Weight Loss-Friendly Snacks

Pistachios belong to the cashew family, and as stated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one ounce of raw, unsalted pistachios contains 159 calories, 5.7gram of protein, 12.8gm of fat, 7.7 gm of carbohydrate, 3 gm fiber, 2.2 sugar and traces of magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, thiamin and vitaminB6. A dish of pistachios supplements 37% of the daily recommended dosage (1.3mg for adults) of vitaminB6.This vitamin plays a significant role in cognitive development and protein metabolism. It has low-calorie content, so you can enjoy the nuts without taking in excess calories. For instance, other varieties of nuts, like one ounce of macadamia, contain 204 calories, one oz of pecans offers 196 calories, whereas 1oz of pistachios comes with 159 calories.

Weather condition

Pistachios are native to the Middle East and Central Asia and deciduous in nature. The nut with tough shells is used in different cuisines, while the smaller ones grow in the wild. These shrubs require soil with salt content and can withstand extreme weather conditions (-100 Celsius to 480Celcius, but the plant dies in high humidity and waterlogging. They grow well in an arid region and take around four to five years to mature. At the beginning to produce a few grams of pistachios, fifteen to twenty years is required for full yield.

Time and labor-intensive

Only female pistachios bear nuts of around forty pounds, and the production is dependent on favorable weather conditions. The pollinators (male trees) do not produce nuts and can range from 10 to 15% of the total cultivation of the grove. In a nutshell, cultivating and harvesting pistachios is time and labor-intensive, with no cutting bends in the way.

Satiety

For the question, are pistachios good for weight loss?, the answer is pistachios are an important ingredient in Weight Loss Friendly Snacks as fat and calorie content is very low. Like other varieties of nuts, it attributes to weight loss programs and BMI. Once you consume it, you feel satiety; the protein content needs time to dissipate, be digested, and absorbed, giving you a fuller stomach experience over a prolonged time. The fiber content also enhances your fuller belly experience even if you indulge in physical activities. While eating pistachios, you need to peel and chew that naturally leisurely down the eating time. The peeled shells of pistachios before you have a psychological effect urging you to stop after a certain time. This effect is more prominent in pistachios with shells.

Phytochemicals, polyphenols and gamma-tocopherols

Pistachios are enriched with antioxidants that reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases as it eliminates free radicals that damage cells. Other varieties of nuts contain antioxidant properties, but pistachios are more eminent. Pistachios contain antioxidants like phytochemicals, polyphenols, and gamma-tocopherols. The antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin reduce potential chronic eye diseases like cataracts and age-related muscular degeneration.

BMI reduction

The fat content of the nut is not fully bioavailable as the fat is close knit with the cell walls of the nuts and cannot be fully disintegrated. Though the fat content is high in the nut, it is not completely absorbed in the body. Are pistachios good for weight loss? Pistachios are an integral part of Weight-Loss Friendly Snacks as they have low-calorie value with high protein and fiber content. A study shows that 1.5 oz of daily pistachios serving aids in reducing BMI and waist perimeter in individuals with obesity compared to groups who do not consume pistachios.