Pistachios are a lot more than a food you find in a shallow bowl at a dive-bar. In fact, I think these nutty little guys deserve a lot more respect than people generally give them. In honor of National Pistachio Day (February 26), I am devoting my post this week to the history and health benefits of this great nut. How did you celebrate National Pistachio Day? 

Green Diva Meg shared some pistachios with Ringo Starr

Listen to this week’s excellent Green Divas Foodie-Phile podcast to hear all about National Pistachio Day

All about pistachios . . .

While the pistachio’s origin goes back to Western Asia, more people associated it with the Mediterranean area since it has been incorporated in that culture’s recipes for thousands of years. Pistachios are even in my own authentic Greek Baklava Recipe!

It is one of the two nuts mentioned in the Bible (with almonds being the other noted). The pistachio has been cultivated commercially in the English speaking world in Australia, New Mexico and in California where it was introduced in 1854 as a garden tree.

What’s so fascinating about this tree is that it takes about 10 to 12 years to produce its first crop. The seed of the pistachio is edible and the pistachio nuts can be cultivated all year long since the tree is not seasonal.  Want to learn more about nuts? Check out Green Diva Meg’s article 5 Reasons to Go Nuts–Or Eat Them Anyway.

Not only does the pistachio have an interesting history, but it also has many health benefits.

8 reasons why its okay to go nutty for pistachios

1. Heart Health

Pistachios have been proven to reduce “bad” cholesterol (known a LDL) and increase the “good” (HL) cholesterol after only  a very brief period of chowing down. They are high in antioxidants, like vitamin A and vitamin E. They also fight inflammation, protect blood vessels and ultimately decrease the risk of heart disease. Even a very small intake of these nuts have been linked to increase lutein levels.

2. Diabetes Prevention

Consuming pistachios may aid in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. This is because 60% of the recommended daily value of  the mineral phosphorus is contained in just one cup of pistachios. Not only does phosphorus break down proteins into amino acids, it also aids glucose tolerance.

3. Keeps the Blood Healthy

Pistachios are a very rich source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is essential to make hemoglobin, the protein responsible for bringing oxygen through the blood stream to cells, and is also shown to increase the amount of oxygen carried.

4. Keeps the Nervous System Healthy

The vitamin B6 so prevalent in pistachios has many effects on the nervous system. Messaging molecules called amines require amino acids to develop, which in turn rely on vitamin B6 for their creation. That being said, B6 plays a critical role in the creation of myelin, the insulating sheath around nerve fibers that allows optimal messaging between nerves. Furthermore, vitamin B6 contributes to the synthesis of serotonin, melatonin, epinephrine and gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, an amino acid that calms the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the nervous system. Basically, if you want a nervous system that’s in tip-top shape, eat pistachios.

5. It’s All in the Eyes

Pistachios contain two carotenoids not found in most nuts called lutein and zeaxanthin. These guys function as protective antioxidants by defending tissues from damage from free radicals. They have been associated with a decrease in the risk for developing age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of visual impairments and acquired blindness in the nation.

6. Immune System

Vitamin B6 is essential for a healthy immune system and pistachios have a lot of it.  A surfeit of vitamin B6 can slow brain activity as well as decrease the effectiveness of the immune system for warding-off infections. Vitamin B6 found in pistachios also helps the body make healthy red blood cells, and helps maintain the health of lymphoid glands, such as the thymus, spleen and lymph nodes, ensuring the production of white blood cells that protect the body from infections.

7. Eat Pistachios for Glowing Skin

Pistachios are an amazing source of vitamin E, a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant, imperative for maintaining the integrity of cell membranes and often recommended for healthy and beautiful skin. Vitamin E does an excellent job protecting the skin from UV damage, providing daily defense against premature aging and skin cancer. Get lovely skin from the inside out by eating pistachios.

8. Eat Pistachios for Extra Protein

Pistachios contain a higher amount of protein in comparison with other nuts such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, and walnuts. The amount of protein found in pistachios is 6 g per 1 ounce, which is the highest in comparison to other nuts. The fat content in pistachios is also the lowest compared to other nuts. Statistics collected by Thomas and Gebhardt show that the fat content in pistachios is 13 g per 1 ounce. Why not add them to a salad or your next baked-good? Check out my recipe below for pistachio and dried cherry biscotti’s. They are a great breakfast alternative for a bit of added protein.

[yumprint-recipe id=’16’]