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Pistachio Description
Pistachio. Today, all residents of our large country have tried pistachios at least once. This is a very tasty and incredibly healthy product from the point of view of medicine, nutrition and cooking.
Pistachios have been known since prehistoric times and they began to be cultivated at the same time. Now pistachio trees are grown in Iran, Greece, Spain, Italy, the USA, Turkey and other Mediterranean countries, Asia and Australia, as well as in North-West Africa.
Pistachio trees also grow in the Caucasus and Crimea. Today, Turkey supplies about half of the world’s pistachios to the market.
Thickets of wild pistachio are preserved in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. Pistachio is a woody plant of relatively low height, producing nut-like fruits. The pistachio fruit is called “drupe”.
When the fruit ripens, its pulp dries up, and the stone cracks into two halves, revealing the nut. In some varieties of pistachios, the fruits do not crack themselves, and this is done artificially, mechanically. Usually fried salted pistachios are sold in the form of nuts or peeled.
Pistachio composition
It is in this type of nuts that the optimal ratio of calories, amino acids, minerals and vitamins is observed. For example, they contain large amounts of manganese, copper and phosphorus, as well as potassium and magnesium.
In terms of vitamins, pistachios are rich in B vitamins, especially B6. There is almost more of this element than in beef liver. To replenish the daily intake of vitamin B6, an adult needs to eat only 10 nuts a day.
Pistachios are also valued for their antioxidant qualities, which are provided by phenolic compounds and the content of vitamin E. Antioxidant properties help to preserve the youth of the body, preventing the destruction of cell walls. Also phenols improve cell growth and renewal. Apparently, this is why in ancient times these nuts were called rejuvenating, and in the USA they are included in the first group of products with antioxidant properties.
Pistachios contain carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) that are responsible for maintaining good vision. Carotenoids also help to strengthen bone tissue in the body (bones, teeth). Pistachios are the only nut that contains lutein and zeaxanthin!
Among other things, these nuts are the record holders for fiber content. No other nut contains this amount. 30 grams of pistachios are equal in fiber to a whole serving of oatmeal.
- Calories, kcal: 556.
- Proteins, g: 20.0.
- Fat, g: 50.0.
- Carbohydrates, g: 7.0.
History of pistachios
The pistachio tree is one of the oldest fruiting plants in human history. Its height reaches up to 10 meters and can live up to 400 years. The homeland of pistachios is considered to be Western Asia and territories from Syria to Afghanistan.
It became popular during the campaigns of Alexander the Great to Asia. In ancient Persia, these nuts were especially prized and considered a sign of fertility, wealth and prosperity. In ancient times, pistachios were called the “magic nut”. But the most unusual name was given by the Chinese, calling it “lucky nut” because of the cracked shell that resembles a smile.
In our time, there are about 20 species of this plant, but not all of them are suitable for food. Although we are used to calling pistachios a nut, from a botanical point of view, it is a drupe.
Today, pistachio trees are grown in Greece, Italy, Spain, USA, Iran, Turkey and other Mediterranean countries. Our pistachios grow in the Crimea and the Caucasus.
The benefits of pistachio
Pistachios hold a special place among nuts. They contain a large amount of nutrients and this has a beneficial effect on human health. These nuts affect the restoration of the psycho-emotional background, the cardiovascular system, have a tonic and antioxidant effect on the body.
Pistachios are recommended for people who have intense physical and mental stress. Also, these green nuts are indicated for patients who have recently had an illness.
Due to the content of fatty acids, this product helps to burn “bad” cholesterol, thereby preventing the development of heart attacks and atherosclerosis.
Magnesium and potassium, which are part of pistachios, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and restore a rapid heart rate.
These miracle nuts contain lutein, which is good for the eye. This carotenoid improves visual acuity and is a good preventive measure to promote eye health.
Doctors recommend consuming no more than 30 grams of pistachios per day for normal liver and kidney function.
The harm of pistachio
Despite the fact that pistachios have a storehouse of useful vitamins and minerals, they should be consumed with sufficient care. With an increase in the portion of these nuts, a person may experience nausea and dizziness.
Pistachios are an allergenic product, so if you have allergies, then this nut is contraindicated for you. Pregnant women also need to be careful, as they affect smooth muscles and this can provoke premature birth.
The use of pistachios in medicine
Since pistachios have a huge amount of useful substances, they are actively used in medicine. For example, peeled fruits are used for digestive disorders, help get rid of anemia due to the content of vitamin B6, help with bronchitis, having an antitussive effect.
This nut is rich in proteins, mono-saturated fats and carbohydrates that remove toxins, toxins and cleanse the blood, which prevents the onset of diabetes.
I would like to draw your attention to pistachio oil, which is obtained from the fruit by cold pressing. It contains oleic acid, vitamins of groups A, B and E. The oil spreads easily over the skin, is perfectly absorbed and strengthens its protective functions.
The use of pistachios in cooking
Pistachios can be used both in the preparation of salads, desserts, sauces, hot dishes, and as an independent snack. One of the popular desserts is pistachio ice cream with a wonderful smell and incredible taste.
Pistachios for weight loss
Of all the known nuts, pistachios are almost the lowest in calories: 550 calories per 100 grams. As for vitamins and microelements, pistachios serve as a source of vitamins B1, E and PP, as well as magnesium, iron, copper, manganese and selenium. It is recommended to eat a handful of nuts per day.
This will preserve the calorie content of the diet, and a sufficient amount of vegetable fats, vitamins and minerals will enter the body. In addition, pistachios contain a lot of protein – up to 20%, which allows them to reduce appetite and give a good feeling of satiety.
It is on this that the results obtained by American scientists are based in the course of their observation. So I advise you to snack on pistachios, and not the usual chips or crackers, which nutritionists call “junk” foods.
Pancakes with yoghurt sauce, berries and pistachios!
Pancakes are classics of American cuisine. They are a great breakfast option that will energize you all day.
- Eggs – 2 pieces
- Banana – 1 piece
- Yogurt – 1 tbsp. l
- Sugar or sugar substitute – to taste
- When serving berries and pistachios
Use a blender to puree the banana. Add eggs to the puree and mix well. Bake in a non-stick pan with a drop of oil.
Pour yogurt sauce on top (mix sugar and yoghurt), berries and nuts!