Pistachios: A Superfood for People with Desk Jobs

Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
pistachios can give you an energy boost at work

Three recent studies are giving pistachio lovers new reasons to reach for a handful of nuts while at work, especially pistachios. Adding to an increasing volume of research around the health benefits of pistachios, one study and a national survey in the U.S. suggest a snack of pistachios might boost brain power and concentration levels at work. For anyone reluctant to add nut calories to their daily routine, a French study showed that adding a daily pistachio snack to an existing diet is not likely to cause weight gain, yet it could add important nutrients you might be missing now.

Pistachios helped office workers stay focused until lunchtime

In a national survey, 1,000 American office workers who skipped breakfast consumed a snack of 42 grams (1 ½ serving size) of pistachios between 9am and 11am. Of the participants, 92 percent of the participants said they are “distracted from their tasks at work due to hunger before lunch.” Eighty percent said they usually get hungry in the mornings before lunch and think about food, often or every day. The midmorning snack of pistachios proved to be just what they needed to power through the morning. Ninety-two percent of the participants reported the pistachio snack helped improve their concentration at work as stated in the study, “somewhat or greatly.”

That’s not surprising, according to Dr. Mike Roussell, nutrition expert and advisor to Men’s Health and SELF magazines. “Skipping breakfast is never a good idea, but even with a good breakfast and lunch, hunger pangs and stress driven hunger can be distracting, leading to unhealthy snacking habits.” Dr. Roussell continued, “Pistachios are an ideal midmorning or midafternoon snack because of their unique nutrient package that not only promotes feelings of fullness and satiation but newer studies show that it can promote an optimal mental state and more focus at work. Not to mention that pistachios are a healthy snack that you will look forwarding to eating day in and day out.”

Increasingly, people with desk jobs are looking for a healthier snack alternative to the usual donuts and vending machine fare. Ninety percent of the survey’s participants said they believe the snack of pistachios is healthier than their usual snack.

Pistachios may have a role in improved brain function

Loma Linda University researchers found that eating nuts on a regular basis enhances brainwave frequencies associated with cognition, learning, memory, recall and other key brain functions. While the research studied multiple nuts, pistachios produced the greatest gamma wave response, which is critical for enhancing cognitive processing, information retention, learning and perception.

A daily snack for a trim waist & added nutrients

Anyone searching for a filling snack that offers healthful nutrition, but doesn’t lead to unwanted weight gain, may want to take a fresh look at pistachios. A recent study conducted by the Institut Paul Bocuse in the foodie capitol of Lyon, France uncovered positive results.

During a four-week period, French women were divided into two groups, one group snacked on a protein biscuit popularized as a healthy snack, while the second group consumed roasted pistachios. The snacks were matched for calories and protein content. Importantly, the snacks (about 315 calories each) were added to their usual daily food intake. Food records were taken from the study subjects and anthropometric measurements (such as weight and waist circumference) were taken at the fourth week.

While the weight of the participants did not change for either group, the pistachio group trended toward a reduction in waist size after four weeks. Body fat measurements remained stable in the pistachio snackers, but it rose slightly in the control group. Unlike the “healthy protein biscuit” snack, those who ate pistachios for four weeks increased their consumption of nutrients important to women and men alike, such as thiamin, vitamin B6, copper and potassium.

The snacking survey and health benefit studies add to a growing base of pistachio research, solidifying that pistachios have all the ideal qualities for a go-to workplace snack.

What does it all mean? EAT MORE PISTACHIOS!

Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico. They are best known for their farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines. Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings. They offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts. The main store, on the ranch in Alamogordo, offers farm tours that showcases how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for weddings, private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.