Pistachio Health Benefits

The health benefits of pistachios are higher then most other nuts

The relationship between man and pistachios began as early as 6,000 B. C. The plant is native to Asia most commonly found in Iran and Iraq. Pistachios were introduced to the Romans in approximately 100 AD and are now produced in many countries around the world. The noted health benefits of pistachios similarly date back many centuries.

A pistachio tree will take about 10 to 12 years to produce their first crop but it is well worth the wait. Pistachios are overflowing with many health benefits. They are one of the few nuts that contain the majority of the nutrients essential for our complete health. In other ways, Pistachio health benefits are similar to those of many other nuts, including the presence of monounsaturated, healthy fats, protein, fiber and a multitude of vitamins and minerals.

PISTACHIOS ARE LOWER IN CALORIES
Pistachios are noted for being lower in calories compared to other nuts like cashews, walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, almonds and others.

PISTACHIOS ARE HIGH IN PROTEIN
Pistachios also tend to contain a higher amount of protein compared to other nuts and a lower amount of fat. Pistachios also contain amongst the highest amount of phosphorous along with almonds and cashews.

PISTACHIOS ARE HIGH IN NUTRITION
Compared to all other nuts, pistachios contain a higher amount of potassium.

PISTACHIOS ARE LOW SODIUM
Unlike hazelnuts and pecans, raw pistachios have almost zero sodium. This is great news for anyone suffering from hypertension or any other ailment that requires you to curb sodium intake.

PISTACHIOS HELP CURB SKIN DRYNESS
Pistachios are also powerful in helping to alleviate skin dryness; the saturated fat carries the base oil to help hydrate the skin.

PISTACHIOS ARE HIGH IN FIBER
Other pistachio benefits are their abundance in dietary fiber. This supports the smooth digestion of food. One ounce of pistachios is equal to approximately 3 grams of dietary fiber, which is more than enough to move your digestive track towards more optimal functioning. The health benefits of pistachios are higher than most other nuts.

PISTACHIOS CAN HELP CONTROL DIABETES
Other pistachio benefits include the role these nuts can play a role in helping to control diabetes. With people who suffer from diabetes, sugars form inappropriate bonds with proteins, making them unusable. The process is referred to as glycation. The antioxidants available in pistachios help reduce this process of glycation and in turn, can help control diabetes.

PISTACHIOS BENEFIT THOSE WITH ANEMIA
Since pistachios contain a higher copper content, they support the body by boosting the absorption rate of iron from other food sources. This can help with conditions like anemia.

The plentiful health benefits of pistachios are incentive enough to start consuming them as part of our daily diet. Like many nuts, pistachios can be easily incorporated into all types of cooking. So, what goes good with pistachios? These nutritious nuts make a beautiful addition to salads as well as meats and seafood. You can also add them to trail mixes, snack bars, and an array of desserts. They are commonly used in many different middle eastern desserts and pastries as well. One of the most popular dishes in the Middle East is baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo, chopped pistachios and honey.

Even just grabbing a handful for a snack by themselves are a great healthy snack. You can either eat them in the shells or shelled. Of course, if you have to remove the shells yourself, it will automatically slow down your intake, as it will take a tad more effort. This is not a bad way to get satiated and consume fewer nuts and calories. Generally speaking, pistachios are rather easy to open by simply splitting them open with your fingers.

Written by Lisa Saremi