Pistachio
Pistachio
Pistachio or commonly known as Pista is a healthy protein-rich nut. It has antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and liver protecting properties. These properties help to manage weight, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Pistachio is rich in fiber and helps to promote healthy gut bacteria. Pistachio should always be taken in a limited amount as excess consumption might increase weight in people who are obese[2][3].
What are the synonyms of Pistachio?
Pistacia vera, Mukulkam, Pista, Gule Pista, Piste, Green almond, Pistachio nut, Fistaque, Fustuq, Pistah
What is the source of Pistachio?
Plant Based
Benefits of Pistachio
1. Weight loss
Pistachio is one of the best dietary supplement that can control weight along with providing full nutrition to the body. Eating Pistachio in breakfast gives a feeling of satiety and reduces craving. This is because it takes time to digest due to its Guru (heavy) nature. Pistachio is also low in calorie and rich in protein which plays an important role in managing weight.
Tips:
a. Remove the nuts from the shells.
b. Have it plain or slightly roast it.
c. Have 1/4-1/2 cup in a day.
2. Male Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual Dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e. having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after a sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Taking Pistachio helps to manage male sexual dysfunction and also improve stamina. This is due to its Guru (heavy) and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties.
Tip:
a. Remove the nuts from the shells.
b. Roast and turn them slightly crispy.
c. Have it 1/4-1/2 cup with milk.
d. Repeat daily to improve sexual health.
3. Indigestion
Pistachio helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Pistachio helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) due to its Ushna (hot) nature and digests the food easily.
Tips:
a. Remove the nuts from the shells.
b. Have it plain or slightly roast it.
c. Have 1/4-1/2 cup in a day.
4. Prevent Heart Disease
Pistachio helps to reduce the risk of heart disease. High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Taking Pistachio helps to promote digestive fire and correct the impaired digestion due to its Ushna (hot) potency. Improved digestive fire reduces Ama which is the prime cause of high cholesterol level and removes the blockage in the blood vessels. This reduces the risk of heart disease.
Tips:
a. Remove the nuts from the shells.
b. Have it plain or slightly roast it.
c. Have 1/4-1/2 cup in a day.
Pistachio is one of the best dietary supplement that can control weight along with providing full nutrition to the body. Eating Pistachio in breakfast gives a feeling of satiety and reduces craving. This is because it takes time to digest due to its Guru (heavy) nature. Pistachio is also low in calorie and rich in protein which plays an important role in managing weight.
Tips:
a. Remove the nuts from the shells.
b. Have it plain or slightly roast it.
c. Have 1/4-1/2 cup in a day.
2. Male Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual Dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e. having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after a sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Taking Pistachio helps to manage male sexual dysfunction and also improve stamina. This is due to its Guru (heavy) and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties.
Tip:
a. Remove the nuts from the shells.
b. Roast and turn them slightly crispy.
c. Have it 1/4-1/2 cup with milk.
d. Repeat daily to improve sexual health.
3. Indigestion
Pistachio helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Pistachio helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) due to its Ushna (hot) nature and digests the food easily.
Tips:
a. Remove the nuts from the shells.
b. Have it plain or slightly roast it.
c. Have 1/4-1/2 cup in a day.
4. Prevent Heart Disease
Pistachio helps to reduce the risk of heart disease. High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Taking Pistachio helps to promote digestive fire and correct the impaired digestion due to its Ushna (hot) potency. Improved digestive fire reduces Ama which is the prime cause of high cholesterol level and removes the blockage in the blood vessels. This reduces the risk of heart disease.
Tips:
a. Remove the nuts from the shells.
b. Have it plain or slightly roast it.
c. Have 1/4-1/2 cup in a day.
Precautions when using Pistachio
FAQs about Pistachio precautions
Recommended Dosage of Pistachio
- Pistachio Powder - ½ -1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Pistachio Oil - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Pistachio
1. Pistachio Nuts
a. Take ¼-½ cup of Pistachio nuts.
b. Eat it plain as a snack or you can also soak them before eating.
2. Pistachio Nuts Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Pistachio nuts powder.
b. Add it to warm milk and mix well.
c. Drink this at breakfast.
a. Take ¼-½ cup of Pistachio nuts.
b. Eat it plain as a snack or you can also soak them before eating.
2. Pistachio Nuts Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Pistachio nuts powder.
b. Add it to warm milk and mix well.
c. Drink this at breakfast.
Benefits of Pistachio
1. Anti-wrinkle
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Pistachio and its oil help in controlling wrinkles and increases the moisture content in the skin. This is because of its Snigdha (oily) nature. It also helps to remove excessive dryness and makes the skin soft and glowing.
Tips:
a. Take 5-10 drops of Pistachio oil.
b. Mix with ½ to 1 teaspoon Olive oil.
c. Massage on the affected area.
d. Repeat once or twice a day to control skin problems.
2. Sunburn
Pistachio and its oil are useful for sunburn and protect from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Pistachio and its oil help to get back the normal skin when applied to the affected area. This is due to its Ropan (healing) nature.
3. Hair loss
Pistachio helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied to the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Pistachio or its oil acts on hair fall by balancing Vata dosha. It also promotes hair growth and removes excessive dryness. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 5-10 drops of Pistachio oil.
b. Mix with 3-4 drops of Olive oil.
c. Massage on the affected area.
d. Repeat once or twice a day to control hair problems.
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Pistachio and its oil help in controlling wrinkles and increases the moisture content in the skin. This is because of its Snigdha (oily) nature. It also helps to remove excessive dryness and makes the skin soft and glowing.
Tips:
a. Take 5-10 drops of Pistachio oil.
b. Mix with ½ to 1 teaspoon Olive oil.
c. Massage on the affected area.
d. Repeat once or twice a day to control skin problems.
2. Sunburn
Pistachio and its oil are useful for sunburn and protect from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Pistachio and its oil help to get back the normal skin when applied to the affected area. This is due to its Ropan (healing) nature.
3. Hair loss
Pistachio helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied to the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Pistachio or its oil acts on hair fall by balancing Vata dosha. It also promotes hair growth and removes excessive dryness. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 5-10 drops of Pistachio oil.
b. Mix with 3-4 drops of Olive oil.
c. Massage on the affected area.
d. Repeat once or twice a day to control hair problems.
Recommended Dosage of Pistachio
- Pistachio Powder - ½ -1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Pistachio Oil - 5-10 drops or as per your requirement.
How to use Pistachio
1. Pistachio Face Pack
a. Take ½-1 teaspoons of Pistachio nut powder.
b. Add honey or rose water to it.
c. Apply evenly to the skin.
d. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy for soft and smooth skin.
2. Pistachio Oil
a. Take 5-10 drops of Pistachio oil.
b. Mix with ½ to 1 teaspoon Olive oil.
c. Massage properly on the affected area.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoons of Pistachio nut powder.
b. Add honey or rose water to it.
c. Apply evenly to the skin.
d. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy for soft and smooth skin.
2. Pistachio Oil
a. Take 5-10 drops of Pistachio oil.
b. Mix with ½ to 1 teaspoon Olive oil.
c. Massage properly on the affected area.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
You can have ¼-1/2 cup of Pistachios in a day. Pistachios can also be used as snacks. It is rich in proteins and gives a feeling of satiety.
Modern Science View
Yes, Pista can be soaked before eating. Soaking Pista makes it softer and increases its nutritive value. You need to soak Pista for approximately 5-6 hours.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Pista can be soaked in water before eating to make it easy to digest.
Modern Science View
Eating Pistachios in a limited quantity helps you to manage your weight. But Pistachios have unsaturated fatty acids. Thus, eating too much of Pistachios can make you fat.
Modern Science View
You cannot eat the Pistachio shell as it is very hard. Also, caution should be taken while giving Pistachios to children as the shell or the nut if swallowed can cause choking.
Modern Science View
Yes, Pistachio (Pista) has a role in weight loss. It contains fiber, protein and certain unsaturated fatty acids. They give a feeling of satiety and reduce craving. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in Pistachio have good thermogenic effect. This improves metabolism and reduces the accumulation of fat[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pistachio (Pista) has a role in managing cholesterol level in the body. It helps to decrease the level of bad cholesterol and increases the level of good cholesterol. Thus, it also reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular problems[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pistachio (Pista) is good for your heart. Magnesium in Pistachio promotes vasodilation and helps to lower the high blood pressure. It has good antioxidant activity, thus prevents lipid peroxidation (degradation of lipids due to free radicals) and improves the endothelial (inside of the heart and blood vessels) function[5][6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pistachio (Pista) is good for diabetics. It has a low glycemic index which prevents the rapid increase in the blood glucose level. It promotes glucose uptake by the cells and improves insulin sensitivity. Pistachio has good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This reduces the risk of diabetic complications[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pistachio (Pista) has a role in cancer prevention. It has good antioxidant property due to the presence of antioxidants like γ-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E). It also has good anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects. Thus, prevents the proliferation of cancer cells[5][6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pistachio (Pista) has a role in Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Proanthocyanidins in Pistachio have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This prevents the damage and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pistachio (Pista) can be used in the case of skin hyperpigmentation. It has good antioxidant property that fights against the free radicals. It also inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase and reduces melanin production. Thus, Pistachio prevents skin pigmentation[7].
Modern Science View
Pistachios are rich in fibre content that slows digestion and increases satiety. This makes it a healthy snack in between meals. This can help in losing weight. However, Pistachios should always be taken in a limited amount to avoid weight gain[3].
Ayurvedic View
Pistachio is one of the best dietary supplement that can control weight along with providing full nutrition to the body. Eating Pistachio in breakfast gives a feeling of satiety and reduces craving. This is because it takes time to digest due to its Guru (heavy) nature. Pistachio is also low in calorie and rich in protein which plays an important role in managing weight.
Modern Science View
Pistachio nuts are not poisonous, but it is advisable to avoid Pistachio nuts with fungal growth on it.
Studies state that fungi isolated from Pistachios are toxic. So it is generally advised not to consume Pistachio nuts if you find fungal growth on it[4].
Studies state that fungi isolated from Pistachios are toxic. So it is generally advised not to consume Pistachio nuts if you find fungal growth on it[4].
References
- Balkrishnan A.Pista.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Ehsani V, Amirteimoury M, Taghipour Z, et al.Protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Pistacia vera against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.Ren Fail. 2017; 39(1):519–525.
- Ghaseminasab Parizi M, Ahmadi A, Mazloomi SM.A review on Pistachio: Its composition and benefits regarding the prevention or treatment of diseases.JOHE Winter 2015;4(1):1-13.
- Mojtahedi H, Rabie CJ, Lübben A.et.al.Toxic aspergilli from Pistachio nuts.Mycopathologia. 1979 May 31;67(2):123-7.
- Alonso PH, Bulló M, Salvadó JS. Pistachios for Health: What Do We Know About This Multifaceted Nut? Nutrition Today.2016;51(3):133-138.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.