These days, 'this nut' is causing a stir... Just half a handful provides as much protein as one egg!

Pistachio

 

High-quality protein nuts

Pistachios are among nuts with relatively high-quality protein. It is commonly known that plant-based foods like beans and nuts have lower protein quality compared to animal-based foods like meat. However, among nuts, pistachios are considered a 'complete protein' food that contains all nine essential amino acids in balanced amounts. A quarter cup of pistachios contains 6 grams of protein, equivalent to the protein content of one egg. Additionally, pistachios are rich in dietary fiber, making them a good snack for weight management. A quarter cup of pistachios provides 3 grams of dietary fiber.

Pistachios are rich in vitamin B6, which helps strengthen the immune system. A balanced diet rich in vitamin B6 is effective in preventing anemia and reducing the risk of heart disease. It is also essential for muscle building because it helps our body process amino acids. A handful of pistachios provides 30% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B6. Pistachios also contain other B vitamins such as vitamin B1 and vitamin B9.

Pistachios are rich in the hormone melatonin, which induces deep sleep. Melatonin helps reset the body's internal clock and improve sleep disorders such as insomnia. Several studies have already shown that melatonin helps people sleep longer and fall asleep faster. Among all plant-based foods, including nuts, pistachios have the highest melatonin content. Pistachios are also high in magnesium and calcium. These two minerals help relax muscles and promote sleep. Rich in protein (5.9g per 30g), pistachios provide a longer-lasting sense of fullness, preventing nighttime hunger and waking up during sleep.

However, snacks containing pistachios may also contain sugar and saturated fats, so caution is advised. For health reasons, it is better to consume pistachios in their natural form.