Power-packed pistachios Here’s why you should include this dry fruit in your diet

Nobody is a stranger to pistachios, one of the popular nuts often used in many desserts. Botanically they belong to Anacardiaceae family, of the genus pistacia. Besides being tasty, they have numerous health benefits, too.  HEALTHY BLOOD AND IMMUNITY  Pistachios are a great source of Vitamin B6 that is essential for the production of haemoglobin, which in turn supplies oxygen to the cells, also increasing the amount of oxygen supplied. Vitamin B6 is also great for fostering immunity, production of red and white blood cells, maintaining healthy spleen and lymph nodes. In fact, a deficiency of Vitamin B6 lowers the body's ability to fight infections.  BEAUTIFUL SKIN  Enrich your skin with properties of Vitamin E present in pistachios, as they protect the skin from damage due to premature aging, UV rays and skin cancer.  HEALTHY VISION  Maintain healthy vision by eating pistachios as they contain two carotenoids, zeaxanthin and lutein rarely found in nuts. These carotenoids offer protection in the form of antioxidants that curb damage from free radicals. Also, pistachios have been linked to lowering the risk of developing macular degeneration.  BENEFICIAL FOR  DIABETICS  Pistachios contain a good source of phosphorus — about 60% of the daily recommendation. It's beneficial for glucose tolerance and breaking down proteins into amino acids. Therefore, diabetic individuals can benefit by eating a handful of this dry fruit.  GOOD FOR  CHOLESTEROL  This dry fruit is said to reduce bad cholesterol, LDL, and increase good      cholesterol, HDL, in the body. This      in turn helps reduce the      risk of cardiovascular diseases.