4 Reasons to Eat Pistachio

Pistachios, like most nuts, are a healthy snack when eaten in moderation, and their fat content can help stave off hunger pangs. If you need more reasons to pick up a bag of pistachios, consider that pistachios:

1. Can help reduce the risk of heart disease. They are rich in the amino acid arginine, phytosterols and unsaturated fat - all of which promote heart health.
2. Are a good source of polyphenol antioxidants, which protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
3. Can promote eye health. Pistachios have high levels of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
4. Provide fiber. One ounce of pistachios (about 47 nuts) has three grams of dietary fiber - more than a half cup of spinach and the same amount as an orange or apple.

I recommend avoiding nuts that are dyed red or white, and eating only the natural ones (the green hue of the actual nut is natural and comes from chlorophyll). To keep pistachios fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drawing moisture from the air and becoming soggy. If you keep them in the refrigerator or freezer, you can store them for as long as a year.

Comments

[anon amous]

Dr. Weil frequently recommends ginger supplements. However ginger is structurally similar to aspirin and acts in similar ways on prostaglandins. I question if this supplement should be used in people with chronic kidney disease as aspirin is nephrotoxic to the kidneys by reason of it's inhibition of prostaglandins.

[moderator44@drweil.com]

Your point is well taken in that everyone should check about possible side effects of any supplement or herbs.
Technical Name: (Zingiber officinale) Fresh or dried pieces of the underground stem of the ginger plant
Used for: Arthritis, bursitis; motion sickness, nausea; relief of chest congestion; it is a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
Available In: Whole fresh root, crystallized ginger, honey-based ginger syrups, capsules containing powdered ginger extracts, alcohol extracts.
Herb Drug: None known
Interaction: High doses may cause a burning sensation in the stomach; to minimize, take ginger with food. Use no more than 1,000 mg per day during pregnancy. Acts as a blood thinner, so curb use at least two weeks before surgery. Those undergoing chemotherapy should consult their doctor if using ginger at medicinal levels.
When Buying: Select products with only 100% pure ginger. Products containing ginger made by New Chapter are highly recommended.
Dosage and Warning: For inflammatory conditions, 1 or 2 g of powdered ginger a day. For nausea and prevention of motion sickness, take 1,000 mg as a preventive and 500 mg every four hours as needed, or eat two pieces of crystallized ginger or take ginger syrup or tea. For cold relief, brew tea with one-inch piece of peeled and grated ginger root per two cups of water; bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for five minutes; add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper and simmer one minute more. Remove from heat. Add two tablespoons fresh lemon juice, one or two cloves of mashed garlic and honey to taste. Let cool slightly and strain.
Child Dosage: Half the adult dose
And: Ginger, the familiar spice, has a number of remarkable properties that recommend it for home use. It is a good treatment for nausea and motion sickness as well as a natural anti-inflammatory that is worth trying in all cases of arthritis, bursitis, and other musculoskeletal ailments. It tones the cardiovascular system and reduces platelet aggregation, as aspirin does. You can make a tea of fresh ginger by using about one half teaspoon of the grated root to eight ounces of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain, and add honey to taste if desired. You can also eat candied ginger or buy honey-based ginger syrups. Health-food stores sell powdered extracts of ginger in capsules as well as alcohol extracts; both forms are convenient to use. One to two grams of powdered ginger a day is an average dose, but some people report successful treatment of inflammatory conditions with higher doses taken over several months. High doses may cause a burning sensation in the stomach; to minimize this, take ginger with food.