Pistachios are nuts that grow on the branches of a small evergreen pistachio tree (Latin Pistacia) of the sumac family. “Tree of Life” – this is the name of the plant in the East, common in the tropics and subtropics of America and Asia. The fruit – small greenish nuts in a hard shell – have always been highly prized for their delicious taste and high nutritional value. The ancient Persians even used them as currency. Currently, they are grown in Turkey, Iran, Syria, Mediterranean countries, tropical regions of America.
Composition pistachio
In addition to the exquisite taste, pistachios have a whole range of useful properties. Unlike other nuts, they have an optimal balance of proteins and fats, vitamins and minerals. Nuts are rich in vitamins E and group B. In terms of vitamin B6 content, pistachios can compete with beef liver. Of the minerals, mention should be made of copper, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium and potassium.
Useful Properties
Pistachios contain phenolic compounds, which give the ability of antioxidants, preventing aging of the body, protecting the cell walls from the harmful effects of free radicals. Among antioxidant foods, they occupy one of the first places, far ahead of other nuts in terms of fiber content. The ability of pistachios to influence the improvement of vision is explained by the presence of carotenoids in them – lutein and zeaxanthin. They help to preserve the bone tissue of the body, preventing it from losing calcium.
Pistachios are an excellent general tonic and immunomodulating agent. Regular consumption of these nuts in food allows you to maintain vitality, relieves depression and insomnia, relieves stress, keeps the body young. They improve the functioning of the liver and gallbladder, enhance sexual function, help against infertility and impotence, are a strong aphrodisiac.
Food use
Pistachios are a completely natural and environmentally friendly product, they are consumed in their pure form, without additional heat treatment. They are sometimes soaked in salt water to add a salty taste. In order not to exceed the caloric content of the diet, it is recommended to eat no more than 10-15 nuts per day, since pistachios, like any other nuts, are a high-calorie product – 556 kcal per 100 grams of kernels. The norm of 15 nuts per day will provide the body with the necessary vitamins, minerals and fiber and will not contribute to the accumulation of excess weight.
