The benefits of pistachios appear to be many, including their ability to maintain good health, encourage a healthy lifestyle, and lower the risk of health problems related to nutrition. Apart from being highly nutritious, pistachios are also tasty and can be consumed in numerous ways. Among different nuts, pistachios similarly give an equilibrium of supplements, like carbs, protein, amino acids, fats, and dietary fiber. As per the USDA Public Supplement Data set, they are additionally plentiful in minerals like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and sodium.
California pistachios are slightly more nutritionally dense compared to other varieties. Therefore, these pistachio nuts, due to their nutritional value, make a great snack, especially in India, where pistachios are an integral part of several Indian dishes.
Why are pistachios the best workout snack?
As per Gagan Arora, fitness coach and founder of Kosmic fitness, when training hard, nutrition plays an important role. There are a few reasons why people involved in physical activities may benefit from these pistachio nuts. Some of them are listed below:
- Antioxidants in pistachios (lutein, beta-carotene, and tocopherol) help muscle recovery after intense exercise or games by fighting free radicals. As a recovery snack these nuts are excellent.
- As pistachios are high in copper, they can also help increase iron absorption into the body. Iron also assists with the production of new cells & hormones which promote muscle growth & repair.
- Pistachios are a great post-workout snack because they contain 6 grams of protein per serving, which prevents muscle tissue damage.
- Potassium is abundant in these nuts, containing 512 mg for each 50 g serving which is comparable to potassium in a portion of a banana. During intense training, potassium is lost in sweat & this is an important electrolyte required for several processes, including sweat, nerve functioning, glycogen and fluid management, and blood pressure.
- Pistachios are also a rich source of L-arginine which is an amino acid required in building proteins and is also a precursor for nitric oxide that helps in dilating blood vessels improving blood flow. Thus, nutrients are delivered to the muscles more quickly during exercise, assisting in recovery and waste product removal.
Also Read: Benefits Of The California Pistachios In Weight Loss
These nuts are low in calories yet high in proteins contrasted with different nuts. They even contain more essential amino acids in greater quantities. In this way, pistachios keep you full longer giving energy, helping in working out for longer term in the event that is consumed as a pre exercise snack.
Generally speaking, pistachios can be an ideal pre or and a post exercise snack. They can be used to garnish salads, as a snack, as a topping in desserts, and even in baking. You can make pistachio butter, add sliced kernels to breakfast cereals, porridge and smoothie bowls. There are plenty of ways to consume pistachios.
Also Read: Eat A Handful American Pistachios Daily To Manage Your Blood Sugar
“American pistachios contain essential nutrients that reduce inflammation and allow faster recovery. But make sure you have your carbs and hydration in place if you are doing a long workout. Pistachios carry protein benefits but if you are lifting heavy weights try to have it with a post workout protein smoothie or milkshake. They are great to improve your heart health and promote good bacteria in the gut. Overall, it’s a superfood if you wish to be healthy inside out and want to have a high protein snack post your workouts that can keep you full for longer,” concludes Gagan Arora.