It’s not hard to understand why you might eat pistachios every day. Recognized for their distinctive shells and rich taste, these little nuts are beloved around the world. Ranging from soft green to pale ivory, pistachios provide a delightful crunch and slightly sweet, nutty flavor, making them a perfect companion in a variety of meals and snacks.
But what if you actually do eat pistachios every day? Thankfully, because of their plethora of nutrients, you may reap some pretty impressive benefits when you nosh on these nuts.
Pistachios Nutrition
The following is the nutrition information for 1 serving (1 ounce) of shelled unsalted pistachios:1
- Calories: 165
- Protein: 6 g
- Total fat: 13 g
- Saturated fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Dietary fiber: 3 g
- Total sugar: 2 g
- Added sugar: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 1.7 mg
- Magnesium: 30 mg
- Folate: 14 mg
- Potassium: 277 mg
This is quite the nutrition-packed nut. “Pistachios are a source of complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, they have healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, they are loaded with fiber and they contain antioxidants,” explains Taylor Berggren, M.S., RDN, a California-based registered dietitian.
Health Benefits of Pistachios
You May Have Better Blood Pressure
Pistachios contain nutrients that support healthy blood pressure, including calcium and magnesium. They are also a natural source of potassium, a mineral that helps to counteract the effects of sodium in the body, helping to promote better blood vessel function and normal blood pressure levels.2 In addition to those minerals, pistachios offer heart-healthy compounds like phytosterols and antioxidants, which may provide additional cardiovascular benefits. These nutrients may be responsible for the results of a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials that found pistachio consumption is linked to a decrease in systolic blood pressure (the top number on a reading).3
You May Have Better Eye Health
The gorgeous green and purple hues pistachios possess are partially due to the levels of two carotenoids they contain: lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids not only help make pistachios look super-colorful, they also play a crucial role in protecting our eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in the retina and help filter out potentially damaging light, reducing the risk of eye diseases that lead to vision loss, such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.4
You May Have a Healthy Weight
Some people still think that eating nuts will result in weight gain. However, data shows that pistachio consumption is not associated with weight gain or increased obesity risk.5,6 Pistachios play a valuable role in weight management due to their unique nutritional profile. The combination of protein and fiber in these nuts promotes feelings of fullness, which can help prevent overeating.
What’s more, people who eat pistachios tend to have a healthier diet. Eating 1.5 ounces of pistachios every day for four months is associated with increased fiber intake and decreased consumption of sweets.7 And other data showed that consuming tree nuts (like pistachios) as snacks is linked to a reduction in waist circumference among young adult females compared to eating high-carbohydrate snacks.8
You May Have Better Blood Glucose Control
Eating pistachios may help you manage your blood sugar, making them an excellent choice if you have diabetes or prediabetes.9 Their combination of healthy fats, protein and fiber helps to stabilize blood glucose by slowing down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
You May Have Improved Gut Health
Eating pistachios may give your gut health a boost. Along with their fiber, which can help you stay regular, the nuts may also promote gut health. “A 2023 review study reports that daily pistachio intake increased some bacteria in your microbiome known for their ability to produce butyrate, an essential type of fatty acid that acts as fuel for the cells in your large intestine,” says Berggren.10 Although more research—particularly on humans—is needed, taking care of your gut health is important for your digestion, weight, immune system and more. Pistachios can be part of a gut-healthy diet.
Are Pistachios Safe for Everyone to Eat?
If you have an allergy to pistachios, these nuts are not safe to eat. (If you are allergic to other tree nuts, you may or may not be able to tolerate pistachios; talk to your health care provider.) Otherwise, outside of an allergy, “there are very minimal risks to consuming pistachios,” explains Elizabeth Shaw, M.S., RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and cookbook author. However, she adds, the nuts can be a choking hazard for children under 4, so if you’re sharing the nuts with young eaters, they’re best eaten pureed as a dip.
Additionally, those who experience digestive issues may find that pistachios, when consumed in large amounts, can lead to discomfort due to their high fiber content. Lastly, people with kidney stones or high potassium levels should consult a health care provider before incorporating pistachios into their diet, as the nuts contain oxalates, which may promote stone formation.
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