9 health benefits of pistachios you didn’t expect

Pistachios are one of the healthiest nuts that are largely overshadowed by other popular varieties of nuts such as almonds and peanuts. Read on to know 9 reasons why you must eat them more often than usual.

Pistachios are nutritionally intense and contain a large variety of nutrients that are of immense benefit to our health. Yes, they are rich in calories but that should not be the reason to deprive ourselves of other valuable benefits this nut has to offer. Here are 9 ways in which pistachio benefits our health.

Controls blood pressure. Pistachios help to keep a check on the blood pressure as it reduces the stiffness and inflexibility of blood vessels that allow them to relax or dilate whenever required. Also, regular consumption of these nuts is associated with an improved health of blood vessels and reduced atherosclerotic damage.

Stabilizes blood sugar. These nuts are rich in vital nutrients such as protein, fat, dietary fiber, and antioxidants that slow down the absorption of glucose, delays insulin response, and preserves the functioning of insulin producing pancreatic cells.

Preserves heart health. Pistachios are rich in MUFA and PUFA, which helps in lowering the levels of LDL cholesterol, and along with numerous sterols, this nut helps to maintain heart health.

Healthy eyes. The high antioxidant content of pistachios significantly reduces the risk of macular degeneration and keeps our eyes healthy.

Maintains gut health. The soluble fiber present in pistachios helps to increase the good bacteria count in intestines and lowers the risk of several digestive conditions.

Protects against skin cancer and enhances beauty. Gamma tocopherol present in pistachios block the penetration of UV rays in to the skin, protects cell membrane from UV damage, and avoids dehydration of the skin. This nut is also associated with healthy skin as it is a rich source of vitamin E, which preserves skin health by suppressing the skin damage caused by UV radiations.

Healthy nervous system. High vitamin B6 and protein content of pistachios is beneficial to form the myelin sheath around nerve fibers, which ensures electric impulse conduction between nerves in our body.

Increases red blood cells. Pistachios are vital to treat anemia as it contains good amount of iron, copper, and vitamin C, all of which are beneficial to boost RBC count in the blood.

Improves hair health. With an abundance of various vitamins, minerals, and amino acid L-arginine, pistachios are beneficial to improve the flow of blood to the hair follicles and improves growth of healthy hair.