Pistachios are a tasty, salty snack, but can pack a punch when it comes to nutrients and health benefits. Unlike other salty snacks that you should avoid if you have certain health conditions, pistachios may become a recommended part of your diet. According to Pistachio Health, an informational service staffed by physicians and nutrition professionals, pistachios cost roughly the same amount per ounce as other mass-marketed salty snacks, but provide a much larger health benefit.
Heart Health
Pistachios are determined to be heart healthy by Pistachio Health for a variety of reasons. The bright green nut contains mostly "good" fats (90 percent of the fat content is beneficial) that can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Pistachios provide snackers with a healthy dose of vitamin B6---20 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) in each 1-oz serving. Vitamin B6 lowers homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is a substance in the blood that can contribute to cardiovascular disease when levels are too high.
Regularity
Pistachios contain fiber, which helps people feel fuller for longer periods of time. Fiber helps keep the digestive system operating normally and prevents constipation. One ounce of pistachios contains 3g of fiber, or 12 percent of the RDA, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The comparatively high counts of fiber found in pistachios can help protect against colon cancer as well as aid in digestion.
Stable Blood Sugar
The University of Toronto performed a study that showed that pistachios may stabilize blood sugar levels and can be a good snack item for diabetics. The study, reported in a May 2007 article on Dlife, a source for diabetic news items, explains that the combination of pistachios, which are low in carbohydrates, and foods that are higher in carbs leads to a slower absorption rate of carbohydrates into the bloodstream. This slower rate of absorption helps keep blood sugar levels stabilized for a longer period of time than other types of carbohydrates.
Eye Health
Eating pistachios may be good for the eyes. The nut contains a wide variety of nutrients called carotenoids, which are beneficial to eye health. Carotenoids are nutrients such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin and can help slow the progression of an age-related eye disease called macular degeneration. According to medical researchers at Pistachio Health and the Texas Women's University, adding a daily snack of 2 oz. of pistachios gives a person 50 percent more healthy carotenoids.
Member Comments