Description

Pistachios contain more protein and less fat than other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, chestnuts and hazelnuts.

Besides being a special ingredient for our dishes, it is also a friend to our health.

Pistachios: Benefits and Properties

• Useful for weight loss

Eating nuts regularly helps reduce the risk of weight gain. Pistachios can be particularly useful for those wishing to lose weight or maintain their weight due to their caloric values and fibre and protein content.

• Important for heart health

Pistachios, in particular, thanks to monounsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols, can protect the heart by reducing cholesterol levels and hypertension.

• Good for blood sugar balance

Pistachios have a low glycaemic index, so they do not cause a sharp rise in blood sugar after someone has eaten them.

In a small study of 10 people, eating pistachios reduced blood sugar levels when eaten with a carbohydrate-rich meal such as white bread.

• Good for diabetes

Pistachios are a natural aid in the fight against type 2 diabetes. The phosphorous contained in them is able to keep blood glucose levels at bay and also breaks down amino acids. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects also play an important role in glucose metabolism.

They prevent age-related macular disease in the elderly due to the effect of carotenoid antioxidants.

• They help the nervous system

Vitamin B6 is present in high concentration in pistachios, and is very beneficial to the nervous system. Amines are the messenger molecules in the nervous system. To develop, they need amino acids that depend on the presence of vitamin B6 in the body. This vitamin builds a sheath called myelin around nerve fibres. Messages pass through the nerve fibres from one nerve to another. Vitamin B6 helps build many amino acids that aid in the proper transmission of nerve impulses.

• Healthier and more beautiful skin 

Vitamin E is very essential for healthy skin and this antioxidant is present in pistachio nuts. It supplements the mucous membranes of the skin cells. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays, prevents skin diseases and makes the skin healthy and more beautiful.

Some studies claim that pistachios have aphrodisiac properties and that their intake would influence sex life in men by improving their erectile function.