Benefits of Pistachio Nuts

If you're nutty about pistachios, you'll be pleased to know that these tasty treats are nutritious and loaded with health benefits. High in protein and packed with protein--heart healthy pistachios are positively the perfect snack.

Pistachios: A Dieter's Delight

The pistachio nut is a naturally delicious, healthful diet snack. A serving of 49 pistachios equals 160 to 170 calories. Pistachios are high in fiber and packed with protein. Unlike other diet foods, pistachio nuts are filling snacks that reduce hunger cravings.

Heart Benefits of Pistachios

Tree nuts like pistachios are known to be rich in many nutrients that are beneficial to the heart and circulatory system. Pistachio nuts contain close to 90 percent unsaturated fats, also called the "good" fats, which may help boost HDL cholesterol. Pistachios have very little saturated fat, if any. In fact, phytosterols in pistachio nuts actually block the body's absorption of "bad" fats consumed in other foods.
Pistachios contain antioxidants that lower cholesterol and arginine, a substance that reduces plaque buildup in the arteries.

"Nut"ritious and Delicious

The pistachio nut is a source of over 30 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients (nature's cancer fighters). Crack open a handful of the crunchy kernels and enjoy these benefits to your health:
--Copper: strengthens connective tissue, aids cardiovascular system and nerves
--Manganese: helps metabolism, builds bones
--Magnesium: regulates body temperature and important for bone health
--Vitamin A (beta carotene), lutein and zeaxanthin: promotes healthy vision
--B6 and other B vitamins (folate, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid): crucial for many body systems including the blood system, nervous system and immune system.

Convenient and Handy

Pistachios are easy to pack for school lunches and handy for hiking and road trips. Combine pistachio nuts with other natural ingredients such as raisins, shredded coconut, or dried apples for a scrumptious, homemade trail mix that is popular with kids and adults.

Cooking with Pistachios

You can multiply the beneficial nutrients of pistachio nuts by adding them to meals. Toss them into your favorite breakfast cereal or yogurt. Pistachios are delicious on waffles and pancakes or mixed into bran muffins. Add their crunchy, nutty flavor to soups and salads at lunch. Top off the day with pistachio appetizers before dinner, or sprinkle them on crispy, steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus.
The great taste and good nutrition of pistachio nuts provide long-lasting benefits for your health and well-being.