Remote working has brought out the worst in us when it comes to snacking. Not much movement has diverted our attention to our taste buds and the results are those shocking numbers on the scale. But what if we tell you there are healthy options for your cravings as well? And those are tasty enough to make you salivate. Yes, not everything healthy and satiating is supposed to be tasteless. And one such option is nuts. The whole family of nuts, from cashews to peanuts, is full of nutrition and taste. And today, we are here to introduce you to pistachio benefits.
Also known as ‘pista’, pistachio nuts come in an array of colors (a trick of nature) and taste wholesome and delightful. It may not have the quintessential nut crunch, but even then, pistachio makes for a filling option should you replace your daily snack with it. How to go on about it is something that we will discuss here along with the many types of pistachios that we will introduce you to.
Pistachio Benefits: Why Are Pistachios Considered Healthy?
Pistachios are a source of healthy fats that in turn contribute towards a healthier heart. This reduces the possibility of many heart diseases, including stroke. Apart from that, it is also known to strengthen the body’s immunity against internal and external free radicals, improve digestion, and enhance our overall lifestyle when it comes to health and beauty.
FAQs on Pistachio Benefits
Pistachio is rich in fiber. Anyone who has studied the effects of fiber on the body well would know that it reduces appetite in a healthy manner by making the consumer of the food, or in this case pistachio, feel full. That is why it is one of the best snacking options that will keep guilty eating at bay. Further, the healthy fats in pistachio keep the calorie count in check.
This is another miraculous benefit of consuming pistachios regularly. Research suggests that it actually helps those who have type 2 diabetes! Pistachio is quite effective in regulating blood sugar levels as it is a rich source of phosphorous which helps break down the proteins so the latter can turn into amino acids. Regular consumption of pistachio helps with it and keeps the blood sugar levels in check.
Pistachio is good at controlling cholesterol levels. This, in turn, helps prevent heart diseases. Further, most heart-related disorders happen due to unhealthy weight gain, which puts pressure on the heart, eventually leading to a stroke. Pistachio prevents overeating and controls the level of calories in the body. In fact, it is suggested that having a bowl of pistachios every morning brings down the calorie and cholesterol level. Also, pistachios are a rich source of vitamin E which is known to filter out bad cholesterol and plaque from the body so that blood can flow freely.
Pistachio is a good source of vitamin B6, which helps in the formation of myelin that forms a protective shield around the nerves, thus protecting the nervous system and enhancing its functioning. The vitamin B6 content also aids amines, which are the messaging molecules in the body, to work well. Pistachio consumption helps the secretion of internal acids that help in calming the nerves.
Vitamin B6 is also instrumental in creating healthy red blood cells in the body, thus ensuring that lymph and spleen remain in the best condition. It also helps the body to fight various infections and free radicals better. Pistachio consumption truly boosts the immune system and helps it work better in fighting infections and keeping the body shielded and protected.
Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen in the bloodstream. The presence of vitamin B6 in the pistachio ensures that there is better and faster production of hemoglobin in the body so that it functions well overall.
Yes, did you know that regular consumption of pistachios can also help improve your eyesight? This is because pistachios are rich in carotenoids, which in turn, are a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin. These two antioxidants fight macular degeneration which happens with age and thereby help improve vision by making eyesight sharper.
Fiber is essential for healthy digestion. Pistachios are a good source of fibers, both soluble and insoluble. They help in the better passage of stools and also make digestion an easier process. They prevent issues such as diarrhea and constipation that may happen owing to a weak digestive system.
Inflammation leads to many heart ailments. Pistachios have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the body at a cellular level. It thus leads to better heart health.
Pistachio helps make hair stronger and shinier. This is because it is rich in biotin. Biotin essentially helps combat hair loss and also nourishes dry hair by making the hair strands more flexible. You can either include pistachios in your diet as a snack or even make a pistachio hair mask. The latter provides deep conditioning and also treats split ends. Pistachios are also a rich source of fatty acids that boost hair growth.
Pistachios moisturize and nourish skin and also increase its elasticity. The rich fatty acid content is responsible for the same. It also gets rid of dryness with its vitamin E content. This acts as an anti-aging content, helping the skin look naturally refreshed and younger in appearance. Pistachio oil massage also helps immensely.
Pistachio nutrients help supply oxygen to the bloodstream, thus helping in the production of white blood cells (WBCs) which are important for a good immune system. It also elevates the production of hemoglobin and oxygen in the blood with its rich content of vitamin B6. The more oxygen and the better its flow in the blood, the better the brain functions and the healthier it is.
Research suggests that pistachio consumption is also good in preventing cancer. The reason for this is the presence of antioxidants in the blood, along with the fact that pistachios are rich in vitamin B6 which increases the WBC count in the blood. White blood cells are not only effective in fighting free radicals but also cancer-causing elements.
Yes, consumption of pistachio forms a natural sun shield around you, protecting you from the harmful UV rays of the sun. This is possible due to the high content of vitamin E in pistachios. This helps make the skin supple and soft, at the same time fighting the free radicals that attack the cell membranes. Protection from UV rays also helps prevent premature aging.
FAQs on Pistachio Benefits
Q: Can pregnant women consume pistachios?
A: Nuts are an essential part of any pregnant woman’s diet, and it includes pistachios. The reason being, pistachios are rich in many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help oxygenate the blood cells in the body and also boost immunity. They also help prevent joint pains. Most doctors recommend a nut-diet during pregnancy. However, each pregnancy is different. It would be better if you consult with your doctor first before starting the diet yourself.
Q: What would happen if I eat too many pistachios?
A: Anything in excess is bound to have negative effects. Pistachio consumption is no different. Too much of it can lead to abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating, constipation, and basically the reverse of every good effect it has. Snack, but within your limits.
In conclusion, the benefits of incorporating pistachios into your diet are numerous and wide-ranging. From heart health to improved digestion, better skin, and even cancer prevention, pistachios prove to be a versatile and highly nutritious snack. Next time you reach for a snack, consider the humble pistachio – your body will thank you for it.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is based on publicly available sources and personal experience. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional or medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle, including the consumption of pista and pistachio.
