Heart-healthy Compared to most nuts, pistachios have a lower fat and calorie content and contain the highest amount of potassium. They're especially rich in phytosterols, all of which support cardiovascular health.
Most nuts appear to be generally healthy. But some may have more heart-healthy nutrients than others. For example, walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy.
Both pistachios and almonds are heart healthy1, and contain a similar calorie and protein count. Almonds contain more antioxidant Vitamin E which contributes to the protection of skin cells.
Pistachios are a very nutritious food. They offer several health benefits, especially for the heart, gut, and waistline. Regularly eating pistachios may help improve health and wellbeing. But people should stick to plain, unsalted pistachio nuts in their shells and avoid eating more than 1 oz a day.
Overindulging in pistachios can lead to several side effects, including allergies, weight gain, increased cancer risk, kidney stones, digestive issues, and high blood pressure.
Most nutritionists recommend their clients consume no more than two ounces (56 grams) of pistachios every day. For shelled pistachios, that adds up to 90 pistachios. Nutritionists also advise people to drink a sufficient amount of water to digest. Otherwise, you may get an upset stomach after eating pistachios.
Antioxidants are known to help protect the body against disease. The scientists said that all nuts have good nutritional qualities but walnuts are healthier than peanuts, almonds, pecans and pistachios.
Brazil nuts, cashews and macadamia nuts are higher in saturated fat. Too much of this can contribute to raised cholesterol levels, so only eat them occasionally. Chestnuts are an exception – they're lower in all types of fats and higher in starchy carbohydrate than other nuts.
Almonds are the most nutritionally-dense nuts and said to be king of superfoods by online health food brand, Healthy Supplies. They contain Vitamin E, magnesium, iron, calcium and fibre.
Almonds: High in protein, vitamin E and especially high in calcium. Brazil nuts: High in fibre and the richest known source of selenium. Cashews: High in copper, zinc and iron. Hazelnuts: High in fibre, potassium, folate and vitamin E.
A study from Cornell University found that these nuts are actually a superfood. The study reveals pistachios have greater levels of antioxidants than previously understood.
Compared to most nuts, pistachios have a lower fat and calorie content and contain the highest amount of potassium. They're especially rich in phytosterols, all of which support cardiovascular health.
High levels of unsaturated fatty acids and potassium. Both have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory traits. They can lower your chances for cardiovascular disease. Pistachios are bursting with the fiber, minerals, and unsaturated fat that can help keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check.
Walnuts : The King of Nuts.
Pistachios contain alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), a beneficial type of omega-3 fatty acid that can also be converted to DHA and EPA, the two other forms of omega-3s that are only found in animal sources. Thus, vegetarians and vegans may eat pistachios as a source of the omega-3 fatty acids their bodies need.
The pistachios contain more fiber and less saturated fat than the cashews, making them the healthier option.
Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts contain high amounts of fiber, calcium, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin E and Omega-3 fats which all have anti-inflammatory effects.
Walnuts are one of the best nuts for weight loss due to the fact that they contain polyunsaturated fats and protein. Polyunsaturated fats are good for the body because they contain omega 6 fatty acids and omega 3.
Because they are such a nutrient- and calorie-dense food, portion control is essential to avoid excess weight gain. More importantly, eating too many nuts can actually lead to food toxicity which can range from mild symptoms to severe illness.
According to Losso, pistachios contain certain phenolics which can reduce the breakdown of tryptophan to toxic compounds so that it is converted to melatonin. The increase in tryptophan has the potential to help with delayed sleep onset, sleep duration and quality.
Benefits of Pistachios for Brain
Some study proves pistachios boost brain power and concentration. The researchers at Loma Linda University Health prove that eating nuts improve brainwave function.
Pistachios are high in unsaturated fatty acids, which are especially good for the heart and blood vessels. As such, they can help lower your cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.