Pistachios – Healthy nuts that help in Diabetes and reducing Heart diseases

Dear friends, I had a minor surgery last week and hence could not post for a couple of weeks. I am back home now and recuperating. Will continue the posts as before.

In the previous post we discussed about Almonds. Now will see the health benefits of PISTACHIOS. Okay?

Pista flowers and nuts
Photo by: Paolo Galli

This is another nutrient nut which is commonly called as PISTA. Pistachios are one of the healthier nuts. They are filled with essential nutrients and have number of health benefits. 

Pistachios are one of the oldest nuts that were commonly used in the world many for more than 8000 years. They are native of Central Asia. 

Today many countries (mainly Iran, United States, Turkey) are cultivating pistachios. A tree of Pista nut takes ten to twelve years to deliver for good seeds and the seed is what we eat as the nut.

Let us see the health benefits of these sweet nuts.

Pistachios help in reducing (LDL) cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) thereby preventing heart diseases. Also increases the strength of nerves and making heart stronger.

The contents of vitamin A and vitamin E and anti-inflammatory properties in this nut which help to reduce inflammation in our body.

Vitamin B6 contained in this nut helps in carrying oxygen in the blood. If taken daily, the high quantity of B6 present in this nut can increase the oxygen quantity in the blood and increase the hemoglobin count in it. Another benefit of vitamin B6 present in high concentration in this nut is that it is very beneficial to nervous system and also for a healthy immune system.

These nuts contain fewer calories and more potassium and vitamin K than other nuts. Sodium present in this nut is zero which is different from other nuts. This is good news for the people suffering from hypertension because they have to curb the intake of sodium in their diet.

The Food and Drug Administration of USA (FDA) has approved a health claim regarding nuts lowering the risk of heart diseases (CHD – Coronary heard disease) - "Scientific evidence suggests (not prove) that eating 1.5 ounces (42.5 g) per day of most nuts, such as pistachios, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease"

Studies involving humans have shown that 32–63 grams (1.1–2.2 oz) per day of pistachio seeds can significantly elevate plasma levels of lutein, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene etc.

Note: The fat profile of Pistachios. Dry roasted pista seeds have Its fat profile is roughly 14% saturated fat, 54% monounsaturated fat and 32% polyunsaturated fat. Keep note of this while calculating your fat intake for the day.

LUTEIN and ZEAXANTHIN are two anti-oxidants present in pistachios. These help to fight against free radicals and destroy them thereby preventing macular degeneration and are also good for the eyes. Pistachios help promoting healthy vision and are highly recommended to those suffering with any vision related issues.

Vitamin E present in these nuts is very essential for our healthy skin. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays and prevents from skin diseases and makes the skin healthy and more beautiful. Similar to skin pistachios have much to offer hair care also. It deeply nourishes and moisturizes hair which helps in improving flexibility of hair.

Vitamin B6 also helps in increasing the blood count. Thus WBC or white blood cells help in preventing infections and various cancers.

Pista toppings in a cake

Finally it helps to control Diabetes. How? The sugars form inappropriate bonds with proteins and make them unusable in a process called glycation. The antioxidants in pistachios help in reducing process of glycation and thus can help in controlling diabetes. It lowers the blood sugar level by slowing down the carbohydrate absorption of the body. Check this link for more information about whether pistachios can help lower blood sugars.

Pistachios are also used in various sweets, Milk shakes, Cake toppings, Ice-creams, Kulfi, Turkish delights etc.

Triflavour kulfi
Photo by: stu_spivack

So friends now you may understand the benefits of taking this sweet nut. 

Take at least twice in a week that too with other nuts or with other dishes during tea time which may help in so many ways for healthy living. 

How is this article? Do you find it useful and interesting? 

Please give your comments and also pass on any more information if you have. It will be useful to all.