What are pistachios?
Pistachio nuts are the seeds of Pistacia vera, a species belonging to the family of Anacardiaceae. The species is native to central-western regions, but today it is widespread throughout the world including Iran, the USA Turkey where the largest quantities are produced.
What are the nutritional properties of pistachios?
100 g of pistachios provide 608 calories broken down as follows:
- 83% lipids
- 12% protein
- 5% carbohydrates
In particular, 100 grams of pistachios provide:
- 3.9 g of water
- 18.1 g of protein
- 56.1 g of lipids
- 3.3 g of starch
- 4.5 g of soluble sugars
- 10.6 g of fiber
Among vitamins and minerals , 100 g of pistachios include:
- 4 mg of vitamin E
- 2 mg of vitamin C
- 1.4 mg of niacin
- 0.67 mg of thiamine
- 0.1 mg of riboflavin
- 43 micrograms of vitamin A (retinol equivalent)
- 972 g of potassium
- 131 mg of calcium
- 500 mg of phosphorus
- 1 mg of sodium
- 7.3 mg of iron
- 0.75 g of copper
- 158 mg of magnesium
- 2.37 mg of zinc
- 8 micrograms of selenium
When should you not eat pistachios?
No conditions in which the consumption of pistachios would interfere with medications or other substances are known.
Seasonality of pistachios
Pistachios are harvested in August and September, but are commercially available throughout the year.
Possible benefits and drawbacks of pistachios
According to scientific studies some of the molecules present in pistachios may protect cardiovascular health; in particular, it seems that these seeds can be useful against hypercholesterolemia and can exert anti-inflammatory effects. Other research has associated benefits of pistachios in terms of weight management and blood sugar level. Finally, these seeds are ideal as a snack after sports; their nutrients in fact help to meet the body's needs after physical activity. The exudate from the product of pistachio plant provides antimicrobial properties.
An allergy to pistachios is not frequent.
