Pistachios: The secret ingredient behind Dubai's chocolate craze
These nuts have been labelled "trendy," and towards the end of the year, the craze for Dubai chocolate began. Pistachios are known to be an important ingredient. What is it about these nuts that makes them so irresistible?
Pistachios, those small green nuts, are found in many popular desserts. They're in delicious breakfast croissants, cheesecakes, macarons, and ice creams. They have also contributed to the success of Dubai chocolate. Fortunately, they are valued by nutritionists as a healthy snack. Christian Merkel, a dermatologist and nutritionist from the Munich Centre for Skin Health and Laser Therapy, discussed them with the German edition of "Vogue" magazine.
A healthy snack
The expert explains why pistachios are considered a healthy snack. It's primarily due to their many important nutrients, including vitamin B6 and E, folic acid, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Pistachios are also rich in beneficial eye antioxidants, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin. Regular consumption of these nuts can significantly increase lutein levels in the retina, reducing the risk of macular degeneration. They also contain fibre, which aids digestion and supports gut health. In addition, they are a source of protein, providing long-lasting energy.
Fats? No worries
Pistachios are rich in fats, but there's no need to worry. These are unsaturated fatty acids that benefit the body. Dr. Merkel adds that the omega-9 fatty acids in pistachios lower cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the oil in which pistachios are roasted doesn’t always offer the same benefits. Therefore, it's better to choose dry-roasted pistachios rather than those roasted in oil, as they also contain significantly fewer calories.
What about Dubai chocolate
Dr. Merkel emphasises that both raw and roasted pistachios are healthy snacks if we pay attention to portion size. He recommends 28 grams daily, which is roughly equivalent to a handful of nuts. He also noted that Dubai chocolate is not healthier due to the pistachio content. While the pistachio layer may contain healthy fats and proteins, it doesn’t offset the high sugar content of this dessert. Therefore, moderation is always key. And, of course, it's best to eat pistachios without any additives.
