Wonderfully delicious pistachio nuts have been revered as the symbol of wellness and robust health since ancient times. They are enriched with many health-benefiting nutrients that are essential for optimum health. Together with walnuts, almonds, and cashew, they are an important source of protein, fats and minerals. And for the insulin resistant folks, this nut is a welcome addition to the menu - variety is often what keeps us going, and this little green nut always adds a flavor surprise!

Pistachios are a rich source of energy; 100 g of nuts contain 557 calories. In addition, they are rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid and an excellent source of antioxidants. Regular intake of pistachios in the diet helps to lower total as well as bad LDL cholesterol and increases good HDL cholesterol levels. Researchers agree that a diet that is rich in dietary-fiber, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants, helps to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.

They are rich source of many phyto-chemical substances including carotenes, vitamin E, and polyphenolic antioxidant compounds. Studies say these compounds help remove toxic oxygen-free radicals and thus, protect the body from degenerative diseases, cancers, as well as infections.

Pistachios are an excellent source of vitamin-E, especially rich in gamma-tocopherol; about 23 g per100 g. vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, essential for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin, which is why they offer protection from harmful oxygen-free radicals.

The nuts are packed with many important B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates.

They are loaded with minerals like copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. 100 g nuts provide 144% of daily-recommended levels of copper. Copper is an essential trace mineral that is required in neuro-transmission, metabolism, as well as red blood cell (RBC) synthesis.

Pistachio nut oil has a flavorful, pleasant nutty aroma and has excellent emollient properties. It protects skin from dryness. It has also been used in cooking, and as "carrier or base oil" in traditional medicines in massage therapy, aromatherapy, in pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industry.

Just a hand full of pistachios a day provides enough recommended levels of phenolic anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins, and protein.

Ideas for cooking with pistachios include:

Shell and finely chop 2 cups and mix with plain breadcrumbs and rosemary, parsley, and dill to create a superb breading for chicken and pork chops.

Mix 1/2 to 3/4 cup in a traditional meatloaf recipe for an unexpected flavor surprise and added nutrition.

Finely chop and crush 3/4 to 1 cup and add to vegetable soups.

Finely chopped pistachios are a wonderful addition to rice and couscous.

They are a wonderful substitute for the typical walnut or pecan usually added to muffins or coffee cake.

Roasted and crushed nuts are often sprinkled over salads, or desserts, particularly sundaes and other ice cream based dessert preparations.

Add finely chopped pistachios to biscuits, pastry (such as Baklava), and cakes.

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