Consciously choosing food, not only for its taste but for its protective effect on the body, along with regular physical exercise is essential to enjoy a healthy life. The American Pistachio Growers, a non-profit trade organization representing 865 growers, processors and industry agents in California, Arizona and New Mexico, has been conducting studies for years to better understand the nutritional composition of pistachios and their health effects. Day. Learn about five benefits of pistachios and their effects on your health.
Knowledge has recently been gained about the excellent antioxidant capacity of American pistachios; that it is a high potency vegetable protein source; Which is a food rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, healthy fats and phytosterols… But, does all this have an impact on health? Find out what happens if you add them to your diet.
You have a lower risk of heart disease
It has been proven that daily intake of pistachios (20% of total calories in the diet), for a period of four weeks, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by reducing peripheral vascular resistance, both during rest and during stressful situations. In. Spicy. Studies suggest that the healthy fats and phytosterols from pistachios contribute to lowering blood pressure: and, due to effects on the microbiota, this may have cardio-metabolic protective consequences. In addition, pistachios improve endothelial function and endothelial stiffness.
You have a lower risk of developing diabetes
Studies also show that pistachios improve glucose metabolism reducing diabetes. Thus, according to a study conducted by Dr. Mónica Bulo, research professor at the Human Nutrition Unit of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology of the University of Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, pistachios will help fight type II diabetes, reducing blood levels . Glucose. “In treating diabetes, pistachios are more effective than other nuts because of their high fiber, beta-carotene, and procyanidin content,” says Bülow.
And, he adds, “regular consumption of pistachios has a significant effect on lowering glucose and insulin; And, it may even help reverse some of the harmful metabolic consequences of prediabetes. This is because pistachios are a low-carbohydrate food, containing high amounts of fiber, protein, and other substances that have the potential to reduce the postprandial glucose rise.”
You’re less likely to have cholesterol
Pistachios contribute to the effect of improving the lipid profile by reducing blood levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which are known to be bad cholesterol due to the contribution of large amounts of monounsaturated fat. In addition, the contribution of lutein to the body also contributes to increasing the level of antioxidants in the blood, which reduce the chances of heart diseases and arterial problems.
You reduce your chances of getting certain cancers
The antioxidant capacity of pistachios rivals those commonly known for their antioxidant power such as blueberries, pomegranates, cherries or beets and even red wine. Thus, pistachios contain special constituents such as important phytochemicals, including various members of the vitamin E family (β-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol), carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin), phenolics and flavonoids, which have been shown to Is. Inhibiting cancer growth in all three cancer cells (breast, liver and colon) without causing cytotoxicity to the cells.
You are less likely to be overweight
Daily consumption of pistachios (28 grams, approximately 49 seeds) has been shown not to change waist circumference; What’s more, it satisfies your hunger between meals if you take it in the morning or mid-afternoon. For this reason, it is said that pistachios are distinguished for their high satiety power and adaptability to weight control diets.