Four Healthy Reasons to Eat Pistachios

Years of research back up pistachios as a healthy snack that can help you maintain good health and lower disease risk.

Managing Blood Sugar

Numerous studies have shown that pistachios have a beneficial effect on blood sugar. A 2011 paper found that pistachios eaten with a meal high in carbohydrates lowered blood glucose response.¹

Weight Management

There’s evidence that pistachio consumption correlates with better weight control. A meta-analysis of 33 studies reported in 2013 compared weight outcomes of a diet including pistachios—among other nuts—against control diets. They concluded that diets enriched with nuts did not increase weight, body mass index, or waist circumference.²

Cardiovascular Health

Studies suggest that pistachios have anti-inflammatory benefits and may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol when eaten as part of an overall healthy diet.³ Additionally, a 2010 study showed significantly lower triglyceride levels in subjects who ate pistachios.⁴

Nutritional Value

Pistachios contain a broad-spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals as well as protein, fiber, and an array of phytochemicals.⁵

References

1. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011;54(6): 696-702.
2. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013;97(6): 1346-55.
3. Br J Nutr. 2015;113:Suppl 2:S79-93.
4. J Am Coll Nutr. 2010;29(3):198-203.
5. J Nurt. 2008;138(9):1736s-40s.