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Why You Must Include American Pistachios In Your Child’s Daily Diet

Did you know that one serving of Pistachio contains 49 nuts and includes the same amount of protein as found in one egg (6gms)?
Pistachios are a unique nutrient package. They are one of the world’s oldest nuts that are not just tasty but also super healthy. They are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and contain essential nutrients vital to individual growth and development. 

Recently I attended a virtual knowledge session with Dr. Mike Roussell (Globally Renowned Nutrition Consultant, Author and Advisor), organized by American Pistachio Growers that helped me understand the power of American Pistachios and its importance in our daily diet.

American pistachios

Dr Roussell highlighted that as per a recent study American pistachios are considered as a source of complete protein as they “contain nine essential amino acids that our body needs in a form that is readily absorbable and available for body to use.”

What is Complete Protein?

Complete protein is a food source that contains an adequate proportion of each of the nine essential amino acids necessary in the human diet. (including those protein building blocks that our body does not naturally produce and need from food sources). 

Recent research by University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign states that US grown roasted pistachios contain all nine essential amino acids necessary for supporting growth and maintaining health for those 5 years and older, therefore they are a “complete” protein”. 
American pistachios
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Health Benefits of American Pistachios 

During the session, Dr. Mike explained that American pistachios are powerful protein rich food. They are fully digestible and are complete nutrition in themselves.

Here’s how they are beneficial for us – 

  • They are low in calories and high in protein.
  • Contain key nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, Vitamin B6, etc. 
  • Contain antioxidants (like EGCG, Lutein, Anthocyanins) that are vital to our health. 
  • They contain more leucine than any other nut which is key for muscle growth, development and repair. 
  • They are a source of energy and contain key minerals that need to be replaced after exercise. 
  • Daily snacking on pistachios reduces risk of cardiovascular disease by controlling factors like cholesterol and triglycerides.
  • They also help control blood sugar as a snack and as part of a meal.
  • They support healthy brain function and are particularly a great snack for pregnant women as they provide essential nutrients required for brain and eye development of the baby. 
  • A French study found that adding a daily snack of pistachios led to no change in body weight (eat more, weight the same).

American Pistachio Growers

Why We Must Include American Pistachios In Our Child’s Daily Diet

Pistachios nuts are healthy for both adults and kids alike. Infact for young kids, they are a perfect snack that can help them grow, develop and learn. 

Apart from the health benefits listed above here are some more reasons why you should include pistachios in your child’s everyday diet –

  • They are a perfect source of energy. Just a handful of Pistachios given to kids in the morning can keep them healthy and energetic for long.
  • They are very low in sugar. So daily consumption of pistachios can help you keep a tab on your kid’s sugar consumption!
  • They also include dietary fiber and help in healthy digestion. So are particularly useful for kids who donot eat enough fibre. 
  • Lutein present in pistachios aids in healthy eye and brain development in young kids. 
  • They are anytime snacks – wholesome, filling and can be given to kids anytime of the day
  • Also, you can give these to kids in any form as per their taste and liking – salted, unsalted, roasted, mixed with spices, etc. 
  • You can even mix them with other recipes. For my kids when they were less than 1 year old, I would add ground pistachios in various dishes like porridge, yogurt and cereals. 
  • They are easy portable snacks that donot require refrigeration, cooking or preparation. They make for a perfect on-the-go snacks for kids. 
  • Most importantly, they are fun to eat. My kids, now 4 years old, enjoy cracking up pistachios on their own and eat. It’s like a game in our house as to who will crack open maximum pistachios first. 
American Pistachio Growers
Virtual Knowledge Session by Dr. Mike Roussell

The virtual session on the #PowerOfPistachios also busted some myths related to consumption of pistachios for me. As heard from elderly members of the family, I always believed that pistachios have warm potency and so should be avoided in summers. However, during the session Dr. Roussell clarified that these are all-season nuts and can be consumed in any season. Infact in summers, they can particularly help in supplementing the electrolytes that we lose due to excessive sweating. 

The insightful session made me understand the power of American pistachios, their benefits and how they can do wonders to our health if consumed daily. Especially for  young kids, they are no less than super foods that can aid healthy growth and development. So if you still haven’t included American pistachios in your child’s everyday diet, you must do it now!


Disclaimer : This post is in collaboration with American Pistachios. All the views and opinions expressed here are personal. Please note, the article is meant for public awareness. It does not intend to replace medical or nutritional advice from your doctor or dietician. Please discuss any changes in your child’s diet with a registered professional.

 

 

This Post Has 19 Comments

  1. Mayuri6

    I love Pistachios and never realized that they have so many health benefits. Since they are good for so many things, including eye and brain development we must include them in our everyday diet. Eye opening post.

  2. richahorizon

    I am really amazed to know the multiple benefits of American Pistachio. I’ll definitely order this for my entire family, and make sure that they will consume this in their daily food. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Keep the good work up.

  3. alpanadeo

    I like pistachios in every form. As dry fruits, in ice creams, kulfi, garnishing. I didn’t know about these benefits. Infact, I dint know that there is any such variety called American Pistachios.

  4. Blogaberry Foo

    American or not, I will eat pistachios anywhere, everywhere and from any packet. Would love to taste these too though not sure if hubby will get it.

  5. Dr. Surbhi Prapanna

    Yes Pistachios are really great source of nutrition and offer so many excellent health benefits too. my both girls loved it as a snack and I am glad that they are choosing a better option.

  6. momtasticworld

    To be honest, we always loved eating pistachios without even knowing that it has so many health benefits. It is my little one’s favorite snacks and mine too.

  7. During our Turkey stay we used have lots of pistachio from farms, in haven’t tried american pistachio through the benefits are same. It is consistent in our snack box. Glad to find we are doing it right

  8. Neha Sharma

    This is an insightful article, Charu. Though I give pistachios to Nemit sometimes as evening snack, I didn’t know the various benefits of this amazing nut. Now, I’ll add a handful of pistachios in his daily diet. Thanks for sharing this.

  9. Pistachios are a great source of nutrition, especially for growing kids. I usually use them extensively during winters and my favourite snack.

  10. Zahra

    Thank you for updating such healthy and nutritious information about Pistachios. This is really very helpful.

  11. PrettyMummaSays

    I am so glad that I came across your article,Charu I had a couple of doubts which got cleared after reading this. It’s a very helpful blog. Good one!

  12. Anita

    Nuts are a mixed bag and great for growing kids.Glad you shared helpful tips about a topic many are not aware about.I love pistachios too.

  13. freemindtree

    Pistachios are something in my family all think to be extra dry fruits than the staple ones like Almond Kaju and raisins.. Your post was insightful and I didnt know Pistachio has so many benefits.

  14. I do love Pistachios and was unaware of so many healthy benefits for self and children. The best part is kids like to open up the shell and eat, afterwards make use of that shells in their DIY crafts.

  15. Pistachios taste good and have their nutritional benefits too. I am sure it will help in a healthy growth of a child

  16. Tina Basu

    Pistachios are so good for the brain too. My son loves pistachios, its the only dry fruit he likes!! This is such a helpful and informative post for moms.

  17. Ruchie

    Charu ..I was really not aware of such significant benefits but this is great that you shared this !! Some of the benefits I was aware but you have really given us great insights!!

  18. Amrit Kaur

    Every nut is healthy and should be included in diet. My mom always included pistachio during winters in every day diet along with other nuts.

  19. romagptasinha

    Must have been a really informative session Charu, thanks a lot for sharing the benefits of Pistachios. We love eatilng them.

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