Pleasing Pistachios

Pistachios are one of the oldest most common edible nuts worldwide, dating back to as early as 6,000 BC. They belong to the Anacardiaceae family, Pistacia genus. It takes about 10-12 years for a pistachio tree to produce its first crop, which are drupe, meaning the fruit has a large edible seed in the center, they are not seasonal and are available all year long.

Pistachios are readily available in a variety of forms such as unshelled, shelled, salted, roasted, and sweetened. Hard shells on the pistachios protect them from physical damage and various infections. Sweetened and salted pistachios are higher in sugar and sodium content, the ideal way to buy unshelled nuts is in their natural form, which must be stored in airtight containers in a dry and cool place where they can be safely stored to last for many months without going bad.

Pistachios are one of the few nuts which contain most of the nutrients that human require to maintain overall good health. They contain amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, protein, and dietary fiber; being rich sources of iron, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, selenium, sodium, and calcium minerals; providing essentials like vitamin C, A, K, E, B16, folate, betaine, thiamine, choline, niacin, pantothenic acid, and riboflavin.

Pistachios contain lower calorie content approximately 160 calories per ounce in comparison to other nuts. They also contain higher amounts of protein approximately 6 grams per ounce as compared to other nuts. Fats content is also lowest at approximately 13 grams per ounce as compared to other nuts. Making pistachios be the ideal nut choice for tasty snack.

Pistachios are a great source of mono-unsaturated fatty acid including oleic acid and antioxidants, consumption on a regular basis helps to decrease bad LDL cholesterol and increase good HDL cholesterol.

Pistachios biggest health benefit is being heart friendly with phytosterols, unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and lowering LDL cholesterol promoting a healthy heart.

Pistachios are a great first snack of choice for anyone, especially those who are trying to lose weight. Studies show that their lower calories, low saturated fat, high protein, and high unsaturated fat content make them rather ideal for weight management.

Carotenoid antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein within pistachios help in reducing the risks of contracting age related macular disease. Add them to your diet along with fresh vegetable to get an increased supply of zeaxanthin and lutein.

Pistachios are wonderful at helping to eliminate dryness from the skin, with saturated fat playing a key role in the process, which acts a carrier or base oil which is used as an ingredient in traditional therapies including massage therapy and aromatherapy.

Pistachios are a good source of dietary fiber helping to promote digestion. One ounce contains approximately 3 grams of dietary fibre which is more than adequate for optimum digestive tract capacity.

Research shows that pistachios influence sexual vitality in men, demonstrating that men who consumed 100 grams a day for 3 weeks improved erectile function by 50%, which was confirmed with ultrasound scans of blood flow in the penis.

Pistachios shells have been found to contain considerable amounts of antioxidants. Researchers were able to identify and extract these antioxidants to be added to foods, which includes antioxidants that neutralize free radicals forming after cellular metabolism that can cause conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

Antioxidants present within pistachios help to reduce the glycation process which is a great health benefit helping to control diabetes.

High copper content with pistachios helps with higher absorption of iron into the body from food sources which can help to combat condition such as anemia.

Not only are they yummy to eat, but these tasty nuts pack a punch that will help to boost overall good health. One might find it hard to find a better snack choice. Keep in mind some people are allergic to many forms of nuts, it is recommended to make sure you are not one of them before adding these to your diet.