Pistachio Facts

Pistachio Facts

Pistachios -have been know to be “royalty”. Pistachios are happy and are called “the smiling nut” or “the happy nut” in some cultures. Most people love cracking and eating Pistachios, are intrigued by their color and may say it is their favorite nut. BUT, Pistachios aren’t really nuts! Pistachios are actually “seeds” of red or yellow plum-like fruits. However, everyone calls them nuts because they look like a nut.

So much goodness packed into something so small! Bite into this tasty nut and treat yourself to a highly satisfying, body loving snack. Indulgence with intelligence.

Nutrient dense 
1. Carotenoids
2. ONLY nut that contain significant amounts of the lutein and zeaxanthin, which has been associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in Americans over 65.
3. Highest fiber content (3 g/oz.). Provide 12% of Daily Value which puts it on par with oatmeal.
4. Highest protein compared with other nuts (6 gram/oz).
5. Excellent sources of copper, manganese and vitamin B6.
6. Copper is a major component of many important proteins and enzymes in the proper  development of connective tissues, nerve coverings and skin pigment.  Is also important in heart health.
7. Manganese is important for bone formation and nutrients metabolism.
8. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the immune system, red blood cell metabolism and hemoglobin productions, and nerve cell communication.
9. Good source of phosphorus, thiamin.

Heart health 
A. No trans fat.
B. Very rich in  phytosterols (plant sterols  that compete with dietary cholesterol for absorption in the body). Plant sterols occur naturally in a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, grain products, vegetable oils and nuts such as pistachios.
C. According to a study from Harran University, Turkey, groups who replaced 20% of their calorie intake with pistachios for three weeks showed a decrease in total cholesterol, the  total cholesterol to HDL ratio, and the LDL to HDL ratio.

Antioxidants 
Provides 464 mg GAE (Gallic Acid Equivalents) of Phenolic in 1 ounce of pistachio nuts, which ranked second after pecans among all nuts. Phenolic is believed to account for a major portion of the antioxidant capacity of many plants foods.

Weight control and maintenance 
A research from University of California, Los Angeles showed that patients who  substitute pistachio  nuts for food such as candy bars, dairy products, microwave popcorn, buttered popcorn, and potato chips  with pistachios accounting for 20% of  total calories for three weeks, did not gain body weight.
Significant amount of protein, healthy fat and dietary fiber in pistachios promote feeling of fullness and help people maintain their weight by keeping hunger at bay.

Fun FActs
In America, pistachios were once dyed red to disguise shell imperfections and make the nuts stand out in vending machines.
February 26th is recognized by pistachio lovers as World Pistachio Day; a day to honor the historical nut.
Historically, they were considered a rare delicacy and a favorite of the Queen of Sheba.