Feb. 26 is World Pistachio Day

LOS ANGELESIn honor of World Pistachio Day on February 26, PistachioHealth.com is celebrating the nutritional benefits of California pistachios:

·        The Skinny-Nut. Dubbed the skinny nut" by nutrition experts, pistachios are one of the lowest calorie, lowest fat nuts and yield the most nuts per serving; 49 kernels per ounce, compared to 23 almonds, 14 walnut halves and 18 cashews. Just a handful of pistachiosabout 30 kernelsoffers a deliciously satisfying 100-calorie snack.

·        A Mindful" Snack. New research recently presented at the American Dietetic Associations national conference found that, because theyre in-shell, pistachios take longer to eat, slowing consumption and reducing overall calorie intake by 41 percent.

·        Nutrient-Rich Nuts. Pistachios are an excellent source of vitamin B6, copper and manganese, and a good source of protein, fiber, thiamin and phosphorus.

·        A recently published study by Italian researchers reveals that pistachios pack in a variety of beneficial antioxidants and phytonutrients commonly found in tea (catechins), fruits, vegetables, red wine (anthocyanins) and soyfoods (isoflavones). The researchers conclude that pistachios are one of the best sources of antioxidants among plant-based foods.