The pistachio (Pistacia vera) is a nutrient dense food that has been evidenced to have a number of health benefits. The pistachio tree is part of the Anacardiaceae family of trees. The pistachio is not a true tree nut because it is a member of the cashew family of plants, and cashews are not true nuts. Both cashews and pistachios are drupes, in that the trees they grow on produce a fruit and the food we buy as cashews and pistachios are the seeds of these fruits. The fruit is discarded in the manufacturing process, and the seed is often roasted. True nuts have been shown to possess lipid lowering abilities, and this may relate to the nutrients they contain including fibre, polyphenols, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids. As pistachios have similar nutrient profiles compared to tree nuts, it should not be surprising that they are also effective at lowering raised levels of blood lipids. This can make pistachios effective at raising raised levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. Another beneficial effect of pistachios is the ability they possess to generate satiety and lower food intake. This may explain the studies that show that pistachios are associated with a reduction in body weights in those that consume them regularly.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy. Protect Yourself
RdB
Dreher, M. L. 2012. Pistachio nuts: composition and potential health benefits. Nutrition Reviews. 70(4): 234-240
