Pistols nutritional value, effects on health, prescriptions
Table of Contents
1. The history of pistachios
The name comes from the Greek word pistachion, which literally means "green walnut". They probably originated in Central and Southwest Asia, where they have been wild since about 6000 B.C.E. In later periods they enjoyed particular popularity in ancient Greece and Rome where they were used as a medicine, aphrodisiac, and antidote. They were not widely distributed in Europe until the Middle Ages and were especially popular in the Mediterranean region (J. Salas-Salvadó, P. Casas-Augusttench, A.s-Huetos 2011).2. The nutritional values
In the context of other nuts, pistachios are characterized by a significantly lower fat content (about 43%, whereas macadamia nuts for example have as much as 76%), a relatively high protein content (around 21%), a favorable amino acid profile and a fairly high fiber content. Pistas are also particularly rich in mineral ingredients (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium) and vitamins (A, E, C and group B, except B12, or folic acid).3. The effect on body weight
Since pistachios, like other nuts, are a high-calorie product, there is concern that their consumption may be associated with weight gain and an increased risk of being overweight and obese. However, the results of the studies indicate that the effect is paradoxically quite the opposite. This can be explained by the fact that due to their high content of unsaturated fatty acids, fiber and high-quality protein, pistaches increase the feeling of satiety and thus reduce appetite and overall calorie intake.4. Lipid profile
Regular consumption of pistachios has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the lipid profile. It causes a decrease in total and so-called bad LDL cholesterol levels and an increase in so called good HDL cholesterol levels. It is known that high cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, or even heart failure (M. Ghanavati et al., 2020).5. High blood pressure
The daily consumption of nuts is associated with a significant decrease in blood pressure and hypertension. However, interestingly, pistachios appear to have a particularly beneficial effect in this case. This is due, among other things, to the positive effect on the function of the endothelium, the cell layers of the inner wall of blood vessels, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. Due to the high content of arginine and potassium, pistaches are particularly important here.6. The carbohydrate economy
Although pistachios contain slightly more carbohydrates than other nuts, their effect on the carbohidrat economy is equally beneficial. Due to their high protein content, unsaturated fatty acids and fiber have a lowering effect on blood glucose levels, especially when they are added to a high-glycemic diet. Studies clearly indicate that regular consumption of all types of nuts including pistachio is associated with higher levels of glucose and insulin in the blood, and thus is inversely proportional to an increased risk of developing diabetes.7. Other properties
Due to the high content of vitamin E in the form of gamma-tocopherol, which exhibits a strong antioxidant effect, pistachios can protect against the development of various types of cancers. Resveratrol contained in the skin of pistachio additionally increases this effect (R. Mateos et al. 2023). pistachio nuts also have prebiotic properties modulate the gut microbiota, increasing the number of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. They are associated not only with better digestion, but also with overall health, including better immunity, regulation of metabolic processes, and even with a potential effect on neurological functions (G. Mandalarium and al. 2021).8. How many pistachios to eat?
The general recommendations for eating nuts vary depending on the type and individual caloric needs of the person. According to most guidelines, a daily serving of nuts is about 30 g, equivalent to about 49 pistachios.9. It's pistachio butter
Ingredients (12 servings): 180 g of preserved pistachios (glass) or about 360 g of pistachio in shells (2 glasses), sea salt. Preparation method1. Heat the oven to 175°C. 2. Place the pistachio on a paper plate for roasting and baking for 810 minutes. Mix half the time. completely freeze the roasted pistaches. 3. Put the pistaches in a high-powered cooking machine or blender. Blend to get a creamy and smooth consistency.10. Pistachian hummus
Ingredients (5 servings): 240 g of canned pistachio (drop), 90 g of preserved pistachios (1⁄2 glass) or about 180 g of pistachio in shells (glass), ?? 20 g of olive oil (2 tablespoons), ¢ 5 g of garlic (tooth) ¢ 20 g lemon juice (2 table), ✓ salt and pepper for flavoring.11. A salad with baked beans, cheese goat and pistachios
Ingredients (2 servings): 280 g of cooked beans (2 medium slices), 100 g of curdled beans (4 handfuls) 30 g of preserved pistachios or 60 g of pistachio in shells (4 handlings), ?? 60 grams of rare trees (4 handlets), 50 g of red onions (1⁄2 small sliced), ‡ 100 g goat cheese (4 handles), 20 g of olive oil (2 tablespoons), 2 g of balsamic vinegar (2⁄3 spoons), 6 g of honey (1⁄2 spoon), 2 1⁄2 g of must (1⁄4 spoon) and salt and pepper for flavoring.