May aid weight loss

Despite being a high-energy snack, nuts are one of the best foods for weight loss. While there has been research on the benefits of pistachios on weight, those that have been conducted are encouraging. Pistachios are high in fiber and protein, which improve satiety and help you eat less. Those who ate 1.9 ounces (53 grams) of pistachios per day as an afternoon snack had twice the reduction in body mass index compared to those who ate 2 ounces (56 grams) of pretzels per day in a 12-week weight loss program.

Furthermore, a 24-week trial of overweight people found that those who ingested 20% of their calories from pistachios lost 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) more off their waistlines than those who did not eat pistachios. One reason that may contribute to the weight loss benefits of pistachios is that their fat content is not fully absorbed. In fact, studies have shown that lipids from nuts are poorly absorbed. This is because a portion of their fat content is trapped behind their cell walls, inhibiting digestion in the gut. Furthermore, shelled pistachios promote mindful eating since shelling the nuts takes time and reduces the rate of consumption. The remaining shells also provide a visual indication of how many nuts you have consumed.