The number of well-being? 49!

Precious allies

The World Health Organization recommends including nuts like pistachios in the daily diet of adults, as they are rich in nutrients and high in unsaturated fats, which contribute to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. Pistachios are also an important source of plant-based protein, ideal for the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and bones, even for those who follow a vegetarian diet. They also contain linoleic acid, potassium, dietary fiber, chromium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, thiamine, vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc, riboflavin, vitamins E, K, and folic acid. The ideal daily amount? About 28 g, equivalent to 49 pistachios.

Tips for the summer

Sun, heat, and vacations. It's the time of year when it's easier to take care of yourself and dedicate yourself to a diet that eliminates the toxins accumulated during the winter. The American Pistachio Growers Association asked food science specialist and nutritionist Sara Cordara and GREENtosa influencer Barbara Donadio for some tips on how to best exploit the important properties of pistachios.

"I recommend including light but highly nutritional foods, such as pistachios, in your diet during this time," suggests Cordara. "The combination of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants makes pistachios a kind of natural supplement, perfect as a daily anti-aging snack. Pistachios are made up of many different compounds that can act as antioxidants, including tocopherols, phylloquinone, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and flavonoids, making them among the top 50 foods with antioxidant properties. They are also rich in vitamin E, which acts as a powerful antioxidant, preventing aging of the skin and body cells, and vitamin A, which protects mucous membranes and skin."

"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself, when you stop criticizing and judging yourself and start looking at yourself with the same eyes you look at those you love. When you take care of yourself and decide what to eat, how to apply makeup, what to wear," explains Donadio; "our body is a temple and should be respected as such. My secret to finding energy and well-being? Starting the day with a few minutes of meditation."

American pistachios are perfect as a beach snack or during a mountain hike, but they're also great as an ingredient in fresh smoothies. Here are two recipes to try.

Carrot cappuccino with American pistachio foam

6-8 organic carrots, peeled and chopped 1 sweet onion, peeled and chopped 1 liter carrot juice 1 teaspoon red wine or balsamic vinegar extra virgin olive oil cumin salt pepper

For the foam and the gasket

6 teaspoons of chopped American pistachios 1 cup of whole or vegetable milk American pistachios extra virgin olive oil chili powder salt pepper

Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until translucent; add the chopped carrots and cook for 5 minutes.

Season with salt, pepper, cumin seeds, wine or vinegar, and half the carrot juice.

Bring the mixture to the boil and continue cooking for about 7-8 minutes.

Let it cool for 5 minutes, then blend everything, adding the remaining carrot juice.

Heat the milk in a saucepan and, just before it boils, add the chopped pistachios and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, stirring vigorously. Cool by plunging the saucepan into ice, then stirring again.

Brush 1.5 tablespoons of American pistachios with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and toast them in the oven at 180°C for a few minutes, then season with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Let them cool and chop coarsely.

Pour the carrot cream into a cappuccino cup, top with the pistachio foam and garnish with the spiced pistachio.

Banana, yogurt and American pistachio smoothie

150 g of Greek yogurt 30 g of American pistachios 1 banana

Place the pistachios in a blender, reserving a few, and blend them finely, reducing them to a flour-like consistency. Add the Greek yogurt and chopped banana and blend again until smooth. Pour the cream into a glass and garnish with the reserved pistachios, roughly chopped.