Pistachios significantly reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) while increasing antioxidant levels.
Consuming unsalted, dry roasted pistachios prevents any addition of unwanted fats and additional sodium in the diet that may affect cardiac health adversely and increase hypertension.
Human studies have shown that 32-63 grams per day of pistachio nut can significantly elevate plasma levels of lutein, alpah-carotene, beta-carotene and gamma tocopherol.
Along with being one of the lowest-calorie, lowest-fat and among the highest-fiber nuts, a 30-gram serving of pistachios provides a variety of more than 30 different nutrients, vitamins, minerals and beneficial phytonutrients. Here’s some food for thought:
One serving of pistachios – about 49 kernels – delivers an excellent source of copper, manganese and vitamin B6. They are also a good source of phosphorus and thiamin, and deliver magnesium and potassium, too. In fact, pistachios offer eight percent of the Daily Value of potassium, which is greater than the amount provided by an orange.