Good things come in small packages and this is true in the case of nuts. These small-sized and crunchy nuts have several health benefits and are considered great mid-meal snacks. Almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, hazelnuts, and cashews make a handful of healthy delights. But out of all the nuts, pistachios have always remained the most ignored & underrated.
Pistachios also called pista in Hindi or green almond is a type of nut, which comes from a deciduous tree said to have originated from Central Asia, though it has been found growing in many parts of Asia including India and Pakistan.
Pistachios Nutrition
Pistachios are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, and antioxidants. A 1-ounce serving of pistachios that is about 49 kernels contains;
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159 calories
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72 grams of protein
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7 gms of carbs
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85 gms of fat
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3 gms of fiber
Pistachios Benefits
Antioxidant Properties
Studies reveal that even the shells of pistachios have a considerable amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals, which form in the body after cellular metabolism & increase the risk of problems like cancer & heart disease.
Promotes Heart Health
Eating pistachios regularly can decrease the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body. The antioxidants, phytosterols & unsaturated fatty acids are vital for promoting a healthy heart. The pistachios are also a powerful source of an amino acid called l-arginine that prevents the hardening of arteries & the formation of blood clots.
Controls Diabetes
In diabetics, the antioxidants present in pista helps in reducing the process of glycation i.e. when sugars form wrong bonds with proteins, making them unusable. As per studies, it also controls blood sugar levels & blood pressure.
Prevents Macular Disease
Pistachios have carotenoid antioxidants like lutein & zeaxanthin. These antioxidants are very helpful in reducing the risk of contracting an age-related macular disease in the old people, according to a study.
Boosts Immunity
Pistachios help in improving immunity because of the rich source of vitamin B6 present in them. These nuts help in building a strong immune system and also protect the body against different infections.
Helps in Weight Management
Pistachios are the best choice for people who are dieting. Pistachios have low calories, high protein, low saturated fat & high unsaturated fats and thus is perfect for weight management. Many researchers have confirmed its weight management properties.
Helps in Digestion
Another great benefit of pistachios is that they are a good source of dietary fiber that helps in smooth digestion. People who have problem in digestion must eat pistachios regularly.
Absorption of Iron
Pistachios contain high copper content that helps in the higher absorption of iron in the body from various food sources. This can help fight problems like anemia as the hemoglobin count rises & increases blood flow.
Good for Eyes
A good amount of vitamin E in pistachios helps in promoting eye health & also in improving eye vision. It contains carotenoids that protect the eyes from macular degeneration & cataract.
Skin Care
Pistachios help in reducing dryness from the skin. Healthy fatty acid content plays an important role in this aspect. The fat also works as a good carrier or base oil as it is used as an ingredient in traditional therapies such as aromatherapy & traditional massage therapy.
Fight Premature Aging
The vitamin E present in pistachios helps in protecting the skin from UV damage and also delays the signs of premature aging. The copper in pistachios supports the production of elastin that prevents the formation of wrinkles & treats sagging skin.
Pistachios price
Pistachios are easily available in market and you can also buy then online at amazon and flipkart. Price of pistachios in India is Rs.900 per kg.
To conclude, pistachios are delicious, versatile & fun to eat. Adding pistachios in your diet is a great way to improve overall health.
