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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, which make this nut a perfect balance of health and flavor.
Also known as ‘pista,’ pistachio nuts come in an array of colours (a trick of nature) and taste wholesome and tasteful. 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?
Supports Heart Health
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 improve our overall lifestyle when it comes to health and beauty. Among the many pistachio benefits, they also help in weight management by keeping you full for longer and supporting muscle recovery due to their high protein content.
Aids in Weight Management
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, 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.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
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. It keeps the blood sugar levels in check. Among the many health benefits of pistachios, they also support heart health, improve digestion, and provide essential antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress.
Regulates Cholesterol Levels
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. Among the many pista benefits, they also aid in skin health, promote better digestion, and boost overall immunity.
Supports Nervous System Health
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. This is one of the best benefits of pistachios as 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.
Boosts Immunity
Vitamin B6 is also instrumental at 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.
Enhances Haemoglobin Production
Haemoglobin 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.
Improves Eye Health
Yes, do you know that regular consumption of pistachios can also help improve your eyesight? This is because pistachios are rich in carotenoids, which in turn, is 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.
Aids Digestion
Fiber is essential for healthy digestion. Pistachios are a good source of fibers, both soluble and insoluble. It helps in the better passage of stools and also makes digestion an easier process. It prevents issues such as diarrhea and constipation that may happen owing to a weak digestive system.
Reduces Inflammation
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.
Promotes Hair Health
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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.
Nourishes Skin
Pistachios moisturise 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-ageing content, helping the skin look naturally refreshed and younger in appearance. Pistachio oil massage also helps immensely.
Boosts White Blood Cell Production
Pistachio nutrients help supply oxygen to the bloodstream, thus helping in the production of white blood cells or WBCs which is important for a good immune system. It also elevates the production of haemoglobin 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.
May Help in Preventing Cancer
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.
Provides Natural Sun Protection
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 ageing.
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. It also helps prevent joint pains. Most doctors recommend a nut-diet during pregnancy. However, each pregnancy is a different one. It would be better if you consult with the 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.
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