Pistachio Benefits and Properties
Pistachios are one of Iran's most important dried nuts; they are high in potassium and packed with nutrients. Kerman Province, and Rafsanjan County in particular, is the main centre of pistachio production in Iran.
Types of Pistachios
Pistachios are classified into four types: Fandoghi, Kaleh Ghouchi, Akbari and Ahmad Aghaei.
Nutritional Value of Pistachios
Pistachios contain a wide range of nutrients, including:
- Protein, amino acids, carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
- Minerals such as iron, sodium, calcium, zinc, copper and potassium.
- Essential vitamins such as vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, thiamine, choline, folate and betaine.
100 grams of pistachio kernels contain:
- Fats: 54 g
- Phosphorus: 500 mg
- Calcium: 130 mg
- Starches: 15 mg
- Iron: 15 mg
- Protein: 20 mg
- Water: 5.2 mg
- Vitamin A: 600 units
- Potassium: 950 mg
- Vitamin B1: 1 mg
- Vitamin B3: 3 mg
Medicinal Properties of Pistachios
- A decoction of pistachio tree bark helps relieve genital itching in women.
- A decoction of the bark and leaves of the pistachio tree helps relieve anal pain and itching.
- Pistachios boost sexual vigor.
- For people with anemia, pistachio kernels help build blood thanks to their iron, and eating a small amount every day is recommended.
- Pistachios strengthen the mind and brain.
- Pistachios help soothe coughs.
- Pistachios strengthen the stomach.
- Pistachios help calm the nerves and the heart.
- Eating pistachios is recommended for clearing the liver ducts.
- They treat dysentery and ordinary diarrhea.
The Most Important Benefits of Pistachios
1. Heart Health
Pistachios are a rich source of amino acids that help prevent hardening of the arteries and the formation of blood clots. Eating pistachios every day lowers LDL, or "bad" cholesterol.
2. Antioxidant Properties
Pistachio skins are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize the free radicals produced by cell metabolism, radicals that contribute to cancer and heart disease.
3. Preventing Macular Disease
Pistachios contain carotenoid antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein, which help reduce the risk of macular disease in older adults.
4. Weight Control
Pistachios are low in calories and in saturated and unsaturated fats, and high in protein, which makes them an excellent choice for anyone on a diet.
5. Better Iron Absorption
Thanks to their high copper content, pistachios help the body absorb iron from food and fight anemia. By raising hemoglobin, they improve blood circulation.
6. Faster Digestion
Pistachios contain dietary fiber and improve the digestive system.
7. Boosting Sexual Performance
Pistachios markedly increase male sexual performance. Research has shown that eating 100 grams of pistachios a day for three weeks can improve erectile dysfunction by about 50 percent.
8. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Thanks to their vitamin E, pistachios can reduce inflammatory factors in the body.
9. Diabetes Control
Thanks to their antioxidants, pistachios help control diabetes by slowing glycation, and they balance blood sugar and blood pressure.
10. A Stronger Immune System
The vitamin B6 in pistachios strengthens the immune system and helps prevent infections and cancers.
11. Protecting Neurons and Nerves
The high levels of vitamin B6 in pistachios help the body build an essential amino acid that benefits the heart and blood vessels.
Pistachios for Hair
12. Stronger Hair
Pistachios are a superb remedy for strengthening hair.
13. Stimulating Hair Growth
The fatty acids in pistachios stimulate healthy hair roots.
14. Treating Hair Loss
Pistachios are rich in biotin, which plays an effective role in reducing hair loss.
15. More Flexible Hair
A pistachio hair mask moisturizes and nourishes the hair and improves its texture.
Pistachios for Skin
16. An Organic Moisturizer
Pistachios are an organic moisturizer. You can replace your daily moisturizer with pistachio oil for smooth, clear skin.
17. Brighter Skin
Pistachios contain essential fatty acids that help keep the skin radiant.
18. Fighting Aging
Pistachios are very helpful against aging: their powerful antioxidants help neutralize free radicals and heal cracked heels and skin.
19. Better Eye Health
Pistachios are very good for eyesight and related problems.
Pistachios During Pregnancy
20. A Rich Source of Protein
The high protein content of pistachios, an essential nutrient during pregnancy, supports the development of the baby's muscles, tissues and bones.
21. Lower Risk of Infection
The vitamin A in pistachios provides antioxidants that clear up infections and help prevent them.
22. Preventing Constipation
Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy, and pistachios, a rich source of fiber, help prevent it.
23. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 is a fatty acid that greatly supports the development of the baby's brain.
Benefits of the White Pistachio Shell
The white shell of the pistachio can be used for hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse. The white shells are boiled in water and poured into a basin; the patient sits in it, which helps relieve the pain.
Benefits of the Green Pistachio Hull
- Chewing it helps heal mouth ulcers.
- To strengthen the gums, rub it on the gums and chew it.
- It is the best remedy for bad breath.
- A decoction of it helps with diarrhea.
- A decoction of the green hull stops vomiting.
- A decoction of it helps stop hiccups; drink one cup.
Benefits of Pistachio Oil
Pistachio oil is excellent for massaging the body and face; it is a good moisturizer and is absorbed quickly. Its omega-6 helps heal surgical scars, prevents wrinkles around the eyes and on the face, and makes hair shine. Consuming the oil is therapeutic too: its phosphorus boosts intelligence and memory, and its folic acid supports the growth and development of the baby's nervous system.
Side Effects of Pistachios
Pistachios are not recommended for people with high blood triglycerides, and they are hard to digest.
Eating too many can cause a feeling of excess bodily heat (in traditional-medicine terms), hives and red spots on the skin.
Pistachios are harmful for people with weak liver function or liver failure and for those with gout, diabetes or kidney problems, and they do not suit people with a "warm" temperament.
How to Store Pistachios
Keep shelled pistachios in a cool, dry place.
How to Enjoy Pistachios
Add pistachios to a salad with fish, eat them at breakfast, sprinkle them over desserts or milk, or enjoy them as a snack.
You can also add pistachios to frozen yogurt or oat cereal for a great, healthy breakfast.