UNSALTED, IN THE SHELL

1. A one-ounce serving of pistachios equals 49 nuts -- more nuts per serving than any other nut and contains more than 10% of the Daily Value for dietary fiber, vitamin B-6, thiamin, phosphorus and copper.

2. You can get more dietary fiber from a serving of pistachios than a 1/2 cup of broccoli or spinach.

3. Pistachios are especially rich in phytosterols, which are directly associated with lowering cholesterol levels, and may offer protection from certain types of cancer.

4. A serving of pistachios has as much thiamin as a 1/2 cup serving of cooked rice.

5. The amount of vitamin B-6 in a one-ounce serving of pistachios is comparable to a standard three-ounce serving of pork or chicken.

6. One serving of pistachios has as much potassium as half a large banana.

7. Pistachios are a very high quality plant source of protein, providing adequate and balanced amounts of essential amino acids. In addition, pistachios are relatively high in a nonessential amino acid, arginine, which may play a potential role in prevention or reduction of cardiovascular disease.