Description
Pistachios are a member of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae) and are historically the oldest nut that has been consumed for ages. They tend to grow in drylands in warm climates. The name pistachios came from the Greek word “Pistakion”, meaning the green nut. They have a hard white covering around them and have a reddish-coloured thin skin around the green kernels.
Pistachios originated from the middle east and central Asia. They are borne in clusters and get pollinated mainly by winds. Pistachios are long and spherical, 1.5 to 2 cm long. The hard covering around the kernel tends to split from one side without leaving off the green kernel.
Turkey, Iran, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and a little north to the Caucasus in Russia are the original homelands of pistachios.
Pistachios are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, etc. They also contain vitamin B6, B1, protein, fibre, copper, and phosphorus. In addition, they are one of the many nuts that are low in calories and fats. Therefore, pistachios provide significant health benefits. For example, they help weight loss, promote heart health, reduce cancer risk, etc.
Nutritional Value of Pistachios
One hundred grams of pistachios contain:
Calories- 557
Carbohydrate- 28 grams
Fibre- 10.3 grams
Fat- 44.4 grams
Protein- 20.6 grams
Rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, iron & calcium.
Q. How many pistachios should you eat in a day?
A. A handful of pistachios in the evening can help you reap all its benefits as well as enhance your metabolism.
Q. Is it OK to eat pistachios every day?
A. Eating any nut should be in moderation. Thus eating pistachios five times a day gives you a good result while maintaining their consumption.
Q. Why are pistachios so bad for you?
A. Pistachios have super health benefits and help you maintain a healthy weight, heart health and reduce the risk of cancer. You should take note of the consumption, though, because eating pistachios more than the suggested quantity can lead you to diarrhoea, cramps, abdominal pain, intestinal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome due to its high fibre content.
Q. Is Pistachio good for sperm?
A. Pistachios are highly known for their benefit of promoting sexual health in men. Pistachio is one of the foods that is a rich source of aphrodisiac properties. Aphrodisiac properties lead to better sexual vitality, especially in males.
Q. What are the worst nuts to eat?
A. Any nut in its raw form provides some health benefits. However, adjusting them as per your taste by adding salt or coating sugar on them may make them worse for you. Excess salt intake may increase sodium content in your body, and extra processed sugar may increase your calorie intake. Both these have adverse effects on your health.
Q. Are pistachios good for skin?
A. Pistachios contain vitamin C and E. Both vitamins help nourish skin while preventing cell damage and oxidative stress in the body, which leads to younger-looking glowy skin.
Q. Are pistachios bad for kidneys?
A. Pistachios do not directly impact the kidneys, but pistachios contain oxalates and methionine (which converts into cystine). Therefore, consuming many pistachios may increase the chances of oxalate and cystine kidney stones.
Q. Are pistachios good for sleep?
A. Pistachios contain more melatonin than any other nut. Melatonin is a sleep regulatory hormone. Therefore, eating a handful of pistachios can improve sleep quality and the sleep-wake cycle.
Q. Are pistachios good at night?
A. Pistachios are rich in melatonin, and melatonin is known as a sleep hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and sleep quality. Eating pistachios 2-3 hours before going to bed can naturally increase melatonin levels. Pistachios are best consumed around 8 p.m. at night
Q. Do pistachios boost testosterone?
A. Pistachios contain phytosterol in high amounts, which leads to a decline in testosterone levels in men when consumed in excess. Still, it helps in improving erectile function in men when consumed in the recommended quantity.
Q. How many pistachios should I eat to lose weight?
A. 1 ounce of pistachios kernels per day in breakfast or as an evening snack can help you lose some extra inches, as they contain fibre which reduces calorie intake by making you feel full. In addition, pistachios are the only nut with the lowest calories. Therefore, munching on pistachios helps lower your calorie intake and helps in weight loss.
Q. Do pistachio nuts make you gain weight?
A. No. Pistachios help weight loss when you consume them in moderation and recommended quantities. However, consuming more than 30gms of pistachios per day can make you gain weight.
Q. Is Pistachio good for PCOS?
A. Nuts are proven to be good in PCOS as they help control insulin levels and balance hormones. As per studies, PUFAs and MUFAs help balance insulin, androgen, and cholesterol levels. Pistachios are rich in PUFAs and MUFAs. Therefore are helpful for women with PCOS.
Q. Does pistachio increase blood sugar?
A. No, pistachios do not increase blood sugar levels as pistachios are low in carbohydrates and have a low glycaemic index. When broken down by the body, Carbohydrates convert into blood sugar, as foods high in carbohydrates lead to high blood sugar levels.
Q. How many pistachios can a diabetic eat?
A. A handful of pistachios or 30gm pistachios per day is recommended to be consumed by a diabetic per day.
Q. Are pistachios and cashews good for diabetics?
A. Pistachios and cashews both have a low glycemic index. These nuts contain a low amount of carbohydrates and a good amount of magnesium that helps control and lower blood sugar levels.
Q. Are pistachios good for hormones?
A. Pistachios contain a high amount of melatonin. It is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and quality of sleep. Eating pistachios at night helps boost melatonin levels, leading to better sleep quality and sleep cycle
Q. What happens if you eat pistachios every day?
A. Pistachios contain healthy fats such as polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. As a result, they help lower bad LDL cholesterol and promote good HDL cholesterol. They also help lower blood sugar levels, help in weight loss, and improve digestion and skin.
Q. Is pistachio good for pregnant ladies?
A. Pistachios contain all the healthy nutrients such as potassium, calcium, folate, iron, good for the mother and the baby. In addition, protein and fibre are necessary for a baby’s healthy growth. However, you should always consult your doctor before consuming anything in pregnancy.
Q. Do pistachios have side effects?
A. Eating pistachios in high quantities can lead to digestion problems like diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal cramps, and intestinal pain. These issues are a result of excess fibre consumption. In addition, pistachios are high in protein, and overconsumption can also increase blood pressure, weight gain and cause kidney stones.
Q. How many pistachios a day is too much?
A. Eating about 30gm of pistachios in a day is fine. However, you should eat according to your requirements in moderation and recommended quantities.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.