Pistachio, commonly known as Pista, is an excellent dietary choice due to its nutritional value. Learn about its benefits.
Adding nuts and seeds to your diet is a healthy and tasty way to add crunch and flavor to your snacks. These superfoods can satisfy your cravings while providing essential micronutrients to support your digestive health. Pistachios, also known as Pista in India, are a great option for a daily snack. Just a handful of these delicious nuts can be eaten on the go or as a late-night snack. They can also be added to your child’s milk for a tasty treat with numerous health benefits. Pistachios can be used in a variety of sweet and savory foods, from salads and ice creams to desserts and crunchy snacks.
It’s no surprise that there is a day dedicated to the amazing nut known as the pistachio. National Pistachio Day is celebrated on February 26th every year. Pistachios have been consumed for over 9000 years and are native to Middle Eastern countries. In the United States, pistachios were introduced in the 1800s, but it took another century for them to gain immense popularity (in the 1900s) and be extensively used in the culinary world.
Pistachios are a good source of fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, copper, magnesium, carotenoids, and other minerals. To get the most nutrition from pistachios, it’s best to roast them and store them at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.
WONDERFUL HEALTH BENEFITS OF PISTACHIO
1. Boosts Cognition: The presence of potent antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin in pistachios helps protect our cells and tissues from oxidative damage, reducing the risk of neurological disorders.
2. Good Quality Protein: Pistachios are a nutritious food, rich in essential amino acids and branched chain amino acids. This can help improve muscle mass and tissue repair. When compared to other tree nuts, pistachios are a good source of vegetable protein with a high PDCAAS (Protein digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score) value.
3. Heart Healthy: Studies have shown that pistachios contain a precursor called L-arginine, which may improve heart health. L-arginine has the ability to relax blood vessels, causing them to dilate and improving blood flow. This property may help prevent hypertension, coronary artery disease, and other cardiovascular diseases.
4. Reduces Sugar Spikes: Recent studies indicate that incorporating pistachios into the diet can help regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, making them an ideal snack or salad topping.
5. Rich in Fibre: Pistachios are not just a great source of high-quality protein, but they are also rich in fiber. Consuming fiber-rich foods can help in managing weight and promote satiety. You can add pistachios to your smoothies, cut fruit plates, grate them in your halwa or add them to your laddoos for a healthy and delicious snack.
