Pistachios are nuts characterized by smooth, tan shells housing firm, green flesh. Most of the pistachios available in the United States are grown in California, but they are also grown in Turkey, Greece, Italy and Iran. These nuts, which are commonly packaged as snack foods in the United States, contain nutrients that may help alleviate joint pain; however, they should not be considered a cure for any condition that produces pain in your joints.
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that is primarily stored in your bones. This mineral is necessary for maintaining bone strength and density, and for preventing fractures and skeletal deformities. Calcium may help prevent joint pain, particularly in people withe rheumatoid arthritis, according to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." A 1-oz. serving of raw pistachios provides about 30 mg of calcium, or about 3 percent of the recommended daily intake for adults, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database.
Magnesium
A 1-oz. serving of raw pistachios contains about 34 mg of magnesium, or about 0.9 percent of the adult recommended daily intake, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. Magnesium helps regulate calcium levels in your body, and may play a role in the prevention of osteoporosis, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Supplemental magnesium may also reduce joint pain in fibromyalgia sufferers; however, it is not clear if dietary magnesium has the same effect on joint pain.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Although people in the United States consider fats detrimental to health, certain types of fats are essential for physical health. Polyunsaturated fats may offer anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to reduce swelling that can contribute to joint pain, according to Balch. They may also help prevent fatty arterial deposits that can reduce blood flow to your joints -- enhanced blood flow may improve delivery of nutrients necessary for the health of your muscles, bones and connective tissues. A 1-oz. serving of raw pistachios contains about 3.9 g of polyunsaturated fatty acids. There is no established daily intake recommendation for these fats.
Beta-Carotene
Pistachios contain small amounts of beta-carotene -- a 1-oz. serving provides about 71 mcg of this substance. There is no established recommended daily intake for beta-carotene. This substance, which is a precursor to vitamin A, may offer antioxidant benefits, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Antioxidants may prevent free radicals in your bloodstream from damaging joint tissues, which may reduce or prevent joint pain.
References
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Nut and Seed Products
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Magnesium; June 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Beta-Carotene; December 2008
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
