Recipe: Curry-Roasted Pistachios (2024)

FAQs

Do pistachios lower blood pressure? ›

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.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread pistachios in a single layer on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven for 3 to 4 minutes, remove pan, stir the nuts with a spoon or shake the pan and return it to the oven for another 3 to 4 minutes.

Roasted pistachios are usually salted and sold with the shells still on. These are better for just eating than for cooking, as the salt levels can vary and can affect the taste of the finished dish.

What's the right serving size? Aim for 1 to 1½ ounces a day. (That's about a handful.) Or, if you're more the counting sort, there's roughly 49 pistachios in an ounce.

Harmful for kidneys

Pistachios are high in potassium. Too much potassium can harm our kidneys. High potassium intake in the diet should be avoided by people with kidney diseases. Excessive consumption of Pistachios can also lead to nausea, weakness, slow pulse, and irregular heartbeat.

Consuming pistachios in excess can cause high blood pressure. In addition, you may experience lightheadedness, blurred vision, confusion, and fainting. Also, consuming salted pistachios might elevate your blood sodium level, increasing your chance of developing various cardiovascular illnesses including hypertension.

Whether raw or roasted, nuts still pack a healthy punch, loaded with good fats, protein, and antioxidants. That being said, roasting does remove some of the antioxidant-rich skin, possibly compromising some of its superfood potency.

Pistachios are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, antioxidants, and various nutrients, including vitamin B6 and thiamine. Their health effects may include weight loss benefits, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and improved gut, eye, and blood vessel health.

Roasted, for me, means you cook them in the oven, and toasted means you cook the nuts on the stove top. I see both words used interchangeably online, though. I use both methods, depending on whether I need to roast a few nuts or a lot, and how quickly I need them.

Which is healthier raw or roasted pistachios? ›

Usually the heat of cooking results in a loss of nutrients, yet pistachios are a different story. According to Healthline and other sources, these nuts largely do not change in terms of health benefits, whether they're roasted or raw. Both varieties contain similar amounts of calories, protein, carbs, and fiber.

Consider buying pre-shelled pistachios.

Studies have shown that eating pistachios in the shell slows down the eating process and lowers overall consumption. Pistachio nuts contain three to four calories each—fewer than almost any another nut—but it can be easy to eat a lot of them when they come pre-shelled.

How many pistachios should you eat a day? Pistachios have a rich, buttery flavor that can be addicting. And even though they have health benefits, it's always a good idea not to overdo it. About a handful (1.5 ounces) is a good amount to shoot for each day.

There is no harm in consuming water after eating pistachios, and it can actually be beneficial. Drinking water can help with swallowing and digestion, and it can also help prevent dehydration. Pistachios are a nutritious snack that contain healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Pistachios hit the sleep-inducing jackpot, packing in protein, vitamin B6, and magnesium, all of which contribute to better sleep. Refrain from a shell-cracking frenzy, though. "Don't exceed a 1-ounce portion of nuts," London warns. "Anything too high in calories can have the reverse effect of keeping you awake!"

-- like walnuts and almonds can be a great source of healthy fats that help your heart. But for high blood pressure, your best pick is pistachios. They seem to have the strongest effect on lowering both your top and bottom blood pressure readings. Recommended serving: 1-2 cups per week (nuts).

At the end of the trial, people who were eating walnuts daily showed the greatest benefit on lowering central blood pressure. Central blood pressure is a measure of the pressure exerted on internal organs like the heart and is considered an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

No single food can quickly lower blood pressure. However, some foods may help a person lower their blood pressure in general. These include anthocyanin-rich berries , bananas and other foods containing potassium, beetroot juice and beets, leafy green vegetables , and more.

Pistachios can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems. The fact that they are high in antioxidants may also help to protect against heart disease.