Amazing Benefits Of Pistachios (Pista) For Skin, Hair, And Health

Pistachio, commonly famous by the name ‘Pista‘ in (Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and Punjabi) also known as ‘Pistha Pappu‘ in Telugu is from Western Asia but it is mostly also available in the Mediterranean region. The nutrient rich pistachio is a nut. Actually, pistachio is a fruit, but the outer shell of the fruit is removed and the yellow colored seed kernel is usually eaten as it is edible.

You might already know about the health benefits of nuts. So let’s take a deep look into pistachio health benefits.

Pistachios’ Health Benefits

1. Healthy heart

Pistachios help in reducing bad cholesterol, and LDL and increase good cholesterol, and HDL in the body thus preventing heart diseases. It also increases the strength of the nerves making the heart stronger.

2. Anti-inflammation properties:

Pistachio benefits include the presence of vitamin A, vitamin E and anti-inflammatory properties reducing the inflammation in the body caused due to any problems.

3. Prevents diabetes

60% of the daily required phosphorous is present in a cup of pistachios which can prevent even type-2 diabetes. Also phosphorous in pistachios helps in breaking down proteins into amino acids resulting in glucose tolerance.

4. Haemoglobin and blood

Vitamin B6 is the protein that helps in carrying oxygen in the blood. The high quantity of B6 in pistachios if taken daily can increase the oxygen quantity in the blood and increase the hemoglobin count in it.

5. Nervous system

Vitamin B6 is present in high concentrations in pistachios which is very beneficial to the nervous system. Amines are the messaging molecules in the nervous system. In order to develop, they need amino acids which are dependent on vitamin B6 presence in the body. This vitamin builds a sheath called myelin around the nerve fibers. And messages pass via Nerve fibers from one nerve to another. Vitamin B6 helps in building many amino acids which help in the proper transmission of nerve impulses.

6. Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an age related eye disease that slowly reduces eye vision making adults unable to read and work properly. It makes them unable to recognize people as well. Free radicals attack the cells and damage them resulting in macular degeneration. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two anti-oxidants that are found in Pistachios that fight against these free radicals and destroy them preventing the cells from being damaged and thus preventing macular degeneration.

7. Boosts immunity

Vitamin B6 is very important for a healthy immune system. This helps in building blood and proper blood supply throughout the body.

8. Healthy brain

Vitamin B6, which is present in high quantities in pistachios helps in increasing the hemoglobin count in the blood. This oxygen rich blood is then supplied to the brain making it even more active.

9. Healthy glands

Glands like the spleen, thymus, etc become healthier and work properly with a good supply of blood containing more white blood cells (WBC) that are required to fight against infections.

10. Healthy skin

Vitamin E is very essential for healthy skin and this anti-oxidant is present in pistachios. It integrates the cell membranes of the mucous membranes of the skin membranes. It protects skin from harmful UV rays, prevents skin diseases, and makes skin healthy and more beautiful.

11. Anti-ageing

Vitamin E present in pistachios helps fight the aging process of the skin and makes you look younger. the oil present in this nut has emollient properties helping skin to moisturize and keep it from drying. It is used as aroma oil, medicinal massage oil, etc.

12. Prevents cancers and infections

Vitamin B6 helps in increasing the blood count. The WBC or white blood cells help in preventing infections and various cancers.

Pistachios’ Skin Benefits

13. Natural Moisturizer

Pistachio oil is an excellent natural moisturizer. It happens to be naturally infused with demulcent properties which tend to have highly hydrating and smoothening effects on the skin. You can consider substituting your regular moisturizer with Pistachio oil in order to get that smooth and silky skin.

14. Fights Aging

Did you know that Pistachio is highly beneficial when it comes to aging? They contain a variety of potent antioxidants that tend to neutralize free radicals, a chief culprit behind premature aging, and in ensuring soft & silky skin for a longer time.

15. Gives Skin Natural Glow

Pistachios contain a considerable amount of essential fatty acids which are vital for maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion. Including green apples in your routine diet help you ensure robust, radiant skin all the time.

16. Maintains Skin Health

Being a rich source of vitamin E, a fat soluble antioxidant, Pistachios play a vital role in maintaining hale and hearty skin. They protect your skin from sun damage, thereby reducing the odds of skin cancer and sunburns.

17. Improves Vision

Pistachios help promote healthy vision and are highly recommended to those struggling with any vision related issues.

Pistachios’ Hair Benefits

Similar to skin, pistachios have much to offer for hair care as well:

18. Stimulates Hair Growth

Thanks to being the host of various hair benefiting fatty acids, pistachios stimulate the growth of healthy strands.

19. Makes Hair Strong

It is also an excellent treatment for strengthening the locks.

20. Increases Flexibility Of Hair

A hair mask using pistachios deeply nourishes and moisturizes your hair while improving the flexibility of hair fibers. In addition, it is also a great remedy for treating split ends, and dehydrated and color damaged hair.

21. Fights Hair Loss

Biotin deficiency is among the key factors contributing to hair loss. Pistachios contain a considerable amount of biotin and their regular consumption may help you combat hair loss effectively.

Pistachios: How to Select and Store them?

• Pistachios are available in many different forms such as unshelled, shelled, salted, roasted, etc. It is always advisable to settle on raw, shelled pistachios rather than processed and salted ones as they lose large nutritious values while processing.
• Also, make sure not to pick the pistachios having some cracks other than the natural cleave or having a rancid smell.
• Stock up the shelled pistachios in a sealed, airtight container and unshelled in a cool, dry place. You can also freeze or refrigerate pistachios for almost one year.

Some useful tips

Pistachios can be included in your diet in many ways. You can eat them in the raw form or get them roasted before eating for added taste.

• Adding pistachios to brown rice and herbs is also a great way to supplement its intake. Moreover, it also tastes delicious when served with fruits.
• You can also add pistachios to cookies, muffins, bread, or biscuits.
• Sprinkling chopped pistachios onto ice cream is also a great option.
• Add it to cream cheese spreads for sandwiches or crackers.
• Pistachio can also be a crunchy addition to regular salads and yogurt etc.

Hope this article has helped you understand the benefits of pistachios for skin, hair, and health. Do incorporate them into your diet and share your experiences with us.

PRINCIPLE	NUTRIENT VALUE	PERCENTAGE OF RDA
Energy	557 Kcal	29%
Carbohydrates	27.97 g	21.5%
Protein	20.60 g	37%
Total Fat	44.44 g	148%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	10.3g	27%
VITAMINS
Folates	51 µg	13%
Niacin	1.3 mg	8%
Pantothenic acid	0.520 mg	10%
Pyridoxine	1.7 mg	131%
Riboflavin	0.160 mg	12%
Thiamin	0.870 mg	72.5%
Vitamin A	553 IU	18%
Vitamin C	5 mg	8%
Vitamin E-γ	22.60 mg	150%
ELECTROLYTES
Sodium	1 mg	0%
Potassium	1025 mg	22%
MINERALS
Calcium	107 mg	11%
Copper	1.3 mg	144%
Iron	4.15 mg	52%
Magnesium	121 mg	30%
Manganese	1.2 mg	52%
Phosphorus	376 mg	54%
Selenium	7 µg	13%
Zinc	2.20 mg	20%
PHYTO-NUTRIENTS
Carotene-ß	332 µg	—
Crypto-xanthin-ß	0 µg	—
Lutein-zeaxanthin	0 µg	—