Pining for Pistachios?

[Guest guest]

Pining for Pistachios?

 

You have said that nuts contain monounsaturated fat that is good for the

heart. Are pistachios among those that are heart healthy? Which nuts

have the most benefit?

 

-- Karen

 

 

Answer (Published 01/23/2003)

 

Updated on 3/31/2005

 

Pistachios are indeed among the nuts that contain heart-healthy fat, and

overall, they have a very good nutritional profile. According to the

California Pistachio Commission, a one ounce serving of pistachios

(about 47 nuts) provides more fiber than a half cup of spinach and the

same amount as an orange or apple.

 

They also are good sources of vitamin B-6, thiamin, copper, phosphorus,

and magnesium. An ounce of pistachios contains 165 calories.

 

You may be interested to know why some pistachios are red or white and

others are tan. When first imported into the United States, the shells

were dyed to mask unattractive discoloration and markings left by

harvesting practices and to differentiate them from other nuts sold in

vending machines.

 

Although that's no longer necessary, a percentage of pistachio shells

are still dyed red or white because some consumers prefer the bright

colors.

 

I recommend avoiding dyed nuts and eating only the

natural ones that are now widely available. The green hue of the actual

nut is natural and comes from chlorophyll.

 

With few exceptions all nuts contain monounsaturated oils and eaten in

moderation can lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack.

 

The exceptions are chestnuts, which are best considered a starchy

vegetable, and coconuts, which contain a lot of saturated fat.

 

Peanuts, which are actually legumes, not nuts, have a less desirable

fatty-acid profile.

 

Walnuts are particularly good because they are a rare vegetable source

of omega-3 fatty acids.

 

I love nuts, eat some daily and use them in cooking. I buy mostly raw,

unsalted nuts and refrigerate them until I need them.

 

To keep pistachios fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight

container to prevent them from drawing moisture from the air and

becoming soggy. If you keep them in the refrigerator or freezer, you can

store them for as long as a year.

 

Andrew Weil, M.D.

www.drweil.com

_______________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.