Pistachios. Fighting against Impotence.

Pistachios are the fruit of a tree originated in Central Asia and the Middle East. Grown in countries within the Mediterranean and consumed all over the world, it is a nut whose properties have been recognised by science.

Amongst the key properties of pistachios are:

The vast presence of monounsaturated fatty acids found in pistachios aid in the lowering of Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol and LDL Cholesterol or ‘bad cholesterol’.

It would reduce cerebrovascular accidents due to their ability to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive people and because of their richness in Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron and Folic Acid they contribute in fighting against anaemia and strengthen bones.

Their high levels of Potassium prevent the appearance of cramps and its richness in both Vitamins E and A, aid in other functions decreasing the appearance of degenerative illness within the eyes and the skin.

The large quantity of Fibre that they possess would make them a great aid in weight loss diets due to the feeling of fullness that they provide. And it decreases the possibility of pre-diabetic becoming diabetics due to its decrease in the resistance to insulin.

Magnesium, Selenium and Zinc are other important micronutrients also present within pistachios.

Recent published studies describe pistachios as a nut that is rich in Arginine: this protein would contribute to the production of Nitric Acid, which is a potent vasodilator of the blood vessels present within sexual organs, helping in this way in the fight against impotence in men.

As it was considered to be a hyper calorific meal for a long time, it made us waste its great properties. Subsequent studies have shown that 30 grams, which are equivalent to 50 pistachios, only had 160 calories, therefore eating it as a snack mid morning or mid afternoon make it a food to never disregard.

Dr. J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus