Health Benefits of Pistachios

Pistachios is one of the popular nuts often used in many desserts. Botanically, they belong to Anacardiaceae family, of the genus pistacia. Besides being tasty, they have numerous health benefits.

# Healthy Blood and Immunity

Pistachios are a great source of Vitamin B6, which is essential for the production of haemoglobin, which, in turn, supplies oxygen to the cells, also increasing the amount of oxygen supplied. Vitamin B6 is also great for fostering immunity, the production of red and white blood cells, maintaining healthy a spleen and lymph nodes. A deficiency of Vitamin B6 lowers the body's ability to fight infections.

# Beautiful Skin

Enrich your skin with properties of Vitamin E present in pistachios, as they protect the skin from damage due to premature ageing, UV rays and skin cancer.

# Healthy Vision

Maintain healthy vision by eating pistachios as they contain two carotenoids, zeaxanthin and lutein, rarely found in nuts. These carotenoids offer protection in the form of antioxidants that curb damage from free radicals. Pistachios have been linked to lowering the risk of developing macular degeneration.

# Beneficial for Diabetics

Pistachios contain a good source of phosphorus about 60% of the daily recommendation. It's beneficial for glucose tolerance and breaking down proteins into amino acids. Therefore, diabetic individuals can benefit by eating a handful of this dry fruit.

# Good for Cholesterol

This dry fruit is said to reduce bad cholestrol, LDL, and increase good cholesterol, HDL, in the body. This, in turn, helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.