Apart from being delicious and fun to eat, pistachio nuts are a great addition to any diet. They’re low in calories, yet high in protein and fiber — so they can help keep you feeling full without adding inches to your waistline.
What’s more, research suggests that eating pistachios may help lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure, reduce the risk of common health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer, and even help with weight loss.
Here are some reasons pistachios are so good for you.
- Pistachios have antioxidants that can reduce inflammation. Pistachios are rich in antioxidants that help protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can contribute to aging and a number of serious health conditions, including heart disease and cancer.
- The lutein found in pistachios has been shown to decrease markers of inflammation in older adults.2 Lutein is also an important antioxidant for eye health.
- B vitamins. Pistachios are rich in B vitamins. These eight vitamins work together to help your body release energy from food, support your immune system, and keep your blood cells healthy.
- Vitamin E. This antioxidant is important for helping protect your body’s cells from oxidative stress, or damage caused by free radicals.
- Potassium. Also known as an electrolyte mineral, potassium helps regulate blood pressure and keeps muscles functioning normally.
- Copper. Copper is needed in small amounts for brain development and a strong immune system. It also helps prevent cognitive decline and may reduce inflammation-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Pistachios are a good source of protein. Pistachios are an excellent source of protein, providing 6 grams per serving. Protein is essential to human health as it is one of the building blocks of life. The human body uses it to build and repair tissues, make enzymes, hormones and other body chemicals, and to build bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.
