts, almonds, cashews, pine nuts, hazelnuts and pistachios can act as the best and healthiest delight one can have instantly.t. When it comes to nuts, the pistachios may overlook even though these are tiny nutritional goldmines.
Pistachios are unique, green-hued and mild sweet-flavoured nuts and are among some of the oldest nuts. These are elongated edible seeds of the Pistacia vera tree that belongs to the Anacardiaceae, also known as the cashew family. The presence of pistachios mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible indicates their rich history as a prized food source. Pistachios originated in Central Asia, the Middle East.
Pistachios are not only a good source of garnishing sweets but also make up as one of the healthiest foods. They are nutrition pack powerhouses loaded with antioxidants including, lutein, beta-carotene and gamma-tocopherol. They prevent cell damage that may reduce the risk of diseases. They are also rich in protein, fibre, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, thiamin, folate, vitamin B5 and minerals such as potassium, calcium, copper, phosphorus and manganese. Pistachios are also a good source of essential fatty acids.
Different researches suggest that a handful of pistachio helps lower the bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increase the good cholesterol levels (HDL). It also shows that pistachios help in improving total cholesterol levels in the blood. All these benefits help reduce the risk of chronic heart diseases such as strokes.
Consuming a moderate amount of pistachios may enhance your heart health effectively. These nuts contain arginine, an amino acid. Arginine is also known to help reduce blood pressure. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids that help in reducing high blood pressure. They can also lower bad cholesterol levels that help clean your heart vessels.
The endothelium is an inner lining of blood vessels. Chronic endothelial dysfunction may lead to different cardiovascular diseases such as stroke. Pistachios help to keep your blood vessels healthy by vasodilation. Pistachios are a great source of the amino acid L-arginine, which helps convert into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a compound that plays an essential role in vasodilation.
Pistachios are rich in dietary fibres and proteins that may promote satiety and, in turn, help in weight loss. The fibres present in them enhance the body’s metabolism which helps in reducing the extra pounds from your body. Pistachios are a good source of mono-saturated fatty acids that help manage weight and keep inches off your waist over time. Pistas are also known as low-calorie snacks, so you can enjoy them whenever you feel hungry.
Pistachio contains a high amount of dietary fibres that can strengthen your digestive tract. The gut bacteria ferment the fibre in pistachios and convert it to short-chain fatty acids-butyric acids. Hence, they can remarkably increase the bacteria levels in the gut. Higher amounts of fibre also help prevent constipation.
Despite having many fatty acids, pistachios have a low glycemic index. Pistachios help reduce blood glucose levels and keep them under control. Some studies suggest that pistas help increase the level of peptide 1. It is a hormone that regulates glucose levels in those people who have diabetes.
Another study results suggest the fibres and healthy fats present in pista are beneficial for blood sugar control in the long term.
Pistachios are rich in mono-saturated fatty acids which help combat inflammation. They help to fight against internal inflammations especially, in case of heart diseases.
Pistachios are a good source of nutrients that are essential for your eye health. It contains lutein and zeaxanthin that are present in the human retina. Consuming enough of these antioxidants prevents vision issues like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. They are also rich in zinc that helps to reduce the risk of impaired night vision.
Consumption of pistachios daily may enhance the immune system of our body. They are rich in vitamin B6 which is vital for the immune system to function better. It also contains antioxidants that may help keep infections at bay.
Read more about: 8 Surprising Health Benefits of Sweet Potato
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.