Crack Open the Nutritional Powerhouse Nut To Celebrate National Pistachio Day

Indulge in regal flavors this February 26th to celebrate National Pistachio Day.

While pistachios are renowned for their vibrant hue, did you know that they also share familial roots with mangos? That’s right, both pistachios and mangos originate from the same evergreen tree family.

Pistachio nuts grow in dense grape-like clusters and, as they mature, they naturally begin to crack open, signaling their readiness for eating. Most pistachios are cultivated right here in the United States, primarily in California, making this flavorful, heart-healthy nut a readily accessible addition to your daily diet.

Pistachio Benefits

Who doesn’t love a delicious Pistachio? Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they are one of the most fun foods to eat! They may take some effort, but they are absolutely worth it in the end.

Here are just some of their health benefits:

Nutrient-dense: Pistachios provide many nutrients with a relatively small serving size, which is what makes them nutrient-dense. A one ounce serving of pistachios has 3 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, and is loaded with Vitamin B6 making it the perfect snack! Most of the fat contained in pistachios is unsaturated, 90% to be exact!

Antioxidants: Pistachios are rich in polyphenols and tocopherols, which are both antioxidants. It is considered to have the third highest antioxidant content of all nuts. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation in your body, reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, protect your eye health, and help fight against aging!

Fiber Content: Pistachios are one of the leading nuts containing fiber. One serving (1 ounce) of pistachio nuts contains 3 grams of fiber which is twice as much as walnuts! Fiber is part of a well-rounded diet and needed for gut health.

Heart healthy: Because of the high antioxidant content in pistachios, they have been shown to help reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and lower your LDL cholesterol levels while increasing your HDL cholesterol (thanks in part to their high fiber content too)!

Eat More Pistachios!

Now that you know how nutritious pistachios can be, it’s time for the fun part!

Crack ‘em and eat ‘em: Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best and most fun! If you are looking for a delicious and nutritious snack to help fill the gap between lunch and dinner, the pistachio can be your solution! A handful of pistachios can provide you with the perfect number of calories, protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fat to help round out any diet!

The perfect salad topping: Are you tired of eating the same salad every day for lunch? Grab a handful of pistachios and sprinkle them on top of your next salad! Not only will this add a surprising and fun flavor to your salad, but it will help improve the texture of your lunch by providing a nice crunch!

Pistachios and oats: Have you ever tried overnight oats? If you’re in a rush in the morning, this could be the perfect grab-and-go breakfast. The night before, mix half a cup of dry oats with either water, milk, almond, or coconut milk (the more liquid the soupier it will be) in a container and place in the refrigerator. In the morning, add some fresh fruit and a handful of cracked pistachios, and possibly a dash of honey for something a little sweet! This recipe will get your day started the right way!

Fruit and pistachios: Looking for a new snack to try? Mix a handful of pistachio nuts with a handful of berries for a deliciously balanced snack. Your taste buds will love the mix of salty and sweet!

There are so many ways to incorporate pistachios into your day, don’t be afraid to get creative!