Effects of Daily Pistachio Consumption on the Kidneys

According to the latest research German statistical portal Statista (Evolution of Per Capita Consumption of Nuts in Spain), published last year, the volume of consumption There were 3.24 kilograms of nuts per person in Spanish homes.. This seems like a large number, but it is important to keep in mind that it contains a lot of nuts, from almonds to walnuts (which help reduce “bad cholesterol”). It is therefore not surprising that their consumption is high, since they have many health benefits, as well as an exquisite taste and an ideal texture that goes well with many dishes. In fact, in Aragon Nuts are an important addition to traditional recipes such as thistle with almonds.

Without a doubt, another of the most loved nuts in Spain are pistachios, as they are an excellent source of calcium, surpassing even some dairy products such as milk and yogurt. So, this is It’s a good time to remember its benefits on World Pistachio Day. However, the recommended serving of pistachios is moderate, ideally no more than 50 units per week. This amount is enough to reap its benefits without exceeding your calorie intake, so a handful of pistachios can be an ideal alternative to include in your balanced diet and as a healthy snack.

On the other hand, pistachios are an excellent source of calciumeven surpassing some dairy products such as milk and yogurt. This feature makes them particularly valuable for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a plant-based diet. According to the Spanish Nutrition Foundation (FEN), 100 grams of these nuts provide 180 milligrams of calcium, while the dairy product contains 142 milligrams.

Without forgetting this the iron content in it is noticeableeven surpassing foods traditionally recognized as rich in this mineral, such as lentils. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)15% of the world’s population suffers from iron deficiency anemia. Pregnant women, the elderly and small children are the groups of the population that most often suffer from this disease. Thus, If you are looking for foods with this mineral, pistachios are a great alternative.

The Effect of Pistachios on the Kidneys

However, it is worth noting two minerals that are also present in pistachios that require special attention if a person suffers from kidney disease: potassium and phosphorus. In this case, yesand you should control and moderate your consumptionbecause the The kidneys may have difficulty removing these minerals.

That’s why, You will only have to worry about this inconvenience if you suffer from chronic kidney disease.. The School of Patients of La Rioja in their study “Nutrition in Chronic Kidney Disease” explains it very well: “The body obtains energy and nutrients from food to perform daily activities. Once in the body, food is transformed and waste is formed, which is eliminated from the body.” , mainly by the kidneys and the digestive tract. In addition, the kidneys regulate the concentration of other substances such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, water, etc. If the kidneys are not working properlyAll these products accumulate and disrupt internal levels.

Bibliographic sources

– Luis Roman, D., & Bustamante, J. (2008). Nutritional aspects in renal failure. Nephrology, 28(3), 333-342.