The 5 benefits of pistachios
Pistachios are often associated with aperitifs, eaten between chips and cherry tomatoes. But we're wrong! Pistachios are a superfood with many benefits. It's recommended to eat 30g per day, which corresponds to about 45 pistachios. You can enjoy them as a snack or add them to salads or pesto.
.
Number 1. A natural stress reliever.
.
Pistachios are very rich in potassium, which allows them to reduce blood pressure, vascular resistance, and heart rate, all of which are harmful effects of stress, according to a study conducted by Pennsylvania State University. Magnesium, also present in high amounts in pistachios, is an effective stress reliever, especially since most French people have a magnesium intake below the recommended levels. So consider increasing your pistachio intake, for example, as a snack during exam periods or intense stress at work.
. Number 2: Against hair loss.
Pistachios contain significant amounts of biotin. A biotin deficiency is one of the main factors in hair loss. Regular consumption of pistachios helps combat hair loss.
Number 3: Against cholesterol.
Pistachios contain a lot of unsaturated fatty acids, which help reduce "bad cholesterol" without reducing "good cholesterol." But be careful, industrially produced pistachios are often very salty, and salt doesn't mix well with cholesterol. So, there are two solutions: be careful not to buy overly salted pistachios (buy unsalted ones if possible) and soak them in water before eating, which will remove some of the salt.
Number 4: To prevent diabetes.
Pistachios, thanks to their phosphorus content, can prevent type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes in France and often a consequence of obesity. In fact, in one study, 50 diabetics consumed 59 grams of pistachios per day. Their weight didn't decrease, but their blood sugar and insulin levels did.
.
Number 5. Source of vitamins.
.
Pistachios are an incredible source of vitamins: E, B6, beta-carotene, K… They are spectacularly rich in vitamin B6, a vitamin essential for hemoglobin, which then helps increase oxygen transport in the blood, resulting in "better blood."