Health Benefits of Pistachios

As part of my mid-afternoon snack, I HEART these little cuties!I personally include about 10-12 to my home gathered trail mix.

They Offer so Much HEALTHY Goodness

Pistachios have plenty of monounsaturated fatty acids which help in reducing LDL or bad cholesterol and increasing HDL or good cholesterol. These nuts are rich in phytosterols, which prevents the absorption of bad fats to the heart. Pistachio is rich in anti-oxidants which are useful in removing toxic free radicals that cause cancer in the body. Being good sources of protein and food fiber that help in reducing food cravings, pistachios also help in reducing weight. Pistachio nutrition helps in regulating blood pressure, heart rate, and also helps in preventing diabetes. In addition, the nut is a good source of Vitamin E, which improves the immune system and reduces fatigue.

Calories in Pistachios - Making Them Count

The regular calories in pistachios is 160 for one ounce serving. One ounce serving typically has about 50 kernels. There is no difference in calorie count of salted and unsalted pistachios as added salt only results in more sodium and not calories. Calories in pistachios are lesser than many other nuts like cashews, peanut, almond, hazel nut, etc. Those who want to lose weight are recommended to eat pistachios due to their low calorie count and high fiber content. Also, studies show that when a person eats a nut like pistachio, which needs to be shelled, they eat lesser quantity because the rate of eating slows down, giving ample time for the brain to receive the message that the stomach is full.

Benefits of Pistachios - For the Body

There are many benefits of pistachios. Apart from being good for the heart, pistachios are rich in protein, which helps in repairing cell damage and creating new cells in the body. Eating pistachios reduces the risk of developing macular degeneration, which leads to blindness in old age. Due to their many advantages, it is recommended that about 30 pistachio nuts should be eaten four times a week. Pistachios can be eaten raw as a snack or can be chopped and added to yogurt, muffins, cream cheese, waffles and pancakes.