Pistachio nuts are not only a favorite snack. They act as a drug which can help lower our increased cholesterol.
The composition of pistachios
They are rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins A, C and E. Of trace elements include iron, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. They are very caloric - 100g pistachios provides 557kcal ( 2.332kj ), which is slightly lower than the other nuts, such as walnuts and almonds. Has the most fat, about 44 %, followed by carbohydrates, protein and a substantial amount of dietary fiber.
How pistachios lowers cholesterol?
Studies have shown that pistachio has impact on lowering cholesterol in people who have it in the values above normal. These tasty nuts help increase the levels of antioxidants in the blood. From antioxidants the pistachio are particularly rich in lutein, beta- carotene and gamma - tocopherol, compared with other nut fruits. Beta carotene is predecessor of vitamin A, gamma-tocopherol is a common form of vitamin E. Antioxidants reduce toxic oxidation of the cholesterol, inflammatory reaction and damage the walls of blood vessels.
Pistachio nuts contain a lot of fat, but they are mostly monounsaturated fats, which have a proven effect on lowering cholesterol. More importantly, it prevents oxidation of LDL fraction, the so-called" bad cholesterol "from where he gets the ability to be deposited on the walls of blood vessels. From the high level of cholesterol harm is more prominent due to oxidation, which affects the formation of plaque and damage blood vessels.
Lowering of cholesterol especially LDL and its fractions, known as " bad cholesterol " reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly heart attack and stroke, which are leading causes of deaths in our region.
With its significant content of antioxidants, they reduce the risk of heart disease, positively affects the immune system, and even reduces the risk of tumors.
High levels of potassium and low sodium allow higher discharge of the fluid, which is especially important for people with high blood pressure. If salted this advantage is not only wiped out, but salted pistachios increase the blood pressure.
Phosphorus and calcium from these nuts affect the formation of strong bones and teeth, and in adults they reduce susceptibility to osteoporosis. Lutein, an important ingredient of pistachios, have a positive impact on the health of the skin.
Source: Medical News Today 2007