American Pistachios Get Heart-Check Mark Certification

Pistachio lovers don't need to be afraid about going nuts over America’s powerful little green nuts; not only do they provide fiber and protein, pistachios can also be a part of a heart healthy diet. In fact, the American Heart Association recently certified pistachios to meet its criteria for heart-healthy foods.* The Heart-Check mark shows that a one-ounce serving of pistachios can be part of a healthy dietary pattern.

The Heart-Check mark is one of the most trusted nutrition symbols by consumers. Since its creation in 1995, the Heart-Check Food Certification Program has helped consumers quickly and easily identify heart-healthy foods as part of an overall healthy dietary pattern. Late last year this certification program expanded to include certain nuts, fish and other foods higher in the “better fats.”
Bob Keenan, President of Keenan Farms, a well-respected pioneer of the California pistachio industry, is pleased to have products certified with the American Heart Association. Keenan believes it is important to communicate to consumers healthier eating options. “The presence of the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark on select packages of Keenan Farms pistachios identifies our pistachios as a heart-healthy food choice and helps consumers search for healthier food options.”
Research has shown that eating calorie-controlled amounts of pistachios can help manage cholesterol, mitigate inflammation, and maintain blood-vessel health.* A one-ounce serving (about 49 nuts) has 160 calories and a host of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Here’s what’s packed inside that single ounce:
• More dietary fiber (3g) than in ½ cup of cooked broccoli
• 6 grams of protein — the same as in 1 ounce of soybeans
• Heart-healthy fats: 7g monounsaturated; 4g polyunsaturated
• No cholesterol, no trans-fat, and less than 2g of saturated fat
• Phytosterols, which may decrease the risk of heart disease
• Potassium — as much as in half of a large banana
• Vitamin B6 and thiamin (vitamin B1)
• Phosphorous and manganese

So go nuts and include pistachios as part of your heart-healthy dietary pattern.
*All certified nuts, including salted varieties, must meet the American Heart Association’s nutritional criteria which include a limit of 140 mg or less of sodium per label serving size. Please note that the Heart-Check Food Certification does not apply to information reached through hyperlinks unless expressly stated. For more information, see the AHA nutrition guidelines at: heartcheckmark.org/guidelines.