A Symbol of Health and Happiness – Pistachio
Pistachio is a symbol of health, happiness and good fortune. Since ancient times, pistachio nuts have been admired for their delicious taste and health benefits. Even now, pistachios are often given as a gift during the Chinese New Year. Today, pistachios are considered as one of the world’s healthiest foods.
Pistachios Nutritional Value
Pistachios are a nutritional powerhouse.
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They are champions in vitamin B6 content, one of the richest sources of it.
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Of all the popular nut varieties, pistachios have the highest concentration of iron.
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Relative to other tree nuts, pistachios have a lower amount of fat and calories but higher amounts of potassium, vitamin K, γ-tocopherol, and certain phytochemicals such as carotenoids and phytosterols.
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Pistachio nuts are the second best source, after almonds, of dietary fiber.
Pistachios Nutritional Value per 100g and Percent Daily Value* (%DV):
Calories | 562 | |
Total fat | 45 g | 69% DV |
Saturated fat
Polyunsaturated fat Monounsaturated fat |
6 g
14 g 24 g |
|
Total carbohydrate | 28 g | 9% DV |
Dietary fiber
Sugar |
10 g
8 g |
40% DV |
Protein | 20 g | 40% DV |
Vitamin B1
(Thiamine) |
0.9 mg | 76% DV |
Vitamin B2
(Riboflavin) |
0.16 mg | 13% DV |
Vitamin B6 | 1.7 mg | 131% DV |
Vitamin B9
(Folate) |
51 mcg | 13% DV |
Vitamin E | 2 mg | 15% DV |
Vitamin K | 13 mcg | 13% DV |
Magnesium | 121 mg | 34% DV |
Manganese | 1.2 mg | 57%DV |
Phosphorus | 490 mg | 70% DV |
Iron | 4 mg | 30% DV |
Zinc | 2 mg | 25% DV |
Potassium | 1025 mg | 22% DV |
Pistachios are a nutritional powerhouse.
-
They are champions in vitamin B6 content, one of the richest sources of it.
-
Of all the popular nut varieties, pistachios have the highest concentration of iron.
-
Relative to other tree nuts, pistachios have a lower amount of fat and calories but higher amounts of potassium, vitamin K, γ-tocopherol, and certain phytochemicals such as carotenoids and phytosterols.
-
Pistachio nuts are the second best source, after almonds, of dietary fiber.

Pistachios Natural Healing Power
- Pistachios have phenomenal contents of vitamin B6
- Pistachios improve hemoglobin production
- Pistachios are rich in heart-healthy fats
- Pistachios are rich in folate which is important for synthesis of the “hormones of happiness”
- Pistachios help lower high blood pressure
- Pistachios are good for people with diabetes

Pistachios for Vegans
Pistachios are one of the best food sources of vitamin B6. A 100-gram serving of pistachios has 1.7mg of vitamin B6, whereas 100g of salmon have 0.8mg. Pistachios are twice higher in B6 than salmon!
Pistachios for Weight Loss
Although pistachios are high in calories, many studies have provided strong evidence that their consumption is not associated with weight gain or obesity. If you are trying to lose weight, it makes sense to eat pistachios as part of a healthy diet.
How Many Pistachios Can You Eat Per Day?
One handful per day of pistachios is just right.
Surprising Facts about Pistachios
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The pistachio tree, Pistacia vera, is a member of the cashew family with separate male and female trees.
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Each pistachio tree averages around 50 kilograms (110lb) of seeds, or around 50,000 nuts, every two years.
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Iran and the United States are the major producers of pistachios, together accounting for over 70% of the total world production
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Archaeology shows that pistachio seeds were a common food as early as 6750 BC