Before determining how many pistachios you have to eat to enjoy a good and harmless health, let’s find out what type of dry fruit it is.
It is a small tree or perennial leaf bush that grows in Central Asia, Mesopotamia and Syria. The main producers and exporters of pistachios are Iraq and Iran. But the world leader is Türkiye. The pistachios are collected with machines and dried outdoors. Ecologically pure nuts are considered a dietary and medicinal product. In the East, the pistachios are called the tree of life, the fate.
In this article you will learn what are the benefits and damages of the pistachios for men and women. What is the saturation of the “fruit of love”, how it affects various organs. Why are they used in medicine.
Chemical composition and calories of the pistachios
Nuts contain many useful substances that combine more rationally than in other fruits. The energy value of 100 grams of grains:
- 20. 5 g of proteins;
- 50. 1 g of fats;
- 7. 3 g of carbohydrates;
- 0. 3 g of fiber;
- 50 g of starch;
- The pistachio has the lowest caloric value of all nuts: 557 kcal.
Protein-grass-carbohydrates ratio: 15%/80%/5%. The main nutritional value is represented by fats. In its value it also influences a fairly high percentage of proteins. The chemical composition of the pistachios includes trace elements and minerals in the table.
| Contained in 100 grams of raw pistachios | |||
| Vitamins | Minerals | ||
| PP (nicotinic acid) | 13. 1 mg | Calcium | 248 mg |
| B1 (thiamine) | 1. 0 mg | Magnesium | 202 mg |
| B2 (Riboflavina) | 0. 21 mg | Sodium | 23 mg of sodium |
| B5 (Pantotenic acid) | 1. 0 mg | Strontium | 198 MCG |
| B6 (pyridoxin) | 0. 48 mg | Zirconium | 2 micrograms |
| B9 (folic acid) | 38. 8 micrograms | Aluminum | 1500 micrograms |
| E (Tocoferol) | 6. 1 mg | Match | 398 mg |
| H (biotin) | 9. 8 mg | Silicon | 48 mg of silicon |
| C (ascorbic acid) | 5. 5 mg | Iron | 58 mg of iron |
| A (Betacarotene) | 259 mcg | Selenium | 20 micrograms |
| Luteine and Zeaxantine | 1407 µg | Titanium | 43 micrograms |
| Hill | 88. 8 mg | Manganese | 3. 9 mg |
| Iodine | 9. 9 mcg | ||
| Zinc | 2. 9 mg | ||
| Cobalt | 4. 8 mcg | ||
| Chlorine | 28 mg | ||
| Copper | 448 mg | ||
| Silicon | 48 mg of silicon | ||
| Molybdenum | 23 mcg | ||
| Tin | 34 µg | ||
In terms of proteins and vitamins of group B, the pistachios rival the ox liver. Only 10 grains provide a person for the necessary daily amount of pyridoxin (B6). The fruit is rich in the fiber that the human being needs. Fifteen grains contain as much fiber as a half ration of oatmeal.
Proteins include the essential amino acid arginine, glycine and the essential amino acid, isoleucine.
Pistachio Properties
The medicinal qualities of the pistachios are due to their rich content in beneficial substances. Some of them do not occur in our body. The human being only receives them with food. These are its properties for the human being
- Proteins serve as a source of energy and arginine amino acid, which delays aging;
- The valuable unsaturated fatty acids regulate the metabolism of lipids, reducing the risk of heart disease, obesity and diabetes;
- Pyridoxin favors liver function.
- Micronutrients intervene in the heart, vascular and skeletal muscles, as well as in bones and teeth;
- Fiber stimulates intestinal, detoxifying peristaltism;
- Phenolic compounds protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and favor cell renewal;
- Grains have beneficial effects on ocular health;
- Carbohydrates serve as an energy source for the muscles;
- Vitamin E has a rejuvenating effect and intervenes in the formation of female sex hormones.
Present in useful amino acids that are not found in other nuts.
The benefits
The main benefit of pistachios due to antioxidant properties. The grains of preserving the beauty and youth of the human body. Regular nuts consumption reduces the risk of cancer.
Essential oils are useful to maintain vitality. Not surprisingly, the pistachios have earned the name “nuts of good humor.”This fruit has a beneficial effect on all body systems.
For the heart and blood vessels
It is well known that the oleic acid of the pistachios dissolves the cholesterol plates of the blood vessels. Prevents the progression of atherosclerosis. Linoleic, stearic and palmitic acids regulate vascular tone.
This suggests that pistachios are an excellent preventive agent against myocardial infarctions and strokes. People prone to heart disease, it is useful to introduce pistachios in the diet to strengthen myocardium and blood vessels, relieve tachycardia.
For the brain
The vitamins B of the pistachio ensure the nerve cells of the brain and the peripheral fibers. Pyridoxin activates thought, improves memory, increases concentration. It enhances cognitive abilities.
For eyes
From their high content in lutein and zeaxantine they can only boast the pistachio and pine nuts. These carotenoids improve visual acuity, reduce the probability of degeneration of the yellow spot, which causes irreversible blindness in the elderly. They protect their eyes against glaucoma and cataracts.
For the lungs
Studies have shown that eating pistachios daily reduces the risk of lung cancer. Pistachos are good against tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases.
Including pistachios in the diet once or twice a week reduces the probability of contracting colds and viral diseases. Strong expectorant property allows the use of nuts for bronchitis, inflammation of the lungs, asthma. The grains relieve cough and ear in acute respiratory infections, tracheitis.
For the gastrointestinal tract
The composition of the pistachios contains a large number of enzymes that break down food, which facilitates the absorption of useful substances. Dietetics fiber stimulates peristaltism, cleanses the organism of harmful fats, capturing and eliminating them naturally.
Regular pistachos use helps eliminate ulcers, duodenitis, gastritis. WARNINGS. The results of scientific studies have shown that the grains prevent training and stops the growth of malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.
For the endocrine system
Natural grains normalize the function of the endocrine system. Doctors recommend including pistachios in the diet for type II diabetes due to their low glycemic index. A few pistachios a day can help reduce blood sugar levels.
For the skin
The natural antioxidant of the pistachios, vitamin E, prevents aging. Increase skin tone and prolong your youth. Phytosterols enhance the regeneration of the epidermis. The phenolic compounds, of which there are many in the nuts, have the property of rejuvenating the cells. The fruit is used to remove pigment and freckling spots.
For immunity
When a pistachio savor, the defenses are reinforced at the same time. After all, grains contain ascorbic acid and a vitamin complex, immune system stimulants. Physicians recommend using pistachios for exhaustion, for the recovery period after infections. The pistachios are especially good to eat in spring and autumn to prevent hypovitaminosis and seasonal reduction in immunity.
For pregnant women
The benefits of pistachios for future moms are undeniable. The grains contain a treasure of vitamins and minerals so necessary for pregnant women and the development fetus. Its components favor a weakened immune system, they saturate the body of women and the child with nutrients.
For man
The pistachio has long been considered an excellent aphrodisiac. Its complex components play an important role for men. The incorporated zinc stimulates the production of testosterone hormone. Folic acid intervenes in sperm formation. Arginine dilates the blood vessels of the penis.
If eaten in large quantities, pistachios can cause harm:
- cause flatulence, nausea, dizziness;
- People sensitive to certain foods can develop rashes on the body;
- It is known that pistachios accumulate strontium, an element that is harmful to the body;
- They have a high purine content, which must be taken into account in case of gout;
- People who are too fond of nuts must remember that their caloric content can lead to gaining extra pounds.
contraindications
Despite its useful properties, pistachios are not for all lovers of nuts. The absolute contraindication is an allergy to proteins. Limit in the diet delicacy should be limited to people in such a condition:
- tendency to obesity;
- obesity;
- children under 5 years old;
- Salty grains are not recommended for hypertensives or patients with kidney disease;
- women in the later stages of pregnancy should refrain from eating pistachios for their property of contracting the uterus.
During lactation, pistachios increase the fat content of milk, which causes diarrhea in nursing infants.
How to choose the right pistachios
You will find shelled, salted and roasted pistachios. If you want a healthy product, buy only unshelled pistachios, just as nature intended. They can be easily peeled with your fingers, without the need for household pliers or special nut peelers. Buy the product in a bag with a transparent window:
- The open shell and the green color of the kernels indicate the maturity of the pistachios. The immature fruits are completely covered.
- If you buy salted berries, the shells should be light in color but not loaded with salt. A dark color indicates that the fruits are overcooked.
- The grains are covered in a brown film that is easy to remove. If they are red, they have been marinated with salty lemon before toasting.
- The peeled pistachio is green. The more intense the color, the more aromatic and tasty the seed will be.
You can check the quality of a packaged pistachio in a simple way. Raise it above your head and look out the window. There should be no shells or salt on the bottom. Fruits that smell of mold contain a poisonous toxin that poisons the organism.
how much to eat
It is recommended to consume pistachios for healthy purposes in their natural form, without any type of processing. For therapeutic purposes for impotence or disorders of the lipid spectrum, doctors prescribe 100 g for 3 weeks.
special uses
The fruit of the tree is not only a tasty and nutritious product. Pistachios are widely used in medicine, pharmacology, the food industry, and cosmetology.
In kitchen
Pistachos are used mainly in pastry. Green grains are added to many sweets: cakes, cookies, candies and ice cream.
Oriental cuisine is unthinkable without these fruits. The pistachios are used to season vegetable and meat dishes and to fill the hunt. They are also used as a basis for preparing Rahat-Lukum Turco, Pilaf, Kunefeh and, of course, the famous Turkish Baklava. By the way, in all supermarkets already sold desserts already prepared, delights imported from the Eastern countries.
Use in cosmetology
The fruit is used in cosmetology to make exfoliants, skin care products, hair and nails.
Hair pistachio oil
Natural product used to restore dry hair structure. It is rich in oleic and linoleic acids. It contains essential phytosterols, biotin, vitamin E, calcium.
Strengthens the roots and hair tips, thus avoiding its fall. Oil is recommended to strengthen hair growth and density. On their base enriched masks, shampoos and conditioners are prepared. Just add 7-10 drops to cosmetic products. The mask is applied to hydrated hair for 2 hours and washed.
Nail pistachio oil
This fatty oil is obtained from the pressing of the pistacher fruit. Strengthens the cuticle of the nail bed. Nourishes in depth and moisturizes the surrounding skin. It makes the nails careful, bright and healthy.
Skin pistachio oil
For its composition in fatty acids and its high vitamin E content, pistachio oil is suitable for dry and sensitive skin care. Its application in the form of compresses and applications has a complex effect:
- stimulates collagen synthesis and restores skin elasticity;
- Improves color, rejuvenates the face;
- Calm down irritation, reduces inflammation, eliminates peeling;
- Blanque the freckles and pigmentary spots;
- Phytosterols activate regeneration, eliminate acne footprints, burns, smoothed the surface of the epidermis;
- Tocoferoles protect from solar rays.
A nutritious mask is applied twice a week to nourish the skin. The oil is applied under the sheet for 15-20 minutes and a baby skin is obtained. It is used as a cellulite massage and to tone and reaffirm the thighs.
In medicine
Pistachio oil, whose beneficial properties and contraindications are already well studied, is used for medicinal purposes. It contains 55% of unsaturated oleic acids (Omega-9), 35% linoleic (omega-6) and 10% palmitic (Omega-3). The composition of the pistachio oil contains phytosterols, amino acids, vitamins, oligoements. The set of valuable substances has a key therapeutic effect on diseases
- Gastritis with hyperacidity
- peptic ulcer;
- Enterocolitis;
- anemia;
- impotence;
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- palpitations;
- decrease in immunity.
IMPORTANT: If you use only 10 ml a day, you can get rid of vascular and cardiac problems. Oil is used for exhaustion, to increase vitality, to regain strength after disease.
What is the healthiest pistachio: roasted or raw
To prolong their useful life, manufacturers have, come out and sweeten the pistachios, which has a negative impact on their quality:
- Thermal treatment loses part of its nutrients
- Sala y-grain ingestion can cause edema, especially in summer;
- Tostado increases the caloric value of the pistachios.
Conservation times and methods
The nuts with shell retain their useful properties up to 9 months in the refrigerator and 1 year in the freezer. The pistachios peel has protective properties. At room temperature, the oil containing is rapidly rooted and the product is unusable.
The useful life of the peeled fruit is shortened. Keep the pistachios closed in a glass jar or vacuum packaged. The product will be kept in the refrigerator only 3 months and in the freezer 6 months. In a cellophane bag they will not last more than 3 weeks. Salad pistachios should not be stored.
The pistachios are a delicacy and a dietary product. They are good for men and women if they are consumed natural and without salt or sugar.
