Pistachios, Healthy and Delicious

Pistachios have benefited from a great PR campaign over recent years. And for a good reason. Their great taste and nutrition profile have made people go nuts over these easily-shelled legumes. Pistachios are filling, lower in calories than many other nuts. With nutritional properties that help with a variety of health conditions and goals, pistachios are a great snack option for many. High in protein and dietary fiber, pistachios are in everything from trail mix to ice cream. Easy to incorporate into an everyday diet, pistachios have many surprising health benefits. One word of caution, however.  If you have a nut allergy, do not consume pistachios without consulting your health provider.

1. Important Source of Antioxidants

Pistachios contain more antioxidants than most nuts and seeds. In fact, only walnuts and pecans contain more per serving. Including antioxidants in your diet can inhibit the population of free radical molecules. These are damaging particles that impede health regeneration of your body at the cellular level. Antioxidants reduce the effects of aging on many of your systems. They prevent cell damage and play a key role in reducing the risk of disease, such as cancer. By helping your body achieve a proper balance of free molecules and antioxidants, your cells regenerate normally. Many degenerative diseases can be avoided or mitigated.