Pistachios are one of the world’s most popular nuts. Their distinctive green fruits crop up in everything from salads to hot dishes and desserts, though they may be most popular on their own as a midday snack: dry-roasted and lightly salted to perfection.
The ritual of cracking the nuts out of their cream-coloured shells is almost as satisfying as the flavour itself, which is impressive, given the uniqueness of their rich, nutty, earthy taste. The taste is nearly impossible to describe, and there’s no other ingredient like them.
But whether you are a fan of pistachios or not, if you’ve ever bought them, you’ve probably experienced sticker shock. Pistachios come in at a much larger price point than nuts like almonds, cashews, or peanuts.
Most of us like the pistachio so much that we won’t let a few extra dollars per pound become an obstacle, but it’s still something that many are curious about.
From Where Pistachios Come From?
When you think of exports from Iran, most people think of oil. However, pistachios are the country’s 2nd most significant export, with over 400,000 tons being produced every year.
After Iran, the top best producers are the U.S. (233,000 metric tonnes), then Turkey and also China, both of which originate to around 80,000 tonnes.
What Are The Pistachios?
Pistachios are one of the healthiest nuts, yet they are hardly consumed as frequently as they should be. They are usually overlooked with nuts like almonds or peanuts, even though they possess individual properties and advantages for health that make them essential.
They have a mildly sweet taste and are fantastic options for snacks, as they fill you up fast and are nutrient rich.
If you know that you haven’t been taking pistachios as often as you should, it is a great time to start improving your intake now, as you are likely to observe advantages over the medium to long-term.
Nutrition Facts Per 100g Serving Size
Pistachios are full of nutritional powerhouses that have a high variety of essential vitamins and minerals that aid everything from the health of your skin to the health of your gut.
They are, however, exceedingly calorie dense and can result in you putting on weight if you are not cautious. Regardless, that is not an excellent ample reason to evade them, as their advantages far outweight any potential adverse effects.
A few pistachio nuts eaten daily is recommended, and a formula for good health.
Calories – 571
Carbohydrate – 28g
Dietary Fiber -10g
Sugars – 7g
Total Fat – 46g
Saturated Fat – 5.6g
Monounsaturated Fat-24.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat-14g
Protein -20g
Vitamin A -260IU
Vitamin E -1.8mg
Vitamin K -3.2mcg
Thiamin -0.8mg
Vitamin B6 -1.5mg
Folate -50.5mcg
Choline -70mg
Calcium -110mg
Iron -4mg
Phosphorus -480mg
Magnesium -120mg
Potassium -1040mg
Zinc -2.5mg
Copper -1.5mg
Manganese -1.3mg
Selenium -9mcg.
What Are The Amazing Health Benefits Of Pistachios?
1. Pistachios Help Preserve Blood Vessel Health
High blood pressure has the number of causes, among them being inflexibility of the blood vessels. Pistachios, however, aid to control blood pressure as a result of this cause by decreasing blood vessel stiffness and permitting them to dilate (or relax) whenever it is essential.
Pistachios are generally rich in the amino acid L-arginine, which in itself promotes vasodilation of the blood vessels, but what is more fascinating is the fact that consistent consumption of pistachios enhances many different EDRFs (endothelium-derived relaxation factors), considering nitric oxide levels that promote the health of the blood vessels.
Being flexible also decreases the likelihood of harm due to atherosclerosis.
2. Helps In Stabilizing Blood Glucose Levels
Though pistachios have average levels of carbohydrates in them, they are fortified with more than what is required to slow the incorporation of it as glucose.
For one, it has tons of protein, fat and also the fiber, all of which moderates the glucose absorption procedure and insulin response. Plus, pistachios have lots of antioxidant properties in them which can support to preserve the function of the cells in the pancreas that assemble insulin.
3. Pistachio Enhance Health Of The Heart
The number of people does not appreciate the fact that fats do indeed boost the health of the heart, mostly those that are unsaturated.
Pistachios are generally rich in both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and enhance your overall cholesterol profile. The presence of plant sterols and numerous antioxidants also aid to continue the health of the heart.
4. Decrease Incidence Of Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is accomplished by millions of people across the world, being accepted by those that experience it; although this does not have to be the case.
There exist the carotenoid antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are associated with significantly reduce risk following regular consumption. Pistachios are rich in these carotenoids antioxidants aiding you to preserve your eye health for as long as possible.
5. Pistachios Are Gut Friendly
Foods that support the overall health of our gut bacteria are extremely essential to stop illness and ensuring we absorb as much nutrition from food as possible.
In pistachios, this preferred food source approaches in the form of soluble fiber, which the bacteria living in the intestines are ready to metabolise. This fiber aids to develop colonies of good bacteria in the intestines, which in turn decreases the risk factors for several diseases such as cancer, gastric ulcers as well as other digestive conditions.
6. Pistachios Help In Maintaining Your Overall Skin Health
When ageing sets into motion, your skin is one of the first places to see its effects, even though it can sometimes be humiliating to look old when in fact you are entirely young. A considerable part of that effect could be due to immoderate exposure to UV radiation from the sun, which can harm skin and leave it looking worn.
Pistachio consists of Vitamin E, which is one of the best and most advised vitamins for preserving skin health. Vitamin E returns some amount of UV radiation aiding also to suppress the amount of destruction to the skin can experience.
7. Support The Health Of The Nervous System
The nervous system amazingly does not get a lot of love, even though its impotence cannot be overstated. The nervous system eases communication between all parts of the body but can be subject to damage like everything else. Luckily, pistachios are here to help.
They are very rich in Vitamin B6, which is a necessary element in proper protein metabolism. Protein metabolism requires to be in tune to form the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers.
This myelin sheath make sure conduction of electrical impulses make their way to their intended targets and do not lose conduction.
8. Pistachios Can Enhance Your Sex Drive
The number of times the cause of low sex drive can be linked to something as simple as not getting adequate fat in the diet. In particular, is saturated fat, which pistachios encompass but not in overwhelming quantities.
Testosterone is the primary determinant of sex drive and needs fat and cholesterol for production. Saturated fat lends itself to cholesterol which then translates to enhanced production of this vital hormone. The presence of selenium and zinc also aid in testosterone production, particularly in men.
Daily Consumption Limit
Eating 30 grams of pistachios on a regular basis will have the number of benefits. So, you can add this to your daily diet.
As pistachios are rich in calories, it is better to consume by following the rule of the recommended amount.
Yummy!! Recipe Of Pistachio
Pistachio Phirni
Phirni is one of the classic Indian sweets pudding made in north and south India on the number of festivals for example on Eid and on also other celebratory occasions.
This phirni recipe here is prepared of Pistachios instead of methodical nuts and dry fruits which gives it a different take without pulling off its organic essence.
Traditionally it was served in little earthen bowls called as ‘Shikoras’, Phirni is one of the most favourite Indian traditional dessert recipes to make on occasions.
Ingredients To Be Included In Pistachio Phirni Recipe:
Pista and elaichi flavoured phirni great to serve for a festive occasion.
250 Ml of Milk
25 Grams of Rice flour
50 Grams of Pistachio
75 Grams of Sugar
1 tsp of Cardamom powder.
How To Prepare Pistachio Phirni
1. Firstly, boil the milk and sugar in a bowl.
2. Now, add rice flour to it.
3. Cook on slow heat till it becomes thick like a runny batter.
4. Combine cardamom powder and roasted pistachio into the mixture.
5. Cook a little bit more till it becomes smooth.
6. Fill in glasses or mud pots.
7. Let it cool for about an hour.
8. Serve cold.
Above all are the benefits of pistachios, you can consume these wonder nuts every day. However, it is essential to combine them with other nuts so that you don’t end up including lots of calories and fats to your entire day.