Are Pistachios Good for You? Health Benefits (2024)

  • Health Benefits
    • What are the health benefits of pistachios?
  • Daily Amount
    • How many pistachios should you eat a day?
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Are Pistachios Good for You? Health Benefits (1)

Pistachios are a great source of protein, antioxidants, fiber, good fats and other nutrients

Pistachios are a great source of protein, antioxidants, fiber, good fats and other nutrients.

Nuts like pistachios are one of the main components of a healthy Mediterranean diet, which is associated with a lower risk of heart diseases, respiratory illnesses and cancer. So pistachios not only help with heart and gut health, but can also help you keep your weight in check.

What are the health benefits of pistachios?

Aid in weight loss

Pistachios are a good source of protein, with about 6 grams of protein per ounce. They are also low in calories; about 50 pistachios barely contain 160 calories.

Because of this high-protein, low-calorie combination, they’re a satisfying snack that can help you shed extra pounds.

Lower blood sugar

Pistachios are also considered a low glycemic index food, meaning they keep you full for a longer time and cause a slow rise in blood sugar level. So they’re especially good for you if you’re suffering from diabetes.

Strengthen immune system

Being rich in vitamin B6, pistachios help maintain a healthy nervous system and a strong immune system.

Prevent cell damage

Pistachios also contain antioxidants like vitamin E, polyphenols and the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. Antioxidants are plant-based compounds that help get rid of free oxygen radicals in the body and have anti-aging properties.

Two of these antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are not found in other nuts, have been linked to a decrease in the risk of developing macular degeneration (age-related vision loss).

Lower cholesterol

Pistachios help improve the level of good (HDL) cholesterol by being a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. With one serving of pistachios, the body gets 13 grams of fat, most of which (11.5 grams) comes from these heart-healthy fats. Studies suggest that these nuts also help to lower the levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol due to their high content of monounsaturated fats.

Of course, it’s better to go for the unsalted kind to lower the amount of sodium in your diet.

Promote gut health

Like all other nuts, pistachios are rich in fiber. Good fiber intake is beneficial for your gut because it prevents constipation.

Improve skin and hair

Pistachios contain biotin, which promotes healthy hair growth, as well as vitamin E, promotes skin health.

How many pistachios should you eat a day?

Pistachios have a rich, buttery flavor that can be addicting. And even though they have health benefits, it’s always a good idea not to overdo it. About a handful (1.5 ounces) is a good amount to shoot for each day.

If you’re concerned about limiting your pistachio intake, go for the kind that have shells on them instead of the pre-shelled ones.

You should also be careful if you have a fructan intolerance. Since pistachios contain fructans, eating too many of themcan cause bloating, nausea or abdominal pain.

Are Pistachios Good for You? Health Benefits (2)

QUESTION

According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

References

Fantino M, Bichard C, Mistretta F, Bellisle F. Daily Consumption of Pistachios Over 12 Weeks Improves Dietary Profile Without Increasing Body Weight in Healthy Women: A Randomized Controlled Intervention. Appetite. 2020 Jan 1;144:104483. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31604062/

Cleveland Clinic. 3 Reasons Why Pistachios Can Boost Your Health. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-reasons-why-pistachios-can-boost-your-health/

Setalvad N. California Pistachios – Nutrition in a Nutshell. American Pistachio Growers. https://americanpistachios.in/about-us/pistachio-power-unshelled/articles/california-pistachios-nutrition-nutshell#

Are Pistachios Good for You? Health Benefits (2024)

FAQs

How many pistachios should you eat a day? ›

What's the right serving size? Aim for 1 to 1½ ounces a day. (That's about a handful.) Or, if you're more the counting sort, there's roughly 49 pistachios in an ounce.

What happens to your body when you eat pistachios everyday? ›

The bottom line

Pistachios are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, antioxidants, and various nutrients, including vitamin B6 and thiamine. Their health effects may include weight loss benefits, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and improved gut, eye, and blood vessel health.

What organ are pistachios good for? ›

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.

What is the best time to eat pistachios? ›

Eat a handful of pistachios before bedtime for sound sleep

It also improves the quality of our sleep which is mandatory for healing all physical, mental- health and Auto-immune disorders. Eating pistachios also provides our bodies with magnesium and Vitamin B6.

What is the healthiest nut to eat? ›

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.

Can we drink water after eating pistachios? ›

Answer: Yes you can drink water after eating pistachios because, it can be soaked in water before eating to make it easy to digest.

Who should not eat pistachios? ›

People with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, may limit FODMAPs in their diet to have better control over their symptoms. Pistachios are considered a high-FODMAP food because they contain fructans. If you have fructan intolerance – a bad reaction to this type of carbohydrate – pistachios might bother your belly.

Do pistachios burn belly fat? ›

Pistachios are nutritious snacks that can play a role in reducing weight and belly fat. The combination of fibre, protein and healthy unsaturated fats in pistachios helps to promote weight management and reduce the risk of overeating.

What are the side effects of eating pistachios? ›

Consumption of pistachios in excess can increase the risk of gout due to the presence of purine. Roasted pistachios contain acrylamide which can have a noxious effect on the nervous system. When eaten in excess, pistachios can impair the digestion process and cause constipation.

Do pistachios help you sleep? ›

The amino acid, tryptophan, found in pistachios, can contribute to the production of serotonin and melatonin, aiding sleep,” said Bhardwaj. Additionally, pistachios contain B vitamins, which play a role in regulating sleep patterns and reducing stress. However, portion control is important, as they are calorie-dense.

Are pistachios good for your bowels? ›

Pistachios themselves don't typically cause constipation. In fact, due to their high fiber content, they can help promote regular bowel movements. They also have beneficial prebiotic properties, which can further aid in digestion.

What are the pros and cons of eating pistachios? ›

Eating pistachios has been linked to better blood sugar control, reduced blood pressure and blood lipid levels, and protection against cognitive decline. However, if you're allergic to tree nuts, you should avoid pistachios and any products containing pistachios.

Can I eat 30 pistachios a day? ›

How many pistachios should you eat a day? Pistachios have a rich, buttery flavor that can be addicting. And even though they have health benefits, it's always a good idea not to overdo it. About a handful (1.5 ounces) is a good amount to shoot for each day.

Are pistachios good for your liver? ›

Pistachio-diet was able to prevent HFD-induced overexpression of PPAR-γ, FAS, and SCD1 in the liver and SREBP-1c, PPAR-γ, and FAT-P in adipose tissue. Similarly, HFD-P significantly ameliorated the expression levels of FAT-P and SCD1 in the liver and SREBP-1c, FAS, and SCD1 in adipose tissue of obese mice.

How long should I go to bed after I eat pistachios? ›

"Turns out pistachios are loaded with protein, and they also have vitamin B6 and magnesium," Dr. Breus says, "all of which are great for sleep." How many pistachios should you eat before bed—and when exactly? "I recommend about a quarter of a cup maybe an hour to an hour and a half before bedtime," the sleep doc says.

How many calories are in 10 pistachios? ›

Nutrition summary:

There are 39 calories in 10 kernels of Pistachio Nuts. Calorie breakdown: 67% fat, 19% carbs, 14% protein.

Is it OK to eat pistachios every night? ›

Pistachios hit the sleep-inducing jackpot, packing in protein, vitamin B6, and magnesium, all of which contribute to better sleep. Refrain from a shell-cracking frenzy, though. "Don't exceed a 1-ounce portion of nuts," London warns. "Anything too high in calories can have the reverse effect of keeping you awake!"

Are pistachios or almonds better for you? ›

If your goal is to improve immune function or boost bone or digestive health, opt for almonds. Following the keto diet or hoping for better heart or brain health or a little mood boost? Walnuts should be your nut of choice. For those looking to lose weight or for the biggest antioxidant boost, reach for pistachios.

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