CONTRIBUTION OF PISTACHIO (Pistacia vera L.) TOWARDS HUMAN HEALTH AND NUTRITION

Pistachio, which is generally consumed as a nut in Turkey, has significant benefits for human nutrition and health, besides being the raw material of baklava and dessert industries. It is rich in healthy unsaturated fatty acids (oleic-linoleic acids) and proteins. Pistachios are also rich in minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium and iron that have a role in improvement of anemia, bone development and regulation of blood pressure, as well as in Vitamin E, Vitamin A and Vitamin B complexes that cannot be synthesized in the human body. It is included in diets as it provides a feeling of fullness, due to its high fiber content. It was reported that pistachio consumed daily, at an amount of 20-30 grams, does not result in weight gain. Therefore, it can be a healthy snack. It was observed that pistachio partially reduces blood glucose level, that it could be used in a certain amount in diabetes and could be effective in cardiovascular diseases by modulating the LDL/HDL ratio in favor of HDL. It contains a significant amount of antioxidants. It was reported that pistachio can contribute to fighting cancer cells.