Pistachios! The funny looking nut that can give you the gift of health! But don't let that odd appearance fool you! Pistachios are a nut with a winning combination of great taste and incredible health benefits. In what way do pistachios help you maintain your health? To understand this, we will need to talk about the most microscopic part of your body and work our way up.

Your Body's Cells - We'll consider several parts of the body, beginning with the tiniest. The notion that antioxidants are good for us is why we allow ourselves to indulge in mass quantities of chocolate, right? Did you know that oxidative stress - the kind that causes damage to your cell structure - can be fought with antioxidants? Devastating illnesses, like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's have been associated with oxidative stress, so antioxidants become a necessity for overall health. Pistachios are very high in antioxidants.

Your Vision - Are you anxious about degenerating vision or perhaps even going blind? Studies indicate that pistachios provide the carotenoids we need for healthy eyes. What is the significance of this? The human body requires carotenoids for good eyesight. Pistachios contain carotenoids that help prevent macular degeneration. This condition is a major cause of visual impairment among the elderly.

Your Heart - Is there a history of heart disease within your family? Many different scientists, even some from Harvard, have done various studies on pistachios. What they found is that people who eat pistachios have a lower risk of heart disease. Remember, this was not just in one study, but several independent studies. Pistachios can work minor miracles! They can help decrease cholesterol levels, increase monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, help keep your arteries clear, and boost the health of your heart in general.

Your Bowels - Yes, they can even help with your bowels. You can get as much dietary fiber from an ounce of delicious pistachios as you would get from a portion of oatmeal. What's good about fiber? Since fiber absorbs water from the intestines, it aids in relieving irregularity and preventing hemorrhoids. Scientists have shown that this reduces your risk for painful conditions such as colon cancer and diverticulitis as well.

Have I captured your interest? Excellent! Realize though that this comprises only a few of the many areas of the body that benefit from pistachios. Pistachios are an excellent protein source, and are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that promote good health. Eat pistachios every day to improve your health naturally.