Pistachios

Information brought to you by
the Western Pistachio Association

Health Benefits of Pistachios in a Nutshell

Good news for health nuts – pistachios pack a power nutrition punch! The flavorful nuts are a proven heart-healthy super snack according to a new Penn State study that examined the effects of pistachios on multiple cardiovascular risk factors, including cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation. U.S. Pistachios are naturally cholesterol-free and high in fiber, protein and monounsaturated fats. Nutrition experts nationwide are now recommending pistachios as a heart-healthy snack or heart-smart ingredient to incorporate into favorite dishes.

In recent years, other promising research has shown the beneficial effects of consuming pistachios as part of a daily diet. Eating a 1.5 ounce serving may reduce your body’s biological response to stress when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. Other studies have shown that pistachios, when eaten with some common high-carbohydrate foods, can actually slow the absorption of carbohydrates into the body, resulting in a lower than expected blood sugar level. Keeping blood sugar under control is an important factor in preventing diabetes.

Pistachios contain many important nutrients that contribute to their positive effect on health. New research continues to piece together the puzzle of how eating pistachios may benefit health in many different ways. Since 2003 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that eating most nuts – including pistachios – may help reduce the risk of heart disease when eaten as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, the U.S. pistachio industry has committed itself to learning more about the impact pistachios have on other health issues affecting American’s today.

Consider the following facts about the nutritional benefits of pistachios:

• One serving of pistachios is 49 nuts, more than any other tree nut.
• Pistachios are a naturally cholesterol-free snack.
• They are a great source of protein. A single serving provides the same amount of protein in one ounce of soybeans.
• Pistachios contain more than 10 percent of the Daily Value of dietary fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.
• One serving of pistachios has as much potassium as half a small banana.
• Pistachios contain monounsaturated fat that has been linked with lowering cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.
• Scientific evidence suggests that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pistachios, may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Pistachios can lower or help maintain already-low blood sugar levels, an important factor in preventing diabetes.
• Top celebrity chefs such as Gale Gand and Michelle Bernstein from the Food Network, as well as recent Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, among others, regularly incorporate pistachios into their famous dishes.

For more information from The Western Pistachio Association about the health benefits of pistachios and how to incorporate them into your diet, or for a copy of the WPA celebrity recipe booklet, visit www.westernpistachio.org.

Information brought to you by the the Western Pistachio Association