Nutrition
Pistachios are healthy!
 Today's health conscious individual realizes the benefits that California pistachios provide. With an abundance of vitamins and minerals these delicious treats help support overall health and well being. A one-ounce serving contains 49-shelled nuts and more than 10% of the Daily Value for dietary fiber, vitamin B-6, thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, walnuts and pecans as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, scientific evidence is mounting to show that consuming nuts can play a role in managing your weight.
The Power of Pistachios
Keep these pistachio power points in mind next time you reach for a snack.
- A one-ounce serving of pistachios equals 49-shelled nuts -- more nuts per serving than any other nut.
- Pistachios are naturally cholesterol-free.
- Pistachios contain monounsaturated fat, similar to that found in olive oil, shown to lower both total and LDL "bad" cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease risk. Up to 15% of daily calories should come from monounsaturated fat.
- Pistachios are especially rich in phytosterols, which are directly associated with lowering cholesterol levels, and may offer protection from certain types of cancer.
- You can get more dietary fiber from a serving of pistachios than a 1/2 cup of broccoli or spinach.
- A serving of pistachios has as much thiamin as a 1/2 cup of cooked rice.
- The amount of vitamin B-6 in a one-ounce serving of pistachios is comparable to a standard three-ounce serving of chicken.
- One serving of pistachios has as much potassium as half a large banana.
Snacking on Pistachios
According to "Consumer Reports on Health," three out of four adults eat at least one snack every day with snacks accounting for up to 25 percent of the daily intake of total calories.
California pistachios can provide you with nutrients that you may not receive at meal times while fitting into the current consumer trend of seeking portable and enjoyable foods. According to recent research (conducted on behalf of the California Pistachio Commission), over 50 percent of consumers consider pistachios an everyday snack.
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