Pistachios are prized for their unique, slightly sweet flavor as well as for their intriguing viridescent hues. Pistachios are one of the world’s oldest nuts, being grown in the Middle East for thousands of years. They are even mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, which indicates their rich history as a prized food source .

Like all nuts, pistachios are rich in beneficial nutrients. However, pistachios have some unique properties that set them apart. Their versatility means that you can eat pistachios alone as a snack, on top of a salad, mixed with dried fruits in trail mix, in baked goods, or as a crunchy coating for fish or meat. In addition to these distinctive traits, consider the following nutritional benefits of pistachios as an added perk to their particularly pleasant palate.
Pistachios are a Rich Protein Source
Most nuts contain large amounts of protein relative to their size, and pistachios are no exception. A 1-ounce serving of these nuts (approximately 49 pistachio kernels) contains 6 grams of protein. Your body breaks this protei
n down into its constituent amino acids, which can be used to repair tissues or to create new molecules. Plus, eating protein-rich foods helps you feel satiated, reducing your cravings for unhealthy foods later on. This makes pistachios the perfect mid-afternoon snack.

They Have a Healthy Ratio of Beneficial Fatty Acids
Pistachios are a high-fat food, but that is not a bad thing. Per serving, pistachios contain 13 total grams of fat . However, only 2 grams of fat are saturated fats, the unhealthy fats that are associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The rest of the fats are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which actually protect the heart.