What Are Pistachios (Pista Dry Fruit)?

Pistachios are the green, mildly sweet seeds of the pistachio tree. They are seeds, but popularly referred to as nuts. The kernels of pistachios exist in a variety of colours, ranging from yellow to shades of green. Pistachios can be available in various forms such as shelled, unshelled, roasted or salted.

Health Benefits of Pista Dry Fruits

• Diabetic Friendly- Pistachios are diabetic- friendly as they have a low glycemic index. It releases sugar in the blood slowly, preventing sudden spikes that help regulate blood sugar levels.

• Improve Sleep- Pistachios provide better sleep due to the presence of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps in sleep regulation. It also contains vitamin B6 and magnesium, which help improve sleep.

• Support Weight Loss- Pistachios have a high content of fibre and protein that allows you to feel full and avoid excessive eating. This helps in weight loss efforts.

• Improve Cardiovascular Health- Pistachios contain healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help maintain healthy cholesterol levels in the body, lowering the risk of strokes or other heart-related diseases.

• Encourages Healthy Aging- Healthy aging is possible as pistachios have a high antioxidant content. They contain lutein and zeaxanthin that play a role in healthy ageing as well as boosting eye health and cognitive functions.

• Supports Muscle Recovery- Pistachios contain essential protein and antioxidants that rebuild muscle tissue and help in muscle growth and repair.

• Promotes Anti-inflammatory Benefits- Pistachios are rich in antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids that contain anti-inflammatory properties.

• Enhances Sexual Health- Pistachios can help enhance sexual health by improving erectile functions and blood flow due to the presence of L-arginine, an amino acid. It contains saturated fat, which helps boost testosterone in men.

Also read - 9 Surprising Health Benefits of Pistachios You Didn't Know

Types of Pista Dry Fruits

There are various types of pistachios available with unique descriptions-

• Iranian Round Pista- It is the most widely known type, which is round in shape and grows heavily in Iran.
• Iranian Jumbo Pista- This nut is popular for its size and is slightly more expensive than other pistachio types.
• Iranian Long Pista- This pista dry fruit has a lighter shell than others, as it grows in popularity every year.
• Kernel Pista- These are small in size, available as pieces from closed pistachios. They are useful for cooking, roasting and baking purposes.
• Green-skinned Pista- They are ready to eat pistas, without their shell in place. It provides ease in eating as they are quicker to season or roast.
• Roasted and salted Pista- Roasted and salted pistachios are already flavourful as they are sweet, savoury, salty and more.
• Persian Elongated Pista- These pistachios have a vibrant, nutty flavour and the longest variety of pistachios available. It is also called 'akbari' pistachios.

Pista Dry Fruits Nutritional Facts

Pistachios are a powerhouse of many nutrients. Let's take a look at some of them-

• Fiber- Pistachios are rich in fibre content. Fibre helps improve digestive health, regulate blood sugar levels and support weight management.
• Fats- Pistachios contain healthy fats like mono and polyunsaturated fats that maintain cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
• Vitamins- Pistachios contain essential vitamins like vitamin E and B6 that prevent cell damage, enhance immunity boosting and boost cognitive development.
• Minerals- Pistachios contain minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. These minerals promote healthy heart functions, bone health, energy production and blood pressure regulation.

Pistachios Nutritional Value

Pistachios are nutrient-rich and provide a perfect balance of healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional Value (per 1 ounce/28g):

• Calories – 159 kcal
• Protein – 6g
• Fats – 13g (mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fats)
• Carbohydrates – 8g
• Fibre – 3g
• Vitamins – B6, E, Thiamine
• Minerals – Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper

Adding Pistachios to Your Diet?

Pistachios can be included in your diet in the following ways-

• Eat as Snacks- They are an ideal snack as they can be eaten shelled, unshelled, salted or unsalted. They can also be roasted, providing a crunchy texture.
• In Deserts- Pistachios can be added to desserts like baklava, or a variety of baked items like cookies, muffins, cakes, etc. It can also be used as a topping for ice cream.
• In Breakfast- The taste of breakfast items like oatmeal, yoghurt, cereals, salads, etc, can be enhanced by adding pistachios to them.
• Ground into Sauces- Pistachios can be ground into sauces like chutneys, which can pair well with bread and other snacks. You can add mint, coriander and green chillies to this chutney for taste as well.

Pistachios Storage

Pistachios can be stored in the following ways to maintain their freshness and taste-

• Store pistachios in a cool and dry place to keep away from direct sunlight and other forms of heat.
• Keep pistachios sealed in airtight containers to prevent entry of moisture and air.
• They can also be kept in vacuum-sealed containers to prevent staleness.
• Refrigerate pistachios in an airtight container to keep them fresh for a year.
• Pistachios can be kept in air tight containers or bags in freezers, for extended storage up to two years.

Buy Pistachios Online in India from Happilo

You can buy pistachios online in India through Happilo's website. They assure a premium-quality snack at affordable prices, with multiple health benefits that help improve overall bodily functions.