I pistachios are not only tasty and fun to eat, but also very healthy! These edible seeds of the tree "Pistacia" they contain healthy fats and are a good source of protein, fibers and antioxidants; they also contain several essential nutrients and may promote weight loss and heart and intestinal health.
What Are Pistachios?
Pistachios are seeds of the “Pistacia” tree; they are green/brownish and slightly sweet. They are defined “dried fruit", But botanically speaking they are seeds; the pistachio tree is native to western Asia and archaeologists believe pistachios became a food as early as 7000 BC
They arrived in the United States in the 70th century and commercial production began in the XNUMXs.
Nutritional values
A one pound serving of pistachios contains:
- 5,72 grams of protein
- 7,7 grams of carbohydrates
- 12,85 grams of fat
- 3 grams of fiber
These seeds they do not contain cholesterol and are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, among which:
Health benefits
Here are the possible health benefits:
- High levels of fatty acids and potassium: both have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics
- possibile reduction of cardiovascular disease
- Pistachios are rich in fiber, minerals and unsaturated fats which can help keep blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol under control
- The fibers and proteins they are rich in can make you feel fuller longer
- Can help manage weight, for I am one , snack nutritious and satisfying
- Their consumption can reduce the amount of sugar and fat in the blood.
Risks in consuming pistachios
While raw pistachios don't have a lot of sodium, roasted pistachios, which are very salty, don't. a cup of roasted dried pistachios contains 526 milligrams of sodium.
Too much sodium can lead to problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke; for those suffering from fructan intolerance (a type of carbohydrate), pistachios could create intestinal problems such as bloating, nausea and pain in the abdomen.
Tips for use in the kitchen
Pistachios can be difficult to eat because they have a very hard shell; if there is a crack in the shell, the shell of another pistachio can be used to open it.
If there are no cracks, you can put the pistachios on the cutting board, cover them with a cloth and squeeze them very hard to open them.
They keep fresh (shelled or in the shell) for up to one year in the refrigerator and up to three years in the freezer. They can be eaten raw as a snack or in various preparations:
- Insalate
- Gelato
- Yogurt
- Spreadable cream
- Pesto
- Cookies
- granola
These are seeds that yes they lend themselves to many preparations and will improve many recipes by adding a crunchy and healthy touch.
And you, how do you eat pistachios? Let us know in the comments and remember to follow us on our telegram channel