20 Sweet and Savory Recipes That Make Us Nuts for Pistachios (2024)

FAQs

Are pistachios sweet or savoury? ›

They have a mild, sweet flavour and a slightly chewy texture. Uses: Pistachios are used in a range of sweet and savoury dishes. They are included in stuffings, pâtés and are popular in vegetarian dishes such as risottos and bakes.

Eating too many pistachios can increase the release of oxalates and methionine in the body. Oxalates can bind to calcium and potassium, resulting in calcium and potassium oxalates. At the same time, Methionine may convert into cysteine and may result in the formation of cystine kidney stones.

A 2020 study found a daily serving of 1.5 oz of pistachios helped reduce body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in males and females with obesity, compared to a control group who did not eat an extra serving of pistachios every day. Learn more about the pros and cons of BMI measurements here.

Measured energy value of pistachios in the human diet.

In the study, 16 men and women between the ages of 29 and 64 ate either 1.5 or 3 ounces of pistachios per day for 3 weeks as part of a controlled diet. After eating either 1.5 or 3 ounces of pistachios, LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels were 6% lower.

Naturally tart fruit flavors such as raspberry, blueberry, cranberry, orange, pineapple, and passionfruit perfectly complement pistachio's distinctive taste profile.

Pistachios are high in potassium. Too much potassium can harm our kidneys. High potassium intake in the diet should be avoided by people with kidney diseases. Excessive consumption of Pistachios can also lead to nausea, weakness, slow pulse, and irregular heartbeat.

Side Effects of Pistachios:

Consumption of pistachios in excess can increase the risk of gout due to the presence of purine. Roasted pistachios contain acrylamide which can have a noxious effect on the nervous system. When eaten in excess, pistachios can impair the digestion process and cause constipation.

Eating about 30gm of pistachios in a day is fine. However, you should eat according to your requirements in moderation and recommended quantities. Overindulging in pistachios can lead to several side effects, including weight gain, kidney stones, digestive issues, and others.

A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Data Central states that eating pistachios on a regular basis can help people lose belly fat as well as weight. One ounce of pistachios contains 163 calories, 5 grams of proteins and 13 grams of fat.

Can I eat 50 pistachios a day? ›

How many pistachios should you eat a day? Pistachios have a rich, buttery flavor that can be addicting. And even though they have health benefits, it's always a good idea not to overdo it. About a handful (1.5 ounces) is a good amount to shoot for each day.

Most nuts appear to be generally healthy. But some may have more heart-healthy nutrients than others. For example, walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy.

Side effects of eating too many pistachios

If you consume excessive pistachios, you may experience digestive discomforts, such as bloating, gas, and potentially diarrhea. Practicing moderation by consuming pistachios as part of a balanced diet is important to avoid these potential health concerns.

Pistachios hit the sleep-inducing jackpot, packing in protein, vitamin B6, and magnesium, all of which contribute to better sleep. Refrain from a shell-cracking frenzy, though. "Don't exceed a 1-ounce portion of nuts," London warns. "Anything too high in calories can have the reverse effect of keeping you awake!"

The vitamin E in pistachios helps improve the function of the male sex organ and reduces how much estrogen the male body produces. Pistachios are also popular among men as they can help increase sperm count. Pistachios contain a healthy amount of L-arginine, which the body uses to create nitric oxide.

The prevalence of fake pistachio flavor has further skewed our perception of what pistachio actually tastes like, which in reality is mildly sweet, nutty and earthy, and sometimes even a bit piney, woody or herbaceous depending on the freshness and variety.

The pistachio belongs to a group of drupes called “culinary nuts” that include cashews and almonds. A real nut, also called a “true nut” or a “botanical nut,” is not a fruit but rather a seed encased in a hard, woody shell.

Pistachios taste mildly sweet and are one of the most fulfilling nuts to enjoy. The store-bought ones can be salty, but you can always spend on the raw pistachios to enjoy their original flavor.

The nuts most often used in savory applications include tree nuts, like almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and pistachios, as well as peanuts, soy nuts and coconut, which, technically, aren't nuts but are treated as such in food products.