Are pistachios good for you? The pistachio nut is a very popular type of food that many might be familiar with as a snack.  The pistachio plant itself is reported to be a desert plant, that is very able to cope with saline soil – it is said that long and hot summers are necessary for proper fruit ripening. In terms of the way that the kernel may be eaten, this can either be fresh, roasted or also salted – they may be used in unusual items such as ice cream or halva; in America, they are used to make pistachio salad. Globally, it is reported that China is the main consumer around the world at 80,000 tonnes yearly.

It is reported that in July of 2003, the FDA accepted the claim that nuts such as pistachios in conjunction with a low saturated fat and cholesterol diet might reduce the danger of heart disease. At Pennsylvania State University, pistachios largely lowered amounts of low-densitylipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) whilst also making antioxidant amounts higher in serum of volunteers. It has also been reported by studies that 32-63 grams each day of pistachios can to a large extent increase plasma levels for lutein, as well as alpha-carotene, additionally beta-carotene and finally gamma-tocopherol.

Furthermore, as regards the question: “Are Pistachios Good For You?” for specific nutritional constituents of pistachios, in analysis of 100 g of dry roasted nuts, which did not have salt added to them, the calorie amount was 571 kcal, carbohydrates 27.65 g, fat 45.97 g and protein 21.35 g. In terms of the B vitamin content, they are said to have 0.84 mg of vitamin B1 (US RDA 73%), 0.158 mg of vitamin B2 (13%), 1.425 mg of vitamin B3 (10%), 0.513 mg of vitamin B5 (10%), 1.274 mg of vitamin B6 (98%), and finally 50 µg of vitamin B9 (13%). Some of the other constituents are calcium at 110 mg or 11%, iron at 4.2 mg or 32%, magnesium at 120 mg or 34%, phosphorus at 485 mg or 69%, potassium at 1042 mg or 22% and zinc at 2.3 mg or 24%.

 (reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistachio)

Pine nuts are a food that is derived from pine trees. It is said that approximately 20 pine species make seeds which are big enough in order to be harvested. It is observed, that pine nuts are often added to fish, meat, salads and vegetables, as well as being baked into bread. There are different types of pine nut, such as the Nevada/Great Basin pine nut, that is liked for its big size, sweetness and ease to peel. In the Middle East, they are used in a wide range of dishes such as kibbeh, sambusek and also baklava as well as many others.

In relation to pine nut nutrition, they are said to provide per 100 grammes, a high 874 kcal, relative to other types of nuts. Moreover, their carbohydrate level is 16.99 grammes, fat amount 88.79 grammes and protein 17.78 grammes. Looking at their vitamin levels, we can see that they have 41% of the RDA or .0473 milligrams for vitamin B1. Moreover, for vitamin B2, they are at 25% or 0.295 milligrams. In addition, for vitamin B3, it is at 38% and 5.697 milligrams. Some other B vitamins with lower amounts are vitamin B5, with 0.406 milligrams (8%), vitamin B6 with 9% or 0.122 milligrams and additionally vitamin B9 with 44 µg or 11%. Moreover there are other nutrients also, such as choline at 72.5 milligrams or 15%, vitamin E being 12.12 milligrams or 81%, vitamin K at 70 µg or 67%, calcium at 21 milligrams or 2% and iron at 7.18 milligrams or 55%. Furthermore, magnesium is at 326 milligrams or 92%, manganese is at 11.431 milligrams or 544%, phosphorus is at 747 milligrams or 107% and potassium at 775 milligrams or 16% – finally zinc is at 8.38 milligrams or 88%.

Thus, we can see that pine nut nutrition has  many constituents. However, as a cautionary note, it is said that some pine nuts grown in China can make taste disturbances from a few days up to some weeks after consumption – it is said to be like a metallic taste. It has been guessed by the Nestlé Research Centre that the Pinus armandii species is to blame. it is said that cases are self-limited and that they can resolve without any treatment.

(reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_nut)