What are the benefits of eating pistachios?

Pistachios are more than just a tasty snack. These little nuts have many beneficial properties for health. Discover some of the benefits of eating pistachios and learn how you can incorporate them into your daily diet.Compared to other nuts, pistachios have much fewer calories. For example, pecans have 193 calories, while pistachios only contain 156. This is based on a serving of 28 grams. But that's not all. Pistachios are the second highest protein-dense nut (after the almond). Around 20% of their weight is protein.Eating pistachios can help you lose weight. The high levels of protein and fiber make you feel full for longer, which prevents overeating. However, you should be mindful of the amount of pistachios you eat daily; otherwise, their effect may be counterproductive.According to the American Optometric Association, two antioxidants present in pistachios (lutein and zeaxanthin) help maintain eye health, preventing diseases like cataracts.Regular consumption of pistachios is associated with better gut flora. According to a study conducted in 2012, the prebiotics found in pistachios help increase the levels of good bacteria in the intestines.The copper levels in pistachios are quite high, so including them in your daily diet can impact iron absorption. This way, pistachios are great allies in treating diseases like anemia.Pistachios also help reduce blood sugar levels. Their consumption is especially recommended for pregnant women who have gestational diabetes, as eating a serving of pistachios daily lowers sugar levels.How can you eat pistachios?As a snackFor baking cakes or breadsGround in smoothies or dessertsSimply toasted in salads or pastasIn a mix of granola or cerealsHere are some recipes to cook using pistachios:Pistachio CreamMango and Pistachio PopsicleCheese, Banana, and Pistachio SnackKiwi Yogurt with Quinoa and Pistachios