Amazing Benefits of Pistachios

One of my favorite afternoon snacks is a  handful of pistachios.  I was actually quite surprised to find the many health benefits from this tiny superfood!

Day 25: Amazing Benefits of Pistachios

Pistachios:  What I love most about pistachios is that they contain anti-inflammatory properties.  Pistachios also contain vitamin E, an antioxidant, which helps maintain healthy skin.  As a Hidradenitis Suppurativa sufferer, I believe vitamin E is crucial in our diets to help prevent future flare-ups.  Additionally, pistachios are a good source of vitamin B6.  Research has shown that a deficiency in vitamin B6 leads to inflammation of the skin.  Not to mention that vitamin B6 helps boost the immune system.  Pistachios also contain phytosterols which have been shown to lower your risk of Alzheimer's disease.  A diet high in phytosterols also help you absorb less cholesterol which can help lower your risk of heart disease. 

Ezekial, Yogurt and Raspberry Breakfast

As a Hidradenitis Suppurativa sufferer, maintaining a healthy immune system is crucial for HS remission.  Eating a healthy diet, loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods has allowed me to continue my HS healing journey.  To keep my 'gut' happy and improve my immune system, I eat Greek yogurt often.  We have all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  This quick and easy breakfast has become one of my favorites.

Ingredients
1/4 cup Ezekial 4:9 Almond
1 Vanilla Greek yogurt
Raspberries

• Combine all ingredients and enjoy :)

Ezekial 4:9 Almond:  Sprouted whole grains release antioxidants and breakdown enzyme inhibitors so your body can absorb vitamins and minerals.  Ezekial 4:9 brand cereals do not have any preservatives and use all organic ingredients.  This cereal is a good source of protein offering 8 grams for 1/2 cup.  

Greek Yogurt:  Protein is needed for healthy skin and to help fight off disease.  Greek Yogurt is an excellent source of protein.  One container of my Greek yogurt has 12 grams of protein!  It is also loaded with probiotics which help keep your intestines healthy along with aid in digestion.

Raspberries:  Raspberries are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and fiber.  Raspberries also contain antioxidants which may help fight chronic disease.  They also contain flavonoids which have been shown to reduce or stop inflammation.  

Healthy Habits

It is amazing how good I feel after eating 'clean' all day long!  Since I have been diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurative, I have completely changed my diet.  This has been my saving grace!  Every single day I incorporate fruits and vegetables.  I eat five times a day (breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and dinner).  My morning snack always consists of some sort of fruit, while my afternoon snack is a mix of different raw vegetables.  Here are my snacks for today!

Snacks for Today

I also like to drink green tea or parsley tea throughout my day.  On the weekend, I prepare all my snacks for the week so they are ready to 'grab-n-go'.  Here are a list of my favorite fruits and vegetables.  

FRUIT

• Apples
• Grapes
• Blackberries 
• Strawberries
• Mango
• Kiwi
• Cherries (when they are in season)

VEGETABLES

• Cucumber
• Celery
• Snap Peas
• Green Beans
• Baby Carrots
• Bell Peppers (unless you are sensitive to nightshades)
• Broccoli

While I know that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables helps my Hidradenitis Suppurativa, it also helps fight and prevent other diseases.  To make sure you are getting enough fruits and vegetables visit The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fruit and vegetable calculator which recommends the amount of fruits and vegetables needed based on your calorie needs.