Pistachio Nuts: Nutritional Benefits & Health Advantages

A 1992 medical study, the "Adventist Health Study," published by Loma Linda University has shown that eating nuts on a daily basis will greatly improve a person's health. Pistachio nuts, with their distinct, salty taste and yellow-green color, are full of many beneficial nutrients that can help round out a healthy diet and protect against various health concerns as well. For the most effect, eat these nuts raw.

Phytosterols

• Pistachios are rich in phytosterols, which are compounds that are known to have some slight anti-cancer properties. More importantly, they are very good at helping to lower cholesterol.

Blood Pressure

• Pistachios can help to lower blood pressure in people who suffer from hypertension. This is because of the calcium, magnesium, and potassium in the nuts.

Potassium

• Pistachios have more potassium than any other nut out there. One ounce of pistachios contains 310 mg of potassium, as much as one orange.

Vitamin E

• These nuts are a good source of vitamin E. This vitamin is important for boosting the immune system and for resisting fatigue.

Protein

• Protein, which is important for building muscle, among other reasons, is found in pistachios. One ounce of the nut contains six grams of protein.