Pistachios are one of the healthiest nuts to eat. They are the lowest calorie nut and they are chock-full of nutrients and fiber. Some studies have indicated that eating a small serving of pistachios, or other nuts, daily might lower a person's risk of heart disease.
Serving Size
Pistachios have the largest serving size of all nuts, with one serving being about 49 kernels. This 1-ounce snack offers more than 30 different beneficial nutrients while having only 170 calories.
Fiber
A 1-ounce serving of pistachios contains 12 percent of the recommended daily amount of fiber. This is beneficial since fiber has been shown to help the body regulate blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Protein
Pistachios have 6 grams of protein in one serving. Protein, along with fiber and healthy fat, makes the body feel full or satiated, so a person will likely eat less throughout the day.
Potassium
Bananas are well known for their high potassium content. However, 1-ounce of pistachios has a whopping 310 mg. of potassium, the same amount as half a large banana.
Fat
Almost 90 percent of the fat found in pistachio nuts is the healthy unsaturated variety. Pistachios contain unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids that might help lower blood cholesterol levels when regularly substituted for foods that contain saturated fats.
Antioxidants, Vitamins & Minerals
Pistachios contain more than 10 different antioxidants. These antioxidants have been shown to help stave off illnesses such as heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and even cancer. Some antioxidants, such as lutein, have also been shown to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Pistachios are also a great dietary source of manganese, copper, phosphorous and vitamin B6.
