The Power of Pistachios
Friday, May 7th, 2021
In a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, it was found that eating nuts, including pistachios, as part of a healthy diet was associated with decreased risk of death in both women and men, especially due to cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease. Eating pistachios may actually reduce your mortality rate by 39%!!
EATING PISTACHIOS MAY HELP YOU SLEEP
Pistachios contain 660ng/grams of melatonin. More than most other fruits, vegetables, cereals, seeds, and legumes. Melatonin is the natural hormone your body secretes that helps to maintain your wake-sleep cycle (also called “biological clock”). Melatonin has been widely studied for treatment of jet lag and other sleep disorders. Additional research suggests melatonin has anti-oxidative activity, a role in modulating immune responses, and possible anti-tumor activity.
EATING PISTACHIOS MAY REDUCE YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE
According to the FDA eating 1.5 ounces of pistachios daily in conjunction with a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol may reduce your risk of heart disease. Pistachios are full of antioxidants, have shown to reduce cholesterol in many studies and help reduce blood pressure.
PISTACHIOS ARE A COMPLETE PROTIEN
Pistachios, with 6g protein, are a complete and “good source” of protein with 10% Daily Value and contain all the essential amino acids. Gram for gram pistachios have as much protein as an egg. Protein plays a key role in the creation and maintenance of every cell in our bodies. It fuels our cells and powers our bodies.
PISTACHIOS ARE A GREAT SOURCE OF FIBER
A serving of pistachios (49 kernels) contains nearly 3 grams of fiber. This amount of fiber is equivalent to 12 percent of the recommended daily value, which means pistachios are considered a good source of fiber by U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards.
Pistachios contain appreciable amounts of both kinds of dietary fiber, and, like most nuts, they’re especially high in the insoluble type. Because insoluble fiber binds with water, it’s able to move material through your intestinal tract more thoroughly and efficiently. It also helps your body produce softer stools that are easy to eliminate, thereby protecting against constipation and related complications, including hemorrhoids. Soluble fiber, which becomes a sticky, gel-like substance when it combines with water, promotes healthy cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Both types of fiber contribute to satiety: Insoluble fiber helps you feel fuller faster, while soluble fiber delays gastric emptying.
PISTACHIOS ARE A GREAT SOURCE OF POTASSIUM
Pistachios are a significant potassium source. 2 ounces of pistachios have more potassium than a large banana! One cup of pistachios contains almost 1,300 mg of potassium, about a quarter of the general daily recommendation.
Potassium is an extremely important mineral and electrolyte. Potassium works with sodium, another critical electrolyte, inside the body's cells to create nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and heart function. Fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps, and intestinal and muscular paralysis (the loss of movement and feeling) can result when potassium levels are abnormal. Additionally, abnormal heart rhythms may arise and potentially be fatal. Some research has shown maintaining or increasing potassium intake may even decrease the risk of certain chronic diseases, including stroke, osteoporosis, and kidney stones. High blood pressure (medically known as hypertension) has shown to lower with high dietary potassium compared to those with low potassium intakes.
Good things come in small packages and the nutrition benefits of pistachios are no exception. It’s not surprising pistachios have been considered beneficial to health for centuries by societies all over the world. Not only are pistachios a source of many essential vitamins and minerals, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, protein and fiber, but pistachios also provide an array of phytochemicals, a wide variety of compounds made by plants that may help to promote health and well-being.
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.