Pistachios: benefits and harm to the body

There are a considerable number of products that help a person to feel more alert and cheerful. For example, these are pistachios baptized with the “happy nut” because of special properties that positively affect the body. Nuts are very small, have a grayish color, a greenish kernel, are covered with a hard shell and have unique taste.

How and where pistachios grow

Pistachio is the closest relative to cashews, grows in areas with high air temperatures and loves an arid climate. Plants are common in the northwestern part of the African continent, in the Middle East, in Syria and Iran. Pistachios can also be found in Central America, in some areas of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. They grow nuts in the west and south of Europe, as well as in Turkey. In the wild, the plant propagates using seeds or overgrown, if we talk about the artificial environment, then pistachios are grown from cuttings.

Trees feel good in calcium-rich soil, which stimulates their growth. The height of the plants on average does not exceed 6 m, they have a dense and rather low crown. Flowers begin to appear in mid-spring, and crops can be harvested in early autumn. Pistachios are a long-term culture, trees can live up to 400 years. For example, in the city of Samarkand, a tree grows that is already 500 years old. Although pistachios prefer heat and light, they can withstand fairly low temperatures, reaching –25 ° C. At a time when trees had to be harvested by hand, the harvesting procedure was carried out at night. The reason for this is that under the influence of the sun toxic essential oils are released from the foliage. Today, of course, these problems do not interfere with the harvest of fruit in the afternoon, since there are special machines for this purpose.

Kinds

There are about 20 types of pistachios, here are some of them:

1. The real one. One of the most popular types of pistachios. It has delicious large fruits and good yield. Habitat - Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Caucasus, Mediterranean, USA.
2. Duplicate. It is also called wild pistachio, keva and turpentine tree, or false bacout. Habitat - Crimea, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Asia Minor. The tree normally withstands low temperatures, but prefers a hot climate.
3. Chinese The habitat is the north of China. Frost-resistant species is often used as a stock for capricious types of pistachios.
4. American It is also called Mexican. Place of growth - USA and Mexico.
5. Mastic. Another name is mastic. The place of growth is the Mediterranean. Used to obtain resin, which is widely used in traditional medicine and paint and varnish production.
6. Terpentine. The place of growth is the Mediterranean. Small fruits of red color during ripening are filled with black color.The plant is used to produce turpentine, various dishes are made from the kernels.

Composition and calorie content

Pistachios are a very nutritious product that contains a large number of important vitamins and minerals that support the health of the whole body, from the skin to the intestines. It is worth noting that pistachios are quite high in calories and can add a few extra pounds, so you need to be careful when eating, especially if you are worried about your weight. But even so, the benefits of the product far outweigh any potential adverse effects.

100 g of product contain:

• Calories - 572.
• Proteins - 21.1 g.
• Fats - 45.8 g
• Carbohydrates - 18 g.
• Fiber - 10.3 g.
• Vitamin A - 260 IU.
• Vitamin E - 1.8 mg.
• Vitamin K - 3.2 mcg.
• Thiamine - 0.8 mg.
• Vitamin B6 - 1.5 mg.
• Choline - 70 mg.
• Calcium - 110 mg.
• Iron - 4 mg.
• Phosphorus - 480 mg.
• Magnesium - 120 mg.
• Potassium - 1040 mg.
• Zinc - 2.5 mg.
• Copper - 1.5 mg.
• Manganese –1.3 mg.
• Selenium - 9 mcg.

What are pistachios useful for?

General benefit

1. Maintain blood vessel health. There can be many reasons for high blood pressure. One of them is the loss of elasticity of blood vessels. Pistachios help control blood pressure by reducing the stiffness of blood vessels, allowing them to expand better and be more elastic. The composition of pistachios contains the amino acid L-arginine, which promotes vasodilation of blood vessels, as well as other substances that enhance their health. Pistachios reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
2. Stabilize blood glucose. Although pistachios contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates, this is enough to affect glucose uptake. The product contains a lot of protein, fat and fiber, substances that slow down the absorption of glucose and the body's response to insulin. In addition, there are many antioxidants in pistachios that support the work of pancreatic cells that produce insulin.
3. Strengthens heart health. Not everyone knows, but fats can support heart health, especially when it comes to unsaturated fats. Pistachios are rich in both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help regulate LDL cholesterol and improve overall health. The presence of plant sterols and numerous antioxidants in the product also helps maintain heart health.
4. Maintain eye health. Age-related macular degeneration affects millions of people around the world, and in some cases leads to complete blindness. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid antioxidants that can significantly reduce the risk of the onset and development of this ailment. Pistachios are rich in these antioxidants, therefore, their regular use will help maintain eye health for a long time.
5. Help in the work of the intestines. Pistachios are rich in soluble fiber, which helps the intestines to cope with their work, which, in turn, reduces the risk factors for diseases such as cancer, stomach ulcers and others.
6. Maintain skin health. A very common cause of early skin aging is excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Pistachios contain vitamin E, which is one of the best for maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin E reflects part of the ultraviolet radiation, also helping to reduce damage to the skin.
7. Maintain a healthy nervous system. Pistachios are rich in vitamin B6, which helps the body maintain protein metabolism. Protein metabolism affects the formation of the myelin sheath, which interacts with nerve fibers. This shell provides the passage of electrical impulses along the nerves.
8. Increase sexual desire. Sometimes the reason for low sexual desire may be a lack of fat in the diet.Testosterone is the main determinant of sex drive, and for its production in the body there must be a sufficient amount of fat and cholesterol. It is worth noting that selenium and zinc, substances that are also found in pistachios, help produce testosterone.
9. Reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. In many cases, the cause of skin cancer is excessive exposure to the sun, which provokes mutations in skin cells. Pistachios contain vitamin E, which blocks the penetration of harmful ultraviolet rays into the skin. It also helps protect cell membranes from ultraviolet radiation and dehydration, enhancing cell health.
10. Maintain healthy hair. To maintain healthy hair, the body needs a constant supply of vitamins and minerals. The most important are vitamin E and biotin. Pistachios contain both of these nutrients, as well as the amino acid L-arginine, which improves blood circulation, including in the head area. A common cause of hair loss is poor blood flow to the hair follicles, which can lead to a loss of nutrients to the hair.
11. Rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants play a very important role in human life, as they protect the body from the adverse substances with which it interacts daily. Pistachios are an excellent natural source of antioxidants along with other phytochemicals such as vitamin E or carotenes, which help in the fight against free radicals and the side effects associated with them. By removing toxic oxygen-free radicals from the body, pistachios reduce the risk of developing cancer and also strengthen the immune system.

For women

Despite the fact that pistachio fruits have many calories, they are recommended for use by women who want to get rid of extra pounds. Nuts also strengthen the heart muscle and normalize the circulatory system, which helps rejuvenate the body. Pistachios maintain healthy nails and hair and even smooth out shallow wrinkles. Pistachio oil has anti-inflammatory, wound healing and whitening properties. It is used in the field of cosmetology, helps to remove age spots, freckles and fights wrinkles.

For men

Many experts say that pistachios should be included in the daily diet of every man. The main reason is that this product has a beneficial effect on male power. A decrease in hormones in the body at a young age leads to disruption of the reproductive system. The causes of this condition can be different, starting from a sedentary lifestyle and ending with improper nutrition. Often this leads to a decrease in sexual desire, while few decide to consult a specialist on this issue, and is engaged in self-medication. Of course, pistachios are not a panacea, and they are not able to fully solve this problem, but at the same time they will help restore masculine strength and have a beneficial effect on potency and sexual activity.

It is also important to note that nuts improve sperm quality, increasing their viability, so the chances of potential paternity will increase significantly.

During pregnancy

Pistachios are useful for the expectant mother, as they fill her body with iron and enrich with calcium. Raw fruits are considered the most useful, since they most effectively improve maternal and child health indicators.

Another advantage of using pistachios during pregnancy is that the product helps to reduce the manifestation of toxicosis, which can cause serious discomfort to a woman. Pistachios also facilitate the general condition of the body and support the normal functioning of the liver. The only thing worth paying attention to is the high calorie content of the product, which can affect body weight. During pregnancy, you can eat up to 15 nuts per day.

When breastfeeding

There is no definite answer to the question - is it possible to use pistachios during breastfeeding? Some say that this product has a beneficial effect on breast milk, and also strengthens and tones the body. Others say that pistachios can cause allergies, so they are banned from the postpartum period. In any case, it must be remembered that the stomach of the newborn is not yet adapted to serious food and is not able to absorb some substances, which is why allergic reactions occur. As a rule, in such cases, the child has a rash on the cheeks.

At the same time, experts advise not to give up pistachios at all, the main thing is to limit their consumption until the child is 7-8 months old. At this age, the child’s body can already properly absorb this product. You need to start with small portions. It is necessary to introduce the product in stages, while carefully monitoring the reaction of the child. In case of rash or redness - it is necessary to exclude pistachios from your menu and consult a doctor about this.

For kids

Pistachios are also useful for children, but only if the measure of consumption is observed, the age of the child is taken into account. The most suitable time for including nuts in a children's diet is 3 years. At this point, the organs responsible for digestion will already contain enzymes that are designed to digest nuts.

In the first step, not more than a quarter of the nut should be given, and it is better that the product is an ingredient in some dessert. Use the product before lunch, so that in case of symptoms you can notice them. In the case of even mild side effects, you should consult a specialist. If the child has a tendency to allergies, then it is not recommended to accustom him to pistachios until he turns 5 years old.

When losing weight

Although pistachios are rich in vegetable fats, most of them are unsaturated. At the same time, they contain no less amount of proteins and fiber. This product has a beneficial effect on the body, while it does not cause insulin responses and does not convert excess calories to subcutaneous fat. Pistachios have a low glycemic index.

Pistachio nuts are a good source of complex carbohydrates that the body needs to recover, especially during a grueling diet. Complex carbohydrates tend to break down for a long time, so they retain a feeling of fullness for much longer, eliminating hunger attacks throughout the day. Pistachios are an excellent alternative to biscuits, chocolate and sunflower seeds, that is, those foods that often become most attractive during severe fasting. Nuts are recommended for use by everyone who adheres to a strict diet. They will allow you to withstand a meager menu for much longer, as well as saturate with energy and protect from depressive states.

Are salted and fried pistachios useful?

The level of usefulness of pistachios largely depends on the type in which they are used; fresh and unprocessed nuts are considered the most useful. Tastier but less healthy - salted and toasted pistachios. In fact, any processing of the product will remove some of its beneficial properties. For example, if the product contains a lot of salt, then this can have a negative effect on blood pressure. Excessive intake may cause nausea and dizziness. When frying, the availability of beneficial amino acids and fatty acids decreases, so it is recommended to eat raw nuts, not fried.

Pistachio oil: properties and applications

Pistachio oil is one of the most beneficial vegetable oils available. The product is not only rich in beneficial amino acids, but also has a very strong nutty flavor and outstanding emollient properties.

Pistachio oil improves overall health and is also especially beneficial for the skin, as it can help maintain the necessary amount of moisture in the skin, preventing it from drying out. Pistachio oil is used not only in the field of cooking, but also in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, as well as in aroma and massage therapy due to its pleasant, intense and relaxing effect.

Pistachios in medicine

Pistachios are also used in the field of medicine. For example, processed fruits can be consumed in case of digestive upsets or they can be used to make infusions that help to avoid infection when a snake bites. Decoctions also help get rid of vomiting, asthenia, gastrointestinal diseases and anemia. Pistachios have an antitussive effect, so they can help with bronchitis.

With diabetes

With regular use of pistachios, the risk of developing and progressing diabetes is significantly reduced. The product is rich in proteins, fiber and monounsaturated fats, which help to remove toxins from the body, toxins, cleanse the blood and thereby prevent the onset of diabetes.

People who already suffer from this ailment (especially in the initial stage) are recommended to consume up to one handful of pistachios per day. In the near future, you can feel better, and the disease will practically cease to resemble itself. Naturally, pistachios will not completely cure diabetes, but they will play an important role in combination with other effective drugs.

Important: the glycemic index of pistachios is 15 units.

With pancreatitis

Pistachios can be included in your menu for pancreatitis only during the period of remission, which should last at least 6 months. Starting from 6 months you can slowly add nuts to your diet, it is recommended to eat 2 tbsp. 2-3 times a week. At the first stage, it is necessary to monitor the body's reaction to the product.

With pancreatitis, only unsalted nuts are allowed. During an exacerbation of pancreatitis, it is strictly forbidden to use pistachios, and even in the case of a slight weakening of symptoms. It must be remembered that this product can provoke irritation of the mucous membrane, as a result of which the effect of a therapeutic diet and drug therapy is reduced to "no."

In large quantities, pistachios are forbidden, because they contain a lot of fiber, which stimulates intestinal motility and accelerates metabolic processes. In the case of pancreatitis, much depends on the patient's condition and the characteristics of the course of the disease. If the ailment has been in remission for a long time, then it is allowed to relax restrictions and include pistachios in your diet, while it is important not to abuse it. It is highly recommended to grind nuts, as this will facilitate the digestive tract.

With gastritis

Due to the excessively hard consistency, as well as complex digestibility, pistachios are considered unacceptable food for gastritis. Indeed, nuts can damage the inflamed mucous membrane of the stomach, but this only means that the product cannot be consumed in its entirety. If the pistachios are served in chopped or mashed form, then you can eat them. A blender or even an ordinary coffee grinder is suitable for processing the product. Small crumbs obtained by chopping nuts are quite suitable for use in case of gastritis.

It is important to note that there are still some restrictions on the use of this product for inflammation of the stomach. Pistachios are forbidden to eat on an empty stomach, and it is also important to observe moderation. In general, with gastritis, pistachios are allowed, but only in crushed form and in the absence of an exacerbation of the disease.

For constipation

Pistachios are allowed to be used for constipation, but it is recommended to focus not on nuts, but on oil from them. The oil that is obtained from the fruit can help get rid of constipation and other gastrointestinal diseases. Pistachio oil will contribute to a more efficient removal of toxins from the body.

With gout

Pistachios are not recommended for gout. Purines are present in the nuts, and even they are not the main reason for the prohibition of the use of this product. Pistachios can provoke the occurrence of edema by retaining fluid in the body, especially when it comes to salted nuts. They can cause swelling of the affected joints and impair kidney function, as a result of which uric acid will not be able to leave the body normally.

For the liver

Pistachios have a beneficial effect on the liver, as it normalizes its work and cleanses the bile ducts from blockages. Even a small amount of nuts can relieve hepatic colic.

Recipes of traditional medicine based on pistachios

Decoction when weakening the body

1. Pistachio fruits (20 g) pour boiling water (1 cup) and put cook on low heat.
2. After boiling, leave to boil for a few more minutes.
3. Strain the broth.
4. Drink a drink (pistachios can be eaten) in 2-3 doses for one day. This should be done half an hour before a meal.

From constipation, to normalize digestion

Every morning for 30 days, consume 1-2 tsp. pistachio oil (on an empty stomach).

With diseases of the skin

Many people suffer from excessive peeling of the skin. To do this, 3-4 times a day, lubricate problem areas of the skin with pistachio oil. It is necessary to be treated before recovery.

To increase impotence

For 25-30 days, use pistachios daily (the look is real). Daily intake is 100 g.

Prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetes

Eat a serving of pistachios daily. Daily intake is 50 g.

In case of renal colic

Nuts will help in this case to remove renal colic. Daily intake - 1 handful of nuts.

Pistachios in cosmetology

In the field of cosmetology, pistachio oil is widely used. It contains phytosterols and vitamin E - substances that have a moisturizing and softening effect. This product is often present in various massage blends. It contributes to the improvement of sliding properties and therefore is excellent for massage procedures. The oil has the property of being easily distributed over the skin and absorbed quickly, giving the skin smoothness. Phytosterols activate skin regeneration processes, strengthen its barrier functions. They influence the process of collagen synthesis, and also contribute to the restoration of elasticity.

The oil has anti-inflammatory properties, heals and soothes irritated skin. It can also be found in various anti-aging products. The oil is used to care for dry skin and dry hair.

Mask for dry skin

1. In pistachio oil (1 tablespoon) add the etheric fees (rose, chamomile and sandalwood - 1 drop each) and mix.
2. Apply the mask on a napkin and apply to problem areas.
3. Wait 20 minutes. Wash your face.

Mask for shine and silkiness of hair

1. Add pistachio (1 tablespoon) and olive (1 tablespoon) oil to the yolk.
2. Spread the mixture along the entire length of the hair and wrap your head.
3. Wait 2 hours.
4. Rinse with lemon water or use a decoction of chamomile.

The use of pistachios in cooking

Pistachios can be used as an independent snack, or as part of a dish. For example, they are indispensable in the manufacture of sweets, cookies, chocolate. Oriental sweets - halva, pastilles and kazinaki - cannot do without these nuts either.

Pistachios go well with meat dishes and pastes. In powder form, this product is used with fish. In some national cuisines, they stuff the birds with nuts. They can be a part of sauces both for salty dishes, and for sweet. Pistachio ice cream is quite popular, which has a greenish tint and a nutty flavor. In addition, some beer lovers use pistachio fruits as an independent snack to drink.

Harm and contraindications

Contraindications depend on the composition of the product, the characteristics of its production and storage:

1. Excessive consumption of nuts can negatively affect the kidneys.
2. There is a risk of contracting aflatoxin. It is a carcinogen that weakens the immune system and provokes the development of liver cancer.
3. Salted pistachios can cause the formation of edema.
4. Pistachios can become a carrier of salmonella - a dangerous food bacteria.

In addition, this product may cause allergies.

Symptoms of pistachio allergy:

• coughing or sneezing;
• swelling of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract or tongue;
• tingling sensation in the mouth;
• itching

It is important to note that children are very sensitive to allergens, therefore, the manifestation of allergic reactions to the product in them can be in a particularly acute form. Pistachios can cause choking, severe runny nose, and skin rashes. Some children may experience diarrhea, nausea, and fever.

How to choose and store pistachios

When choosing pistachios, you should pay attention to the shell of nuts. It should have either a cream or white (slightly dirty) color. No cracks or stains are allowed. Pistachio kernels should be green. Foreign odors, such as mold, should not come from the product. It is also worth paying attention to the shelf life of the product, usually it is indicated on the package.

Keep nuts separately from other products so that foreign odors are not absorbed into them. Keep them in a sealed container. If we are talking about unsalted nuts, then they can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 months, in the freezer - up to 1 year.

How to eat pistachios

Before eating, pistachios should be peeled and soaked in cool water for several hours. This procedure will help remove the skin from the kernel or soften it significantly, make nuts as useful as possible and improve their digestibility.

How much can you eat per day

The recommended daily allowance is 30 g of pistachios, which is about 50 nuts.

Can I eat at night

Pistachios are great as a snack before bedtime, because they contain the optimal amount of fat and calories that will pacify evening hunger.

How to open closed pistachios

To open a pistachio, which does not have a crack, you can use special forceps. If they are not, then you can use pliers or a garlic squeezer. The shell can also be broken with a hammer. If there is even a small crack on the pistachio, then it will be convenient to open it with a simple coin or shell from an already chopped nut. To do this, insert it into the crack and crank it so that the shell opens completely.

Pistachios, of course, can be opened with your hands, for example, with your nails, but this can damage them. You can also use industrial machines for cracking, use the method of soaking and drying.You can even use ice to break the shell.

Can Pistachios in Post

It is allowed to eat seeds and nuts in fasting, so you can also eat pistachios.

How to fry pistachios

Pistachios should be sorted out and discarded worthless nuts. After that you need:

• pour nuts in one layer on a thick skillet;
• put to fry, while the pistachios must be stirred all the time (up to half an hour);
• pour the nuts on a plate and let them cool.

Is it possible to give animals pistachios

Pistachios are contraindicated in dogs because they are toxic. Do not give them to your pet, otherwise the animal may manifest urolithiasis. It is better not to feed cats with nuts, as this can provoke diarrhea, vomiting or even pancreatitis.

Interesting facts about pistachios

1. A study by Pennsylvania State University revealed that regular pistachio consumption minimizes stress on the body.
2. This is a funny fact that few people know that pistachios are not nuts in fact. In fact, pistachios are seeds. The reason this product is referred to as nuts is because they look like nuts and are also part of the cashew family. It is important to note that not only nuts are present in the cashew family, so attributing the whole family to nuts is not entirely true.
3. Pistachios were once considered a very valuable and nutritious product, especially to the taste of the Queen of Sheba. She declared this product exclusively royal food, and therefore only nobles were allowed to eat nuts. In fact, the queen took the pistachios so seriously that she even forbade commoners from cultivating them. But the Queen of Sheba was not the only one whose passion for pistachios was embodied in history, since it is also known that the Babylonian kings revered this product. Pistachios in ancient Babylon were so appreciated that King Nebuchadnezzar even ordered that this culture be planted in the famous Hanging Gardens.
4. Little is known that the natural color of pistachios is green, and that they are often tinted to make nuts more attractive to consumers.
5. For centuries, people have used pistachios not only to maintain their general health or because of their taste, but also because chewing pistachio resin whitens their teeth and freshens their breath.
6. One of the many areas of application of pistachios in ancient times was precisely traditional medicine, where they were widely used as part of folk remedies that were intended to treat various ailments - from toothaches to liver sclerosis.
7. Pistachios were the favorite food of the first travelers and traders. They, as a rule, were taken by mariners who traveled long distances, since they believed that nuts had high nutritional value and had a long shelf life.

Pistachios photo