Pistachios, also known as pistas, are one of the most common members of the dry-fruits family, and possibly one of the first to be used as well – their consumption dates back to almost 6000 BC. So tasty that the ‘No one can eat just one’ line is 100% apt for them, these delicious tree nuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats and minerals, and contain a whole long list of nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium, and an especially high amount of phosphorus and potassium. 

Pistachios are used in various forms in daily life: Right from its oil being a healthy choice for cooking as well as a nourishing option for massage and aroma therapies, to the actual nut being included in various forms of sweets, as well as being consumed by itself, pistas are quite a favourite with all of us! 

For more information on the goodness of pistachios, click here. 

Pistachios, in their natural form, contain zero sodium, making them a good snacking option for those with water retention and hypertension issues. Yes, pistas do contain fats, but luckily for us, these fats are of the healthy kind and actually good for your body when consumed in moderation. Interestingly, they actually have a much lower calorie count as compared to other nuts and dry fruits. 

Benefits of eating pistachios include: 

1. Glowing Skin 

Pistachios contain Vitamin E and fatty acids that nourish your skin, making it soft and supple, and protect it from future damage. They reduce the effects of aging like wrinkles, pigmentation and crow’s feet, and protect your skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer. 

2. Happy Heart 

Due to their high level of antioxidants and healthy fats, as well as other good food value, pistachios decrease bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels in your body, thus reducing the risk of heart-related diseases. 

3. Healthy Weight 

Pistachios are an abundant source of nutrients and energy, while still being low in calories. They have zero sodium and have low saturated fats and high unsaturated ones, making them a good munching option if you’re trying to maintain your weight. 

4. High Immunity 

Haemoglobin and Vitamin B6 help the body build immunity through an increased supply of oxygen and sufficient production of red and white blood cells. Pistachios provide both these nutrients, making them a good food to increase your body’s abilty to fight diseases. 

5. Optimally Functioning Digestive Tract 

Pistachios are high in fiber, helping your digestion process to function smoothly, and flushing out harmful waste products from your body. 

6. Natural Cleansing and Detoxifying 

These nuts contain a high level of antioxidants, helping the body to cleanse out toxics and eliminate free radicals from your system, thereby reducing the risk of many diseases like cancer, heart attacks, and age-related macular disease. These antioxidants also prevent sugars from reacting with proteins in your body, thereby preventing and controlling diabetes. 

Pistachios also help prevent anemia due to their high copper content, which helps your body absorb iron faster, and helps men fight erectile dysfunction, which is one of the leading sexual health issues today. 

Pistachios are available in their natural form in shelled and unshelled varieties, and are also sold processed, either salted or sweetened, and sometimes even with a chocolate coating. While you may be tempted to try the latter, it’s always best to stick to pistas in their natural form since they contain all the goodness without the extra calories, and retain their natural flavours and do not have the drawbacks of being processed. 

To read more about pistachios and how you can benefit from them, click here. 

So, get home a pack of shelled or unshelled pistachios today, and start munching your way to good health. Ensure that you don’t overeat though since everything, even these nuts bursting with good food value, should be eaten in moderation.