Pista nuts are mostly used in snacks and desserts. Find out the benefits of Pista for health.

What is Pista?

Pistachio nuts are commonly known as pista in many regions like Pakistan and India. Pistachios make a delicious snack in a variety of ways, whether you prefer the nuts themselves, pistachio ice cream, or pistachio chocolate (yes, the viral bar!). But why do we adore pistachios so much, and what are their advantages? Let’s take a closer look.

What are pistachio nuts and its benefits? 

Perhaps surprisingly, pistachio nuts belong to the cashew family and are the seeds of the pistachio tree. Vitamin B61, which aids in the body’s oxygen transport, is one of the many vitamins and minerals that pistachios are packed with.

Although pistachio shells can be yellow or other hues of other greens, foods that contain pistachios are frequently a distinctive green. Crack open the hard outer shell to reveal a delicious nut with a little sweet flavor that can occasionally be counterbalanced by adding salt. This nut is known as Pista. 

Where does Pista come from?

Pistachio (Pista) nuts are the seeds of the stone fruits that are produced on the Pistacia Vera tree.

The pistachio tree is thought to have originated in Western Asia, Asia Minor, spanning from Syria to the Caucasus and Afghanistan, approximately 7,000 BC. It is now grown throughout the Middle East and Asia. Actually, Iran produces nearly all of the world’s pistachios, with the United States coming in second.

7 Benefits of Pista for Health: 

Here we will explain what are the pista benefits for health.

1. Antioxidants are more abundant in pistachio nuts than in most other nuts and seeds. Actually, only pecans and walnuts beat the pistachio or pista nut per serving. Increasing the amount of antioxidants in your diet can aid in cell renewal, which may lessen the symptoms of aging and even illness.

2. Pistachio or pista nuts are an excellent method to incorporate protein into any diet because they contain 6g of protein per ounce serving.

   At least 15% of your daily protein macronutrient requirements can be met by the plant protein included in two servings of pistachios.

3. Pistachios’ greater protein and fiber content may contribute to their health benefits by making you feel satiated for longer. Due to the possibility of reducing cravings, this can also aid in weight loss.

4. By keeping digestion going, eating small amounts of pistachios may improve the general health of your gastrointestinal tract.

   Typically, dietary fiber passes through the digestive tract undigested. But as they are broken down by your gut’s beneficial bacteria, some fibers—like pistachios—act as prebiotics in your body, maintaining the health of your digestive tract.

5. Your heart’s capacity to circulate blood throughout your body can be enhanced by lowering your cholesterol. Pistachios can help lower cholesterol when combined with a nutritious, well-balanced diet that limits saturated fat consumption.

6. Nut consumption has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

   When compared to a usual diet, a balanced meal that included pistachio nuts decreased blood pressure and vascular resistance during acute stress, according to a small study supported by the American Pistachio Growers.

7. Pistachios may help prevent eye aging, according to research.

   The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which give pistachios their green hue, shield the eyes from cellular damage and may improve vision as you age.

Side effects of Pista For Health: 

Although roasted pistachios with salt should be avoided, raw pistachios are a nutritious snack. Consuming excessive amounts of salt can harm your health and have a negative effect on your heart.

You should never eat pistachios if you have a pistachio allergy because doing so might result in

• bloating,
• discomfort,
• and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock.

Since pistachios are a member of the cashew family, those with cashew nut allergies are virtually always allergic to them. As a result, people with general nut allergies should also stay away from them, unless their doctor advises them otherwise.