The superfood that lowers cholesterol and prevents diabetes
The pistachio contains multiple health benefits among its properties affecting cholesterol, diabetes or cells earning it the nut superfood status.
This ancient fruit of the pistachio tree has been cultivated for thousands of years in Western Asia, more specifically from central Iran. From there it was exported to the Mediterranean coasts. At that time, its commercialization began to spread throughout the world. However, its importance lies in the multiple health benefits that pistachio has among its properties.
High nutritional content
A wide list of nutrients enhances the properties of pistachio. Among them some of the most important such as proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, antioxidants, different types of vitamins (A, C, E, K and B complex), vegetable fiber, healthy fats and different minerals such as phosphorus, calcium or potassium among others.
Reducing cholesterol
One of the most important properties of pistachio is the decrease in blood levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) , which is what accumulates in the arteries. At the cardiovascular level, it also contains L-arginine, which is an amino acid that prevents irregular coagulation and arterial hardening. Lastly, the presence of antioxidants, phytosterols and fatty acids keep the myocardium, your heart muscles, functioning properly.
Preventing diabetes
Not only is pistachio important at a cardiovascular level, since among its properties it helps to prevent diabetes. The fruit of the pistachio tree contains nutrients that are capable of reducing the glycation process, which is the incorrect connection between carbohydrates, which are sugars, and proteins. The glycation process cancels the proper functioning of proteins. In addition, it helps maintain stable control of blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Keeping cells healthy
As if all this were not enough, the latest studies that have been done on pistachios have shown the ability to preserve the health of cells thanks to edible seeds’ antioxidant capacity. As revealed by Cornell University in the US, the consumption of foods rich in antioxidants such as pistachios is related to a lower incidence of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, notable for its antiproliferative capacity against colon, liver and breast cancer tumor cells.
Therefore, it is recommended to take between 45 and 50 pistachios a day, or what is the same, 30 grams a day of this nut. However, they also have other benefits such as weight control, improving eye health, dermatological protection or eases the digestion process.