Sarah EatonPistachios are arguably one of the most popular nuts available. With their irresistibly smooth texture and slightly sweet yet savory taste, it’s easy to see why. The good news is that this addictive snack, in moderation, is also good for your health. For example, pistachio health benefits include maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, promoting heart health, and promoting healthy sexual function. Furthermore, pistachios can promote healthy sexual function. Learn more about pistachio nutrition by reading the list below.
Here are 5 pistachio health benefits:
1. Cholesterol and Heart Health
Pistachio Nutrition and Cholesterol
Pistachio health benefits start with the ability to lower cholesterol. For example, researchers studied 28 adults whose LDL cholesterol levels were above what’s considered normal, but were otherwise relatively healthy. Subjects who consumed pistachios two times a day lowered their LDL levels by the end of the study. (1)
Pistachio Nutrition and Preventing Heart Disease
This study above indicates pistachio health benefits include lowering cholesterol. As high LDL is a huge risk factor for coronary heart disease, adding cholesterol-lowering foods like pistachios is also heart-smart choice.
2. Weight Control
Speaking of smart choices, pistachios are a great choice in snack when you’re trying to reach and maintain a healthy weight. The healthy fats, fiber and protein of pistachio nutrition can help you stay full between meals. Pistachio health benefits far outweigh that of packaged, portion control “diet” foods, such as chips or cookies, as well. Any diet to reach a healthy weight should involve plenty of nutritious foods, and pistachio nutrition certainly fits the bill.
3. Eye Health
Pistachio health benefits include protecting your eyes, as well. This is due to the lutein and zeaxanthin these nuts contain. These two components, known as carotenoids, are the only two found in the retina and lens of the eye. They can help prevent age-related macular degeneration as well as cataracts. (2)
4. Sexual Function
Due in part to the high amount of arginine, pistachio health benefits include the ability to improve sexual vitality. For example, in 2011, researchers examined married men ranging in age from 38 to 59 who had erectile dysfunction. They found that these men saw improvements in their condition after incorporating pistachios into their diets. (3)
5. Complications from Diabetes
Pistachio health benefits include treating complications from diabetes, as well. A 2015 study examined the effects of pistachios on the lipid/lipoprotein profile, blood sugar control, inflammation markers and circulation of adults with type 2 diabetes. They found that while pistachios don’t seem to have an effect on glucose levels, they do have a positive effect on cholesterol ratios and triglycerides. (4)
Diabetes puts you at higher risk for heart disease as well as stroke. Pistachio health benefits, however, includes controlling these risk factors.
Be sure to soak up pistachio health benefits by adding them to your diet today! Snack on them in between meals or try sprinkling them on salads or soups.