Everyone knows that pistachios are not very cheap, and this is not only because the planting area in our country is small, but also because of their high nutritional value and health benefits. Let's take a look at some common knowledge about pistachios with the editor.
I. The Effects and Functions of Pistachios
They are warm in nature, with a spicy and astringent taste; they warm the kidneys and spleen, tonify deficiency, regulate the middle jiao and qi, and can treat neurasthenia, edema, anemia, malnutrition, and chronic diarrhea.
1. Lowering Blood Pressure and Lipids: Pistachios are rich in arginine, which can not only help prevent atherosclerosis, lower blood lipids, but also reduce the risk of heart attacks, lower cholesterol, and alleviate acute mental stress responses.
2. Improving Eyesight: The purple-red skin of the pistachio contains anthocyanins, a natural antioxidant, while the emerald green kernel is rich in lutein. Lutein not only acts as an antioxidant but is also very beneficial for protecting the retina.
3. Weight Loss: Eating 28 grams (about 49 kernels) of pistachios daily not only won't make you worry about gaining weight but also helps control weight. This is because it usually takes 20 minutes to feel full, and shelling pistachios extends the eating time, creating a sense of fullness and satisfaction, thereby helping to reduce food intake and control weight.
4. Anti-Aging: Pistachios are rich in nutrients. Their kernels contain about 20% protein, 15%-18% sugar, and can also be pressed for oil. The kernel also contains vitamin E, which has an anti-aging effect and can enhance physical fitness.
5. Moistening the Intestines and Promoting Bowel Movements: Because pistachios are rich in oil, they have the effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, which helps the body detoxify.
II. Precautions for Eating Pistachios
1. When eating pistachios, check that the kernel is green, which is fresher than yellow ones. Pistachios that have been stored for too long should not be eaten. If many of the purchased pistachios have oil leakage or a pungent smell, it means they have been stored for a long time or too many additives have been used, such as saccharin, etc. It's best not to choose them.
2. When eating pistachios, choose naturally opened and unpolluted pistachios to effectively absorb the nutrients in the kernels. Pistachios that are not fully ripe will not crack open on their own. If they are pried open by external force, the edges of the shell opening are often uneven and bent.
3. Although pistachios are delicious, they should be eaten in moderation. A small handful a day is enough. Eating too much can lead to indigestion, and some may even cause bloating, so it's not advisable to eat too many.
4. After eating pistachios, be sure to seal the bag tightly to prevent them from getting damp. Once damp, they become very difficult to eat. It's best to store pistachios in an airtight container for better moisture-proofing.
III. Tips for Selecting Pistachios
Although bleached pistachios look good in color, their nutritional value is greatly reduced, especially vitamins, anthocyanins, and unsaturated fatty acids, which are lost severely. Moreover, some are bleached to cover up surface mold spots.
The shell of a pistachio should be light yellow. Depending on the variety, some kernels are green and the skin is purple-red, but this is not always the case. Bleached pistachios have a common feature—the shell is overly white, and some even have their kernels bleached.
According to national regulations, only a few types of bleaching agents are allowed for use in nuts, such as sulfur dioxide and sodium sulfite. However, many of the over-white-shelled pistachios currently on the market use prohibited bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide and sulfur. Therefore, pay special attention when purchasing, especially for children. Do not buy those with shells that are too white and kernels that are slightly yellow (suspected of being bleached). It's best to choose natural-flavored ones (roasted salted pistachios should be eaten less as they contain a lot of salt), without any musty or strange odors, and in small, sealed packages.
Note: Nuts are rich in intestinal lubricants—fat and dietary fiber. People with diarrhea, acute digestive tract infections, etc., should not eat too many.