Pistachio Day

Sometimes you feel like a nut ...

Good Things Come in Small Packages
The little pistachio packs a healthy, tasty punch.

Although it may not be widely known, February 26 is National Pistachio Day. Take some time to learn a little about this nut and you may be surprised by what you find.

Pistachios – the famous green nuts – have a surprisingly impressive reputation for being a smart, healthy addition to the daily diet. Studies have shown that the pistachio is actually one of the healthiest nuts out there, offering a great source of vitamin B6, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium – all good for the body. Pistachios also have significant antioxidant qualities; compared to more than 100 other foods, pistachios are one of the most antioxidant-rich choices.

If their nutritional value doesn’t impress you, perhaps the fact that pistachios are also a great food to help you lose weight will. Pistachios contain fiber. Just one serving – about 49 nuts – provides the same amount of fiber found in a serving of oatmeal. Fiber, plus the protein and healthy fat in pistachios, can keep you feeling full longer and help you eat less throughout the day.

Still not sold? The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that, “The consumption of 1–4 servings of nuts (such as pistachios) per week was associated with about a 40 percent reduction in risk of coronary heart disease.”

Pistachios are full of phytosterols, which help to support cardiovascular health and battle bad cholesterols as they are absorbed into the body’s digestive system. Pistachios are also a good source of healthy, unsaturated fat, which the body needs. Because they do have such a high concentration of fat, however, eating pistachios in moderation is important. For the best results, medical sources strongly suggest cutting back on those foods that are high in saturated fats while incorporating recommended servings of pistachios into your diet.

Pistachios can be worked into your diet in a variety of ways. Although a simple handful is always quick, easy and delicious, try something different like pistachio-crusted halibut or pistachio pesto. You can find many different pistachio recipes, from appetizers to desserts, as well as other information about pistachios at www.thegreennut.org.

For additional facts and fun information on pistachios, visit www.pistachiohealth.com