Almonds VS. Pistachios

Hungry? If you need a satisfying snack fast, one of your smartest options may be a handful of healthy nuts. Recent studies have shown that eating small portions of nuts as part of a nutritious diet may help prevent heart disease and cancer, and is a habit recommended by both the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC).

Two powerhouse options are almonds and pistachios, both rich in protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Keep serving sizes in mind, however. A serving size of nuts is about 1 ½ ounces or a small handful. And, be choosy — a 1-ounce serving of salted nuts can have as much as 100 to 300 mg. of sodium. Look for unsalted, raw or lightly salted varieties instead.

While they are similar in calorie content and overall fat, each nut has its own unique mix of vitamins and minerals, so it’s best to mix it up a bit. Here’s how almonds and pistachios compare: