Pistachios aren’t just a treat for the eyes with their captivating appearance, but their taste is also unmatched. This green nut has a slightly sweet taste, and it’s believed that humans have been consuming it for thousands of years.
But do they offer any health benefits when consumed?
The answer is a resounding ‘yes’! This nut is packed with numerous essential nutrients that play a crucial role in promoting health across various parts of the body.
Consuming 28 grams of pistachios provides the body with 159 calories, 8 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, 13 grams of fat, and essential elements like potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, copper, vitamin B1, and Manganese.
What stands out in pistachios is vitamin B6, which assists in numerous physiological functions, including controlling blood sugar levels.
Some of its benefits include:
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are crucial for maintaining good health as they enhance cellular health and reduce the risk of various diseases, including cancer.
Pistachios are a great source of antioxidants.
They contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin which are vital for eye health.
Additionally, polyphenols and tocopherols, also found in pistachios, can offer protection against cancer and heart diseases.
2. Aid in Weight Loss
Much like walnuts and almonds, pistachios also excel in aiding weight loss.
Rich in fiber and protein, these nuts help in keeping one satiated for longer, leading to reduced food intake.
Research suggests that regular consumption of pistachios can lead to reductions in body weight and fat.
3. Beneficial for Digestion
With a significant fiber content, this nut plays an essential role in digestion.
Our body can’t digest fiber, which acts as a food source for beneficial bacteria present in the stomach.
These bacteria convert fiber into short-chain fatty acids, bringing multiple health benefits and protection against several digestive diseases.
4. Reducing Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Consuming pistachios can also safeguard against heart diseases.
The antioxidants present in the nuts lower cholesterol levels, while also stabilizing blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases.
Multiple research studies have proven the effectiveness of pistachios in reducing cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, research has shown that when it comes to reducing blood pressure levels, pistachios outshine other nuts.
Maintaining Healthy Blood Vessels
Essential amino acids play a pivotal role in maintaining good health. These cannot be produced by our body on its own and need to be sourced from our diet.
Research indicates that the amino acids found in pistachios can reduce the level of fats and sugars in the blood, leading to healthier blood vessels that also become more elastic.
By ensuring the health of our blood vessels, we can potentially reduce the risk of serious health issues like strokes and heart attacks.
Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Several studies have shown that consuming pistachios can help in controlling blood sugar levels.
One particular study highlighted that regular consumption of pistachios could improve the blood sugar levels of those suffering from Type 2 diabetes or high blood sugar, while also reducing insulin resistance.
The fiber and antioxidants present in these nuts play a significant role in this regulation of blood sugar.
Beneficial for Vision
The antioxidants found in pistachios can help combat the deterioration of vision that comes with age.
Moreover, these antioxidants are also effective against the harmful effects on vision caused by the blue light emitted from digital devices.
Note: This article is based on details published in medical journals. Readers are advised to also consult with their healthcare providers regarding this information.