Nuts are an excellent snack because they are healthy and provide a quick energy boost. Many people reach for peanuts, walnuts, or almonds. Why not mix things up and grab a handful of pistachios?
Pistachios from Nichols Farms are an excellent addition to any diet. They are packed with vitamins and nutrients, benefiting a person’s cholesterol levels and gut health. Pistachios aren’t nuts, however. They are seeds that are referred to as nuts or kernels. When a person cracks the shell open, they access the seed, which has a green tint and a slightly sweet taste.
Health Benefits
Pistachios can be purchased with or without their shells and in roasted or salted varieties. An ounce of pistachios contains 159 calories, 12.8 grams of fat, and 5.7 grams of protein. They are also packed with three grams of fiber and 7.7 grams of carbohydrates. Potato chips and candy bars just can’t compare. People who regularly consume pistachios have a lower risk of cancer, respiratory disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Pistachios contain vitamin B6, a vitamin responsible for carrying oxygen to the cells in the body. This vitamin boosts a person’s nervous system and immune health. Potassium is a mineral found in these nuts, and one serving of pistachios contains more of this mineral than half of a banana.
Antioxidants are also present in pistachios. Two antioxidants found in pistachios aren’t present in other nuts, but they help decrease a person’s risk of macular degeneration, a condition that can leave a person without central vision.
Researchers believe people who eat pistachios may be able to lower their risk of bad cholesterol because these seeds contain a high level of monounsaturated fat. Furthermore, they may also help a person lower their blood pressure and maintain healthy blood vessels.
Pistachios are a low-glycemic-index food, meaning a person’s blood sugar won’t spike when they eat them. These nuts may reduce fasting blood sugar and increase insulin resistance. The fiber and protein will also help with weight loss and maintenance. Additionally, the body converts the fiber in pistachios to short-chain fatty acids, providing the person with more energy for colon cells.
Moderation is Key
When people hear about the health benefits of pistachios, they may want to snack on the nuts all day. Purchase the nuts in their shells, as removing them takes time. A person is less tempted to overindulge when they must remove the shells first. The shells serve as a record of how many they have eaten. These nuts may be used as a garnish when making meals to increase the amount of vitamins and minerals a person receives with each serving.
Pistachio Risks
Every person may be tempted to rush out and purchase pistachios so they can begin seeing the health benefits associated with eating these nuts. However, they must take care, particularly if they have a tree nut allergy. They could have a severe allergic reaction and find it challenging to swallow. Other people have a reaction that isn’t quite as severe. They may develop itchy skin or eyes and become congested. Roasted and salted pistachios may also raise a person’s blood pressure and increase their risk of stroke or heart disease.
Pistachios are an excellent choice for a snack. They can also be used when preparing meals, making them a versatile alternative to potato chips and other sweet treats. The health benefits that come with these nuts are immense, but a person wants to ensure they don’t overdo it. A person can have too much of a good thing.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
