Have you ever had pistachio ice cream or eaten out of a bag of salted pistachios? Pistachios are tasty treats, but they’re also surprisingly good for you. Pistachios are an excellent source of good fat, fiber, antioxidants, nutrients, and protein. Their health benefits are numerous, and you’ve probably been passing them up all these years in lieu of more well-known health nuts like almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts. Pistachios are actually one of the most ancient edible nuts on the planet, and they’re incorporated into meals all over the world. They are native to the cradle of civilization, and Asia. Skilled anthropologists have dated man’s consumption of pistachios to 6,000 BC. Pistachios are available in numerous forms today, including unshelled, shelled, salted, or sweetened. They also have less calories than other popular nuts. They have higher protein than cashes, macadamia nuts, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, and cashews. The fat content is also the lowest compared to the other nuts. The bottom line is that if you haven’t been eating pistachios, you need to start doing it right now. Grab some the next time you’re at the grocery store.
1. They’re Low in Calories and High in Protein
Pistachios are very low in calories, but they’re high in protein. This makes them ideal for people who are nutrition-minded and health-conscious. In fact, when you’re picking up a bagful of pistachios at the grocery store, keep in mind that you’re getting the healthiest nuts on the market. They’re more ancient and healthier than almost all modern nuts. Protein makes up 20% of the weight of pistachios, and they’re second in protein content only to almonds. They also have a higher concentration of amino acids than any other nut, and amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Bodybuilders should pick up pistachios in lieu of other nuts if they have to make a choice.
