Latest news with #pistachios
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
This Underrated Snack Might Be the Secret to Better Health, According to a New Study
This Underrated Snack Might Be the Secret to Better Health, According to a New Study originally appeared on Parade. Roughly 21 million American adults report having had a major depressive episode in a year, as reported by the National Institute of Mental Health. That's 8.3% of the population, and a pretty staggering number which doesn't account for the many people who may experience what they consider "minor" depressive episodes, which are also challenging and life-affecting. Treatment for any kind of depression, or anxiety for that matter, varies from person to person, and should always be directed by a trusted medical professional. But what if incorporating certain foods into your diet more often could help alleviate minor depression or anxiety symptoms, even just a little? Well, that's what one study set out to find out, and it honed in specifically on pistachios. Healthy Now💪 SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week 💪 In complete transparency, the study in question was supported by the American Pistachio Growers, however it was published in the Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research, and led to some pretty interesting findings on how the nut can affect emotional health. Researchers looked at data from over 64,000 adults in the U.S. and found that people who ate pistachios had lower rates of anxiety and fewer problems with depression than those who didn't eat them. Honing in on a specific demographic, study participants ages 60 and above who ate pistachios had 16% less anxiety, and younger adults (ages 20 - 59) had fewer depression-related issues. Overall, pistachio eaters were about half as likely to have minor depression. "Pistachios are a rich source of bioactive nutrients, and our research suggests that modest consumption may play a meaningful role in supporting mental well-being," said Kristin Fulgoni, lead author and researcher at Nutrition Impact, LLC. "What we noticed is that even small amounts of pistachios—about an ounce a day—were linked to these benefits."More findings to ponder: Study participants who ate roughly two-ounches of pistachios at night for 12 weeks had more of what's considered "good" gut bacteria (including Roseburiaand Lachnospiraceae) that are known to produce a compound called butyrate. Though more research is needed, early studies suggest that butyrate may support gut and brain health. Pistachio eaters also had lower levels of other not-so-great bacteria, that have been connected to cognitive decline, poor mood state and other brain health challenges in observational studies. So is it worth adding pistachios to your diet? Well, that's up to you and your healthcare professional. But if you're already snacking on 'em, now you can certainly feel better about Underrated Snack Might Be the Secret to Better Health, According to a New Study first appeared on Parade on Jun 27, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.


Associated Press
4 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Adult Pistachio Eaters Report 48% Lower Risk of Minor Depression
A new study finds that enjoying a handful of pistachios may do more than satisfy snack cravings—it could also help support some markers of mental well-being. FRESNO, Calif., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers analyzing health data from more than 64,000 U.S. adults in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that eating pistachios was linked with lower anxiety frequency, fewer difficulties caused by depression or anxiety, and reduced risk of having minor depression* compared to those who did not eat pistachios.1 The study, supported by the American Pistachio Growers, published this month in the Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research, is one of the first to explore how pistachios might support emotional health. 'Pistachios are a rich source of bioactive nutrients, and our research suggests that modest consumption may play a meaningful role in supporting mental well-being,' said Kristin Fulgoni, lead author and researcher at Nutrition Impact, LLC. 'What we noticed is that even small amounts of pistachios—about an ounce a day—were linked to these benefits.' Key findings in context: The exploratory study looked at self-reported typical eating habits over a 24 hour period, meaning these benefits were observed in people who simply chose to include pistachios in their diets. 'More research is needed to understand exactly how pistachios may support mental health,' said Fulgoni. Adding to the Evidence: New Clinical Trial Suggests Pistachios Provide Gut Health Benefits This mental health study builds on a rapidly expanding scientific literature supporting pistachios' role in human health. A newly published clinical trial from researchers at Penn State University shows that eating pistachios before bed may help support a healthier gut.2 In that study: This study was funded by the American Pistachio Growers. For more information about research on the health benefits of pistachios, visit About American Pistachio Growers American Pistachio Growers is a non-profit trade association representing more than 830 members who are pistachio growers, processors and industry partners in California, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. American-grown pistachios are sold under many quality brand names internationally, so look for country of origin on packaging. For more information, visit Contact Amber Wilson, MS, RD Senior Director, Global Nutrition & Marketing, North America [email protected] (310) 384-4251 References *Severity of depression was judged in the study using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health 4th (DSM-IV) edition defined cutoffs criteria. The DSM-IV defines minor depression as having 2-4 depressive symptoms for 2 weeks or longer, having either a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure, the symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment, and no manic or hypomanic behavior is present. View original content: SOURCE American Pistachio Growers


Telegraph
7 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
Pea, pistachio and matcha cake
This cake is a real green extravaganza. I love matcha and I think the flavour goes well here – with the peas and pistachios, it's a green triple threat. That being said, matcha is a very specific flavour. If you haven't tried it before, I recommend grabbing an iced matcha or similar drink at a coffee shop before trying this recipe, especially as it's a more expensive ingredient. If you don't like matcha or don't want to use it, just leave it out and glaze the cake with a simple icing, then scatter over some pistachios. I use lime juice in the glaze to add a bit of zing, but you can use milk if you're not a lime fiend. Cooling time required Overview Prep time 20 mins Cook time 1 hr Serves 10 to 12 Ingredients 115ml sunflower or vegetable oil, plus extra for greasing the tin 125g frozen peas 200g natural yoghurt 75g pistachios, plus extra for decorating, if you like 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 eggs 175g caster sugar 200g self-raising flour ½ tsp baking powder 1 tbsp matcha powder Zest of 1 lime For the glaze 125g icing sugar ½ tsp matcha powder 1½ tbsp lime juice (or you can use milk), or as needed Method Step Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4. Step Oil a 1.5-litre loaf tin and line with parchment paper. Step Place 125g frozen peas in a heatproof bowl and cover with freshly boiled water to defrost. Leave for a few minutes, then drain. Step Tip the peas into a food processor, add 100g natural yogurt and blitz until smooth. Step Throw in 75g pistachios and blitz until coarsely chopped. Set aside. Step In a mixing bowl, combine 115ml sunflower or vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract and 3 eggs, then stir in the remaining 100g yoghurt, 175g caster sugar, and the pea and pistachio mixture.


The Guardian
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Post-workout wonder: a pistachio-powered protein shake
While there are exceptions, shop-bought protein shakes often contain ultra-processed ingredients, preservatives and artificial flavours. But creating one for yourself from scratch? That's a different story. Made with whole foods and powered by pistachios, this homemade protein shake delivers a solid 13-14g of protein in a serving. The little green gems we call pistachios aren't just a complete plant protein, they also pack in more than 10% of your daily magnesium and fibre needs. Wins all round. If you are looking for a bigger protein boost, add a scoop of your favourite protein powder – opt for an organic, whole food option such as hemp or soy powder to give you the nutrients you need without the additives. Prep 15 minutesServes 1 large shake 40g shelled pistachios (raw or roasted, unsalted)1 frozen banana 2 medjool dates, pitted2 tbsp rolled oats 250ml unsweetened oat milk (or almond milk)1 tbsp ground flaxseed 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 pinch sea salt ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)1 scoop organic vegan powder such as hemp or soy (optional) Start by soaking the pistachios in hot water for 10 minutes – this will ensure a smoother blend. However, if you would prefer the shake to be a little bit coarser, then adjust the time accordingly. Once the pistachios are ready, add all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately with a few crushed pistachios on top for crunch. Learn more about pistachio benefits


The Guardian
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Add pistachios to your meal prep: stay fuller for longer with this plant-based packed lunch recipe
Meal prep has a bit of a reputation – think bland chicken, limp broccoli, and plain rice. But it doesn't have to be that way. With the right ingredients, you can build something that holds its texture, delivers on nutrients, and still tastes good on day three. This grain bowl is a perfect example. Earthy pistachios, crisp red pepper, and naturally sweet red onion come together to create a meal that's both balanced and satisfying. With about 13g of plant protein and 11g of fibre each serving – much of it thanks to those nutrient-rich pistachios – it keeps you feeling full without the heaviness. Expect steady energy, a calm stomach, and less temptation to reach for that mid-afternoon sugar fix. Prep 10 minCook 25 minServes 3 portions 150g cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed1 red pepper, diced1 courgette, diced1 small red onion, sliced1 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp smoked paprika 60g shelled pistachios, roughly chopped2 tbsp chopped parsley Juice of 1 lemon Salt and black pepper Preheat the oven to 220C (200C fan)/430F/gas 6. Chop your vegetables and combine on a roasting tray with the chickpeas, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, then in a large bowl, mix roasted veg, chickpeas, and cooked grains. Add lemon juice, parsley, and pistachios. Toss well. Store in airtight containers; top with extra pistachios before serving. Learn more about pistachio benefits