Pistachio nuts are one of the tree nuts. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave tree nuts a health claim in 2003 stating that studies show that adding a daily serving of 1.5 oz. of nuts can reduce the occurrence of heart disease. Pistachios are one of the lowest calorie nuts and they contain more potassium than any other nut.
Serving Size
Low calorie pistachios have a serving size of 49 kernels, which is the equivalent of about 1 oz. There are only 170 calories and more than 30 different essential nutrients in this snack.
Potassium
Potassium is used to maintain blood pressure and to maintain a healthy heart beat. Pistachios have 310 mg, or 8 percent of the recommended daily amount of potassium in just one serving.
Fiber
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends including dietary fiber in your diet. Fiber has been shown to regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol. A 1 oz. serving of pistachios contains 12 percent, or 3 grams, of the recommended daily amount.
Antioxidants
Pistachios contain lutein and more than 10 other antioxidants. According to the AHA, antioxidants have been shown to help prevent heart disease and cancer. Zeaxanthin, which is found in pistachios, has been shown to reduce macular degeneration risk.
Fats
The AHA states that replacing saturated fat in the diet with unsaturated fats may lower cholesterol levels. Healthier, unsaturated fat accounts for 90 percent of the total fat content of pistachios.
Other Nutrients
Pistachios are a good dietary source of phoshorous, manganese, copper, Vitamin B6, thiamin and magnesium.
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