Did you know?
The beautiful green and purples pistachio or the ‘laughing nut’ is a relative of the juicy, succulent Mango. It is also one of the oldest flowering nuts eaten by humans for over 7,000 years.
What’s more, they contain several essential nutrients and can aid weight loss and heart and gut health.
One ounce (28 grams) of Pistachios contains:
- Calories: 159
- Carbs: 8 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Fat: 13 grams (90% are unsaturated fats)
- Potassium: 6% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Phosphorus: 11% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 28% of the RDI
- Thiamine: 21% of the RDI
- Copper: 41% of the RDI
- Manganese: 15% of the RDI
They’re Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants can protect your cells from oxidative damage. This means it can help fight aging, illnesses, and fight reactions in your body that could damage cells. Antioxidants are also great for inflammation (or swellings).
Pistachios contain the 3rd highest antioxidants found among all varieties of edible nuts. They also have the highest content of lutein and zeaxanthin among all nuts which are vital antioxidants for eye health. It gives protection for damage caused by blue light (computer and phone screens, LED lights and sunlight) and aging.
Gut Health
An imbalance of microbes in your intestines can lead to a number of health issues including weight gain, high blood sugar and high cholesterol. Good gut health is important to create a balance of microbes which will help control your digestion and your immune system. Some types of fibre promotes good gut health. Pistachios are high in fibre that is good for your gut.
Matters of the Heart
Research has found that Pistachios may lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) and it can improve your risk of heart disease.
Blood Vessel Health
A compound called Nitric Oxide plays an important role in widening your blood vessels which helps your blood vessels to relax. Proper blood flow is essential for many bodily functions. Pistachios play a significant role in providing nitric oxide once consumed.
Blood Sugar
Pistachios have a low glycemic index which means that they do not cause a blood sugar spike. This is essential to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. In fact, they promote low blood sugar levels.
Pinch some of those extra pounds away with some Pistachios!
Pistachios are one of the lowest calorie nuts and have the second highest protein content found in nuts. They also have a higher quantity of amino acids which your body does not naturally produce, but it is essential to break down the food you eat.
They are also rich in fibre which increases feelings of being full and therefore help you eat less. Studies have also shown a loss of weight along the stubborn waistline in those who incorporated pistachios into their diet than those who didn’t. It has also been found that Pistachios help in mindful eating as de-shelling the pistachios slows the rate of eating and also shows how many nuts have been eaten.
Diet or cravings?
These nutrient rich, exotic nuts are ideal to be sprinkled over a salad or enjoyed as a healthy portable snack at the office or while working from home or a homemade paste used as dressing on your healthy meals. This would be an ideal substitute for fat spreads and creams in your vegan diet! These exotically coloured green and purple nuts would also make a beautiful addition to your charcuterie board.
Satisfy your secret cravings with silky smooth homemade pistachio ice cream, exquisite Indian Burfi and decadent Baklava from the middle east.