Pistachio are a very high quality plant source of protein, providing adequate and balanced amounts of essential amino acids.

In addition, pistachios are relatively high in a non essential amino acid, arginine, which may play a potential role in prevention or reduction of cardiovascular disease.

Pistachios especially rich in phytosterols, which are directly associated with lowering cholesterol levels, and may offer protection from certain types of cancer.

Nutrition
Pistachios contain fewer calories and more potassium and vitamin K per serving than other nuts. A 1-ounce serving of dry-roasted pistachios contains 160 calories, 6 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and 15 grams of fat, including only 2 grams of saturated fat.

It also provides you with 25 percent of the daily value for vitamin B-6, 15 percent of the daily value for thiamine and phosphorus and 10 percent of the daily value for magnesium.

Weight Management:

If you like snacking on nuts, you can control your weight by limiting your portions. The fiber content of the nuts may make them more filling, helping you to eat fewer calories later on in the day.

A study published in the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition” in June 2010 found that participants who consumed 240 calories worth of pistachios for 12 weeks lowered their body mass indexes and triglyceride levels more than those who consumed 220 calories worth of pretzels.
Considerations
Although most of the fat in pistachios is the healthy unsaturated type, they still contain a lot of calories so you should only eat them in moderation.

A study published in 2011 in “Appetite” found that participants ate fewer pistachios if they ate those that were still in the shells instead of shelled pistachios.

If you like to snack on pistachios, this can prevent you from eating too many.

Choose pistachios that are unsalted to help minimize your salt intake.