Our Favorite Plant-Based Protein

Hello readers!

We like to brag up our Nuttinosh Pistachio Butter as our favorite plant-based protein, but what makes protein from plants so special?

Protein is like the ultimate building block for our bodies. It helps repair tissues, build muscles, support the immune system, and even keeps our hair and nails looking fabulous! Whether you’re fueling up for a big day or recovering from a workout, protein is that essential puzzle piece that keeps us energized every day.

I likely have some readers who prefer a vegetarian diet, but I also might have some folks who enjoy meat as their main protein. This blog is for every type of eater, and is in the pursuit of science and nutrition! I always want to share resources with my audience that can educate and help us feel more confident in the kitchen.

So, today we’re breaking down the idea of “plant-based proteins”, where they fit into our regular diets, and why they can be a healthy choice. Let’s get into it!

Why choose plant-based proteins?

One of the reasons we like to integrate plant-based proteins into our meal rotation is because they’re heart-healthy. Protein sources that come from plants are naturally low in saturated fats and cholesterol, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

Many plant-based protein sources (including beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds) are also rich in heart-healthy nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats that support good blood pressure and cholesterol levels. By swapping in plant proteins for animal-based options, you’re giving your heart the love it deserves while nourishing your body with the protein it needs.

Plant-based proteins, like pistachios, are also considered “nutrient-dense” foods. This means that they host a variety of vitamins and minerals that our bodies need in order to function and thrive - iron, magnesium, potassium? Check, check, and check!

Our Nuttinosh pistachio butter is an excellent plant-based protein to include in your weekly meal plan. Try it wholesome in a Pistachio Butter Chia Pudding with fresh fruit, make it savory for some Easy Pistachio Pesto Pasta, or keep it sweet in a tasty batch of No-Bake Pistachio Butter Date Bark. No matter how you like your pistachio butter, it’s protein-packed to keep you truckin’ along and feeling healthy during the day.

I hope you all were able to take some new nutrition knowledge from our blog today! This type of information is how we can better understand how our nutrition impacts us, and I’d like to do more short nutrition/education blogs like this.

Here are some quick fun facts:

• Did you know that just 1 oz (a small handful) of pistachios contains 6 grams of protein?
• Pistachio trees are one of the oldest flowering nut trees, and it is estimated that humans have eaten pistachios for nearly 9,000 years!
• Have you ever noticed the slight purple tint of pistachio nuts? This is caused by “anthocyanin”, a naturally occurring antioxidant pigment. You can literally see the antioxidants in pistachios!

To learn more about plant-based eating, you can check out our references and sources for this blog:

American Heart Association (AHA) - “How Does Plant-Forward Eating Benefit Your Health?”

Colorado State University - “Plant-based Protein, A Simple Guide to Getting Enough”

National Institutes of Health (NIH) - “Role of Plant Protein in Nutrition, Wellness and Health”