Frequently Asked Questions
What is aflatoxin?
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring, secondary metabolites of mould fungi, which develop in certain foods under certain environmental conditions. As a rule they cannot be destroyed through heat. They are carcinogenic if eaten. Aflatoxins have been found in spices, nuts, dried fruit and bakery products. For this reason, modern pistachio harvesting methods - as carried out in California, for instance - make sure the pistachios never touch the ground and are processed without delay.
What is the "good" fat in pistachios?
Our bodies need fat to function. But the wrong kind - saturated fat - can raise cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Most of the fat found in pistachios - almost 90% - is "good" unsaturated fat which has a positive effect on the human body.
Should I be concerned about nut allergies with pistachios?
The true prevalence of food allergy is not as great as the public perceives it to be. According to the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAI), estimates for 2006 suggest food allergy of all types affects about 4% of the total population, with prevalence in children generally higher than that for adults. About 90% of food allergies in the US and in many other parts of the world derive from milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy. Diagnosis of food allergy, including allergies to nuts, can be problematic because no single laboratory test available today can conclusively confirm that a person will exhibit clinical symptoms in response to consumption of a suspect food
Tree nut allergies are rare. The best estimates available suggest that no more than 0.4% of the U.S. population show allergic reactions to a particular individual tree nut, whereas separate estimates for peanuts suggest the prevalence is about 0.8 percent. If you're concerned about any food allergies, consult your doctor.
What makes pistachios a clever snack?
Pistachios make an ideal natural snack choice. Tasty and delicious, pistachios are a source of nutrients such as B1 (thiamin), vitamin B6, copper, manganese, potassium, fibre and phosphorus.
What is a typical serving size of pistachios?
A typical pistachio serving is a half-cup portion – which is about 30 grams or 49 nuts.
Can I grow pistachios myself?
As pistachio trees grow in desert-type climates, they can only be grown as pot plants in milder regions. They lose their leaves in autumn and should then be kept in a dark and unheated room. They don't need much water.
Can the left-over pistachio shells be used for anything?
Pistachio shells can be used as creative material in arts and crafts. You can decorate paintings, necklaces and textiles with them. Children also love making "pistachio owls" and pistachio rattles. Moreover, you can break up the pistachio shells into a mulch and use this as a natural drainage system in your garden or plant pots. You can make a shell barrier around plants to scare away snails.
Are pistachios good for your heart?
Pistachios contain nutrients to help your heart in three ways.
1. Most of the fat found in pistachios is "good" unsaturated fat.
2. Pistachios contain potassium which helps maintain normal blood pressure.
3. Thiamin in pistachios contributes to normal heart function.
I am trying to watch my weight. Can I still eat pistachios?
Pistachios make a smart snack choice for dieters. One reason is that they are nutrient-dense - good news when every calorie counts.
Did you know that many of us consume too little of the RDI of fibre? Fibre is an important nutrient and is one of the most valuable components of pistachios.
You may be surprised to know that nut consumption, in general, is associated with a lower body mass index and has not been shown to cause weight gain. In fact, many popular diet plans including the DASH Diet, Mediterranean Diet and Weight Watchers highlight nuts in their healthy eating plans. Some even believe that the simple act of shelling a pistachio may have the added benefit of slowing down consumption time.
Are pistachios suitable for diabetics?
Pistachios are naturally rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, making them a perfect snack for diabetics following recommended dietary guidelines.
Is there scientific proof for the health and dietary benefits of pistachios?
You can download scientific studies and research findings from the domain “Expert knowledge” on our website. Our expert interviews, research partners and links list offer more detailed and comprehensive information on the topic.
References:
1. Rainey CJ, Nyquist, Food Research Inc., Los Angeles. Unpublished study reports 2006
2. Wu et. al "Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant capacities of common foods in the United States", J. Agric Food Chemi, 52 (12), 4026-4037
3. Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, 3rd Edition, Roberta Duyff
4. Institute of Medicine, 2002a. "Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids." Washington , DC: National Academy Press
5. Wu et. al. "Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant capacities of common foods in the United States", J. Agric Food Chemi, 52 (12), 4026-4037
6. Institute of Medicine, 2004. "Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate." Washington DC
7. "Trans fat share attack on Americans' hearts", USA Today, Accessed online on 23 Feb. 2007
8. "Trans Fatty Acids", AmericanHeart.org, Accessed on 5 March 2007 9. Sabate, J. (2003) "Nut consumption and body weight", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 78(3), 647S-650.
Are there red pistachios too?
In the USA, pistachios used to be dyed red in order to cover shell stains and to make the nuts more visible in snack machines. Today, pistachios are rarely dyed. High-quality pistachios can be identified as such by their yellow-green and purple colours.
Is it wise to open and eat closed pistachios?
Pistachios intended for consumption should be open. This is a sign that the nut is ripe.