Pistachios Health Benefits, Pista Nuts for Health, Health Benefits of Pistachios

Pistachios are wonderfully delicious nuts which have been considered as symbol of wellness and robust health since a long period of time. The Pistachios nuts, also referred as “Pistas” in common terminology, are enriched with many health-benefiting nutrients that are required for optimum health. A handful of pistachio nuts a day can help destroy bad cholesterol, ward off heart disease and prevent cancer, say scientists.

Pista Nuts
Health Benefits of Pistachios
Pistachio is a nut enriched with
  • vitamin B6 (aids protein metabolism and absorption)
  • phosphorus (helps build bones and teeth)
  • potassium (which helps regulate the body's fluid balance)
  • magnesium (important element in the conversion of the body's energy)
  • thiamine (enhances energy and promotes normal appetite).
Pistachio Benefit for HeartPistachios nuts are known to reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increase the good HDL cholesterol. This is possible only after a short period of regular consumption. As these nuts are high in antioxidants like vitamins A and E, they fight inflammation, protecting blood vessels and reducing risk of heart disease. Even a moderate intake of pistachios has been shown to increase levels of lutein, an antioxidant which is known for protecting against oxidized LDL, reducing heart disease.

Pistachios for Diabetes
Eating pistachios may help to prevent Type 2 diabetes. It is said that almost 60 % of the recommended daily value of the mineral phosphorous is available in just one cup of pistachios. Moreover, breaking down proteins into amino acids, phosphorous helps in glucose tolerance. The University of Toronto performed a study that showed that pistachios may stabilize blood sugar levels and can be a good snack item for diabetics.

Healthy Blood
Pistachios nuts are a good source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is necessary to produce hemoglobin, and is also shown to increase the amount of oxygen carried.

Pistachios for Nervous System
The vitamin B6 so abundant in pistachios has wide-ranging effects on the nervous system.

Pistas and Eye Health
Eating pistachios may be good for the eyes. The nut contains a wide variety of nutrients called carotenoids, which are beneficial to eye health. Pistachios contain two carotenoids not found in most nuts. These carotenoids, called lutein and zeaxanthin, act as protective antioxidants, protecting tissues from damage from free radicals. They have been associated with a decrease in the risk for developing age-related mascular degeneration, which is the main cause of visual impairments and acquired blindness in the United States.

Pistachios and Antioxidants 
Pistachios contain phenolic compounds, which are believed to account for the antioxidant capability of certain foods. The pistachio nut is placed in the highest group for antioxidants.


Immune SystemA healthy immune system requires adequate intake of vitamin B6, which pistachios abound in. A reduction of vitamin B6 can retard brain activity as well as decrease the effectiveness of the immune system for fighting infections. Vitamin B6 found in pistachios also helps the body make healthy red blood cells, ensuring the production of white blood cells that defend the body from infections.

Skin Health
Pistachios are a great source of vitamin E, a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant, essential for maintaining the integrity of cell membranes. It is recommended for healthy and beautiful skin.

Nutrition in Pistachios
Pistachios are a good source of copper, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and B6. The nuts deliver 30 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, so they pack a considerable wallop from a nutritional standpoint.

How to Consume Pistachios?
The pistachios nuts are often eaten whole, either fresh or roasted and salted. To reduce the sodium and fat content of your diet, it is however better to avoid salted, oil-roasted pistachio nuts. You can make these nuts form a part of a healthy, balanced diet by
  • Sprinkling the pistachios on yoghurt, hot or cold cereal, canned fruit and icecreams
  • You can use it in cream cheese spreads for sandwiches and crackers.
  • Add chopped pistachios to your favourite bread, waffle or muffin recipe
  • Snack on them between meals.
Caution
Pistachios are associated with nut allergy for some sensitive individuals. The allergic manifestations are due to anacardic acid (urushiol) that is present in these nuts. Reactions may be skin itching (hives) to severe form like as breathing difficulty, pain abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea. Persons with known allergic reactions to these nuts are therefore needed to observe caution while eating pistachios.