Pistachios can help you lose weight because they contain filling protein. However, they're high in calories, so don't eat them in large quantities.
Nutrition
One oz., or 49 kernels, of pistachio nuts contains 158 calories, according to the FatSecret website. A serving contains 12.6 g of fat, most of which is healthy unsaturated fat. An oz. also contains 291 mg of potassium, 2.9 g of fiber and 5.8 g of protein.
Health
Pistachio nuts can increase the levels of antioxidants in the blood of people with high cholesterol, according to a 2010 study led by Penny Kris-Etherton and published in the "Journal of Nutrition." A diet rich in antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Pistachios also have more lutein, beta-carotene and gamma-tocopherol than other nuts.
Tips
Choose pistachio nuts that are split open on one end; this signals maturity. Buy unsalted nuts to limit sodium. Keep pistachio nuts in small bags for a convenient snack when you're on the go. Sprinkle them into salads, pasta or cooked vegetables. Make trail mix by combining pistachios, dried fruit, pretzels and seeds.
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