Pistachio Nuts (Pistacia vera L.): Production, Nutrients, Bioactives and Novel Health Effects

Abstract

Epidemiological and clinical studies have indicated positive outcomes related to tree nut consumption. Here, we review the production, nutrient, phytochemical composition and emerging research trends on the health benefits of pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera L.). Pistachios are a good source of protein, fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, minerals and vitamins, as well as carotenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Polyphenols in pistachios are important contributors to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, as demonstrated in vitro and in vivo through animal studies and clinical trials. The antimicrobial and antiviral potential of pistachio polyphenols has also been assessed and could help overcome drug resistance. Pistachio consumption may play a role in cognitive function and has been associated with a positive modulation of the human gut microbiota and beneficial effects on skin health. Pistachio polyphenol extracts may affect enzymes involved in glucose regulation and so type 2 diabetes. Taken together, these data demonstrate the health benefits of including pistachios in the diet. Further studies are required to investigate the mechanisms involved.

Dietary Regulation of Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Pathway: Focus on Acai Berries and Pistachios and Cashews as Natural Food Sources

“…The endocarp, which is covered with a fleshy, thin hull that is light green in color with red undertones, is inedible. In comparison to other nuts, pistachios contain a high concentration of compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [60]. Nuts have positive health effects on a variety of metabolic conditions, including hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, and everything else that goes along with them.…”

Why Should Pistachio Be a Regular Food in Our Diet?

“…Epidemiological and/or clinical trials have shown that nut consumption has a positive influence on health, by reducing the risk of suffering CVD [ 15 , 31 , 32 ], hypertension [ 33 ], T2DM [ 34 ] and obesity [ 35 ], among others. These beneficial effects are a consequence of their unique composition since nuts are nutrient-dense foods with healthy MUFA and PUFA fatty acid composition, dietary fibre, high-quality vegetable protein, vitamins, and minerals, along with carotenoids, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds previously described, with recognized benefits to human health [ 3 , 10 , 11 , 36 ]. Regarding pistachio, there is wide evidence confirming its beneficial health effects and, particularly, its positive contribution to minimizing the risk for CVD [ 10 , 11 ].…”

“…Syria (2%), Greece (1%), and others, such as Italy, Spain, Greece, Tunisia, Afghanistan, China, and Australia, account for the remaining 1% [ 8 ]. Although pistachio has been the least explored nut, there is broad evidence confirming its beneficial health effects and, particularly, its positive contribution to minimizing the risk for CVD [ 10 , 11 ], among other pathologies.…”

Advances in Nanofabrication Technology for Nutraceuticals: New Insights and Future Trends

“…Finally, it is important to emphasize that as a nutraceutical, the shell of the allis shad offers the benefit of reducing side effects for the patient; compared to some traditional drugs that have been used as nutraceuticals in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it has the advantage of having fewer side effects on patients than other typical drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes [ 98 ]. Another study by Barreca et al [ 99 ] showed how antioxidants can be extracted from pistachio waste; Only by using organic solvents was it possible to extract about 20 compounds with cytoprotective and antioxidant properties from the ripe pistachio shell [ 100 ]. They are catechin, gallic acid, isoehamnetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside and naringin [ 101 ].…”