Pistachios are the seeds of the pistachio tree. They’re usually green, and they taste slightly sweet. They’re called nuts, but botanically pistachios are seeds. People have been eating them for thousands of years.

Pistachio Benefits

Research has found several possible health benefits of these tasty nuts, including:

• Promotion of healthy gut bacteriaPistachios are high in fiber, which can act as a prebiotic, or the food that is digested by your gut’s good bacteria to help them grow. Your gut bacteria are then able to ferment the fiber and convert it into short-chain fatty acids, which help reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, and digestive disorders.
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levelsPistachios have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects. These nuts have fiber and high quantities of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, all of which are linked to healthy cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart disease. And research shows that eating pistachios – especially when compared to eating other nuts – results in lower blood pressure.
• Healthy blood sugar levelsPistachios have a low glycemic index, which means that eating them doesn’t cause large spikes in blood sugar. They also have antioxidants, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds, which all support healthy blood sugar levels 

Pistachio Nutrition

A 1-ounce serving of pistachios, which is about 49 kernels, has about 159 calories and:

• 5.72 grams of protein
• 7.7 grams of carbs
• 12.85 grams of fat
• 3 grams of fiber

Pistachios are cholesterol-free and a great source of vitamins and minerals, including:

• Manganese
• Phosphorous
• Copper
• Vitamin B6
• Thiamine