10 Side Effects of Pistachio Nuts You Didn’t Know About

A member of the cashew family the pistachio grows on a tree of the same name. Native to Asia and now grown in various parts of the world, this nut is rich in vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and various other compounds. All these properties make it a very beneficial product for anyone. But it comes with certain side effects which we will be discussing here.

Here are 10 Pistachio Nuts Side Effects

1. Weight Gain

This nut is nutritionally satisfying. It contains high protein and fiber content and added to it, it is very delicious. But if you consume these nuts too often and in large quantities, weight gain is assured. A cup of pistachio nuts ensures that 700 calories enter the body. A surplus of 3500 calories adds pounds of fat in the body. Hence it is suggested the consumption is monitored to avoid excess weight gain that could lead to obesity.(1)

2. High Blood Pressure

Given its heavenly taste it is very hard to resist salted pistachio, unless of course you come to the realization that it is harming you. If you love this salted snack and are consuming a lot of it every day (1/2 to 1 cup), be sure that you are aware of the blood pressure will increase. It hikes up your sodium consumption by 264 to 525 mg. You run a risk of high blood pressure you can develop one.(2)

3. Gastrointestinal Problems

Fructans is an important component of pistachio nuts. It is a rather harmless component unless your body is reactive to it. It will give you gastrointestinal problems like, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence and abdominal pain. The degree of your symptom depends on your level of intolerance and the number of nuts you have consumed.(3)

4. Allergic Reaction

It is better to stay away from pistachio if you are suffering from nut allergies. Allergic reactions give rise to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cough and cold, breathing difficulties, chest tightness, hives etc… One may also develop skin rashes, angioedema of face and even in some cases anaphylaxis reaction.(4)

5. Kidney Problems

Pistachios are enriched with potassium. This element plays an important part in regulating blood pressure, improving metabolism, maintaining electrolyte balance and of course protecting our kidneys. If we are consuming high quantities of pistachios, it increases the potassium content in our body. This becomes harmful as it adversely affect the kidneys. The kidneys are not so effective in eliminating potassium from the system. This will give rise to nausea, slow pulse rate, irregular heartbeat, dehydration, Type-1 diabetes; Addison’s disease etc. consume pistachios in regulated amounts.(5)

6. Navel Orange Worm

Sometimes pistachios come contaminated with navel orange worm. It is found inside the nut or between the seed and the nut. The worm is not harmful but the fruit gets contaminated by aspergillus fungi which produces aflatoxin that is harmful for us.(6)

7. Bacterium Salmonella

Another harmful bacterium which may enter your system through pistachios is bacteria salmonella. If your pistachios are contaminated by these bacteria you will be suffering from diarrhea. Salmonella is fatal for infants, and also to everyone with low immunity. The problem can be resolved by roasting the nuts.(7) (8)

8. Increased Acrylamide

Acrylamide is a carcinogen that increases chances of developing cancer. It gets into your body through roasted pistachios. There is not much proof to support this fact but it is better to be safe.(9)

9. High Manganese

You run this risk if you are consuming high amounts of manganese if you are consuming too many pistachio. The nut is well known for its manganese content. Manganese helps in the formation of connective tissues, regulates blood sugar, metabolizes fats and carbohydrates etc… However, high consumption of manganese leads to increasing  headaches, tremors, loss of appetite, cramps in your legs and arms, hallucination and even neurological disorders.(10)

10. Excessive Fiber

Fiber in your food is essential and pistachios can provide you with a lot of them. But having too much of dietary fibers will upset your stomach and lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping, intestinal pain, irritable bowel syndrome etc…

These are some of the common side effects of pistachios. Pistachios can be healthy but occurrence of side effects shouldn’t be neglected. If the side effects persist, medical attention should be immediately taken. Otherwise as well, one should avoid dry fruits and nuts as there have been reported instances of excessive body heat being produced.(11)

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