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Eating Pistachio’s may help you live longer

This food may be beneficial for your mind as well as your body.

By Cheryl E PrestonPublished 4 years ago Updated 2 years ago 3 min read
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Pistachios in and out of the shell

A Pistachio is a small tree, that originally wss located in the Middle East and central Asia. This tree produces small greenish colored nuts that are enclosed in what looks like an oyster shell. Pistachios are loaded with essential nutrients that includes vitamins as well as the minerals, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Pistachios also contain protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and good fats. Because of this nutritional content, this crunchy snack is rich in health benefits that along with other healthy lifestyle choices may increase your lifespan.

Baby boomers, (those born between 1948 and 1964) are not as accepting of the ill used of aging as were their parents and grandparents. Many in this generation are seeking to live longer, healthier lives. Research continues to show the connection to what we eat, in relation to how well we age or not. and older Americans today are paying attention. Many baby boomers grew up eating potato chips and candy bars along with drinking soft drinks on a regular basis. Changing the diet from these unhealthy snacks to nuts such as pistachios may aid in reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Pistachios can help decrease the risk of heart disease, nourish the skin, aid digestion, protect the eyelids, and help maintain body weight. Pistachios are delicious nuts that can be eaten as a snack. A benefit is that you can open the shell with your fingers, unlike sunflower seeds where the shell has to be cracked with the teeth. Pistachios are a wonderful replacement for potato chips and other salty, unhealthy snacks. If you need a crunchy snack switch to pistachios. You will decrease your intake of sodium and bad fats, while replacing them with vitamins, minerals, and good fats which is a double bonus for your health.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture the nutritional content of a half cup serving of Pistachios is as follows:

Calories: 159

Fat: 12.85

Fiber: 3.0

Carbohydrates 7:70

Potassium: 291 mg

Protein: 5.72 grams (g)

Sugars: 2.17 g

Thiamin: 0.247 mg

Vitamin B6 0.482 mg

Phosphorus: 139 mg

Magnesium: 34 mg

One half cup serving of pistachios provides 37 percent of the adult daily recommended allowance of vitamin B6. This vitamin is necessary for proper protein metabolism and cognitive development. Pistachios are one of the lowest calorie nuts you can eat which means they will not cause unnecessary weight gain if you are involved in other healthy lifestyle choices and monitor your caloric intake.

Pistachios have a higher concentration of antioxidants than other nuts and research suggests that antioxidants may reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases by protecting our cells and preventing inflammation, Pistachios are also generic for eye health as eating them on a regular basis increase the presence of the antioxidant lutein, which is needed for proper eyesight. According to Medical News Today, eating pistachios on a regular basis decreases the risk of colon cancer and lowers the chances of women developing hearth disease. Both heart disease and cancer are the cause of millions of deaths each year, so again this alludes to the ability of these healthy huts to assist in living longer.

The article you have just read, is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cute any medical conditions. It is for informational purposes only. There is no such thing as one miracle food that will erase all your ills. Pistachios, however, in conjunction with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise will assist what you are already incorporating that can add life to your years, and years to your life. If you are prone to allergic reactions please be careful when eating nut products.

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About the Creator

Cheryl E Preston

Cheryl is a widow who enjoys writing about current events, soap spoilers and baby boomer nostalgia. Tips are greatly appreciated.

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