The pistachio has been known in the Mediterranean for thousands of years and has been recently discovered by the western world. Since times immemorial, these tasty nuts have been cherished as a symbol of robust health and wellness. We have to consume this incredibly delicious nut well aware of the fact that it’s a nut with healing properties.

1. Pistachio is beneficial for the heart’s health – since it reduces LDL cholesterol and is abound with antioxidants.

A new study by researchers from the State University of Pennsylvania examined pistachio’s nutritional benefits. It turned out pistachio can help almost reach the ideal levels of LDL in the organism, while a low-fat diet cannot do the same. During the experiment, pistachios did not affect the levels of the HDL cholesterol. It so turns out that they are also a surprisingly affluent source of a class of antioxidants named flavonoids. That classifies them as some of the world’s healthiest snacks. Flavonoids play a variety of necessary functions in the health of plants, animals, and humans.

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2.The pistachio nut opposes the development of diabetes; it helps in its prevention and in alleviating of its symptoms.

For people who are developing diabetes type2, the regular consumption of pistachios might aid turn the tide. These people have their blood sugar levels higher than normal but do not yet have diabetes. If no preventive measures are taken – 15-30 percent of these people will have diabetes in the next five years. People with this condition, who consumed just two ounces of pistachios a day demonstrated a significant reduction of blood sugar and insulin. Dr. Emilio Ros, from Barcelona, believes that all nuts affect the glucose metabolism beneficially.

3.It boosts the nervous system since it contains high levels of vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 is very prevalent in pistachio and it has many positive effects on the nervous system. Vitamin B6 creates amino acids, which then develop amines. B6 has got a major role in the creation of myelin, which in its turn allows signals among the nerves. Moreover, vitamin B6 helps create serotonin, epinephrine, melatonin, and GABA – an acid, which calms the transmission of impulses in the nervous system. Basically, you should eat pistachios in order to have a nervous system in the best possible condition.

4.It’s rich in fiber and good for your diet

Whether raw, or roasted, plain or salted, pistachios are rich in nutrients and fiber, most of the insoluble type. This type of fiber connects with the water molecules and it is able to move stuff through your intestines, completely and efficiently.  Pistachios have more calories and dietary fiber than even almonds, so you might want to control their consumption if you calculate your daily intake of calories. These nuts are a rich source of energy, proteins, fats, and minerals.

5.It contains moderately vitamin A, manganese and iron.

The pistachio is richest in iron (after sesame) and the richest source of potassium in the culinary world. It is a storehouse for minerals like copper, manganese, zinc, and selenium. Copper alone is vital for the nervous system and essential for the production of red blood cells.

6.It reduces inflammation in the body.

Oil from pistachio decreases the levels of an inflammatory substance called “Ifit-2.” Inflammation is a complicated biological response to harming stimuli, damaged cells, and irritants. It is associated with many chronic diseases such as cancer and obesity. Pistachio oil also affects genes, which are involved in the immune response and defend the body from bacteria. This was discovered by observing a line of large white blood cells which were treated with pistachio oil and various DNA experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect.

7. It can help prevent macular degeneration – considered to be an incurable disease of the eyes and the leading cause of loss of vision in the USA.

Surgery definitely improves your vision, but a healthy and balanced diet can help with your eye-care as well. One of the greatest foods for your vision is the pistachio nut. It is high in carotenoids – a group of antioxidants, which protect from cataracts and minimize the damage of the retina coming with old age. Macular degeneration is the number one cause of blindness in the USA. Besides, excessive exposure to the sun can damage your vision. Pistachio helps protect your eyes from being damaged by the sun.

8.Pistachios are extremely good for the skin health.

Vitamin E is essential for the health of your skin. It not only makes the skin more beautiful and healthy: it protects it from UV rays, prevents many kinds of skin conditions. It moisturizes the skin, reduces scars, and has got anti-aging properties as well.

9.Pistachios have anti-aging effects.

Vitamin E is a wonder drug. It is beneficial for the human fetus, when it is in the womb, and treats impotence in men. Vitamin E also makes you look younger. One study showed that when taken together vitamins C and E provide double the protection from UV rays and reduce the intensity of sunburn. What does that mean? Eat pistachio with oranges, and do not frown!

10.Pistachio is high in monosaturated fats.

Healthy amounts of monosaturated fats decrease the risk for breast cancer, levels of cholesterol, and diseases of the heart. It aids with weight loss, reduces belly fat and alleviates severe pain from rheumatoid arthritis. Besides protecting you from cancer, and helping your heart, pistachio nuts taste awesome!  Eat pistachio, prepare gourmet with it and let food be your delicious medicine.

In the Middle East, pistachio is called “the smiling nut” because of the way their hard shells split once the nut becomes mature. Besides the fact that it is always smiling, this nut has a flavor, often described as moderately sweet. You can use them in pesto, in plain yogurt, you can sprinkle pistachios over honey-drizzled pears for an amazing dessert, you can toss them in a green salad, or even in the main course. Eating a handful of pistachios each day protects and nourishes your body and it pleases your soul well.

Image Copyright: Yaniv Ben-Arie, License: CC BY-SA 2.0