Originally published in the Journal de Montréal on January 12, 2013.

Originally from Central Asia, where it was apparently grown 4000 years ago, the pistachio tree requires typically desert conditions such as a period of cold weather to begin flowering, followed by a long hot summer for its fruit to ripen. Nowadays, this tree is cultivated in nearly 20 countries, the main ones being Iran, Turkey, China and the United States (especially California).

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Several studies demonstrate that frequent eating of nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts) appears to dramatically improve health: people who eat nuts regularly have lower risks of cardiovascular desease, of developing type 2 diabetes and some cancer types.

Nuts are a good source of fiber and help controlling appetite.
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I am very fond of dogs and love to hear and/or watch dog stories. I’d like to share with you this one about a peanut-sniffing service dog and his peanut-allergic master. By the way, are you aware that we offer a Nut-& Peanut-free Meal Plan?

Originally published in the Journal de Montréal on July 7, 2007.

“Nuts” such as almonds, hazelnuts, cashew nuts, walnuts and pistachios, should actually be termed “dried fruits” as they are seeds removed from the fruit. They should be consumed as often as possible, because they contain essential fats that are so beneficial to our health.

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