Pistachios are the seeds of the pistachio plant ( Pistacia vera ) belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. Rich in antioxidants, they are excellent allies for eye health and to prevent cardiovascular disorders. Let's find out better.
Main nutrients of pistachios
Pistachios are very energetic and have a high calorie content (about 600 calories per 100 grams), therefore they should be consumed in moderation especially for those who have problems with hypertension, diabetes or obesity, also because they are often marketed after salting.
The lipid content is mainly made up of mono and polyunsaturated fats, therefore "good" fats.
In pistachios, compared to other oil seeds, there are greater quantities of antioxidant substances: lutein, beta-carotene and tocopherols .
The contribution of mineral salts (phosphorus, calcium, potassium and iron) and vitamins (E, B1 and B6) is also precious.
Property
As they are very energetic, pistachios are excellent for supplementing the diet of children or those who practice sports.
The regular intake of pistachios helps to keep the level of cholesterol in the blood under control and to prevent cardiovascular disorders .
The natural antioxidants that these fruits are rich in help keep skin and eyes healthy .
In popular medicine so practiced by our ancestors, pistachio has been used against toothache and liver disorders.
The healing and nutritional properties of pistachio have been known since ancient times and this precious seed was one of the first snacks of man.
Pistachios among natural remedies for high cholesterol: discover the others!
Pistachios in the kitchen
Pistachio is a seed widely used in cooking.
With its characteristic green color (characteristic to the point that the term "pistachio" is used to indicate precise shades of this color) and its unmistakable flavor, pistachio is used for condiments and sauces (try the pistachio pesto) in the recipes salted, but also as an ingredient in desserts, ice creams and nougats .
A very widespread and appreciated gastronomic preparation is pistachio-flavored mortadella .
In Italy the cultivation of pistachio is not widespread but in Sicily the Bronte pistachios are particularly renowned, protected by the DOP: " Pistacchio Verde di Bronte ". A curiosity: the Bronte anthem is dedicated to this wonderful fruit of the Earth and is titled "Diamonds virdi".
Overseas the pistachios have a relatively recent history: they have appeared in the eating habits of Americans through pistachio ice cream and sold in distributors as snacks but with the shell painted red to attract attention.
The pistachio has a very ancient history instead in the "old world", where it has always been appreciated so much as to have received very respectable names that praise its importance: in Iran it is called the "seed that smiles" while in China the "seed happy".
The extra idea: once the pistachios are consumed, we don't throw away the shells that, shredded, turn into an excellent organic fertilizer for our garden.
By Stefania Puma
