Daily Fit Tip: Pop pistachios

Want a convenient and healthy snack? Try pistachios! Not only are they yummy to munch, they have a lot of health perks to boot. Like most nuts, pistachios are high in fat: 13 grams. But 7 grams are monounsaturated and 4 grams are polyunsaturated -- both of which are beneficial fats when eaten moderately. In fact, research conducted at the Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia shows that people who ate two to three ounces of unsalted pistachios every day for four weeks raised their HDL cholesterol by 6%. HDL is considered the good cholesterol (think "H" for "Healthy") because it helps carry fatty acids and cholesterol to the liver for removal.

Pistachios used to be dyed red to hide imperfections in the shells, but they're more commonly found in their natural colored shells now. You can also buy them pre-shelled. For more quick health tips, go to AOL Body.