Health Benefits Of Pistachios ~ Nichols Farms

 If you are looking for a healthy plant-based snack option, you need to check out the health benefits of pistachios. These delicious green nuts are loaded with plenty of nutrition.

 Pistachios are a part of the nut family. These nuts are green and encased in hard shells. Pistachios have a wealth of health benefits that you need to know about. Once you discover the amazing health benefits of pistachios, you will want to make them a part of your healthy snack options.

 Most people enjoy roasted pistachios out of the shell, but these tasty nuts can also be bought unshelled. For some, cracking the pistachio shell is part of the fun of eating the pistachio kernels. While others skip the work of cracking the shells and enjoy eating the unshelled pistachios by the handful. Then there are those who love their pistachios with additional flavors and buy flavorful pistachios from Nichols Farms.

 For those who just can't get enough of the delicious pistachios beyond snacking, there is pistachio ice cream and other pistachio desserts. Whatever your preferred method of enjoying pistachios is, enjoy eating them as they have many health benefits.

5 Health Benefits Of Pistachios

1. Highly Nutritious

Pistachio nuts are highly nutritious. A ½ cup of unsalted, unshelled pistachios has 18 grams of carbohydrates, 30 grams of fat, and 13 grams of protein. One might say that is a lot of fat but relax, as the fat in these nuts is heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. 

Pistachios also have plenty of fiber, fat, phosphorus, thiamine, vitamin B6, and manganese. 

2. Promotes Heart Health

Pistachios are good for your heart. These nuts can balance LDL and HDL cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. This can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic inflammation. 

3. Boosts Antioxidants

Pistachios are rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in reducing the risks of heart disease, dementia, and cancer. Additionally, pistachios contain lutein and zeaxanthin, essential antioxidants that promote eye health.

4. High in Protein 

These delicious green nuts have 13 grams of protein in a 1/2 cup serving. The bonus is that it is plant-based protein. So they can be enjoyed on many different diet plans.

5. Regulates Blood Sugar

Pistachios can effectively regulate blood sugar levels thanks to their low glycemic index and richness in fiber, antioxidants, and minerals. Moreover, they are diabetes-friendly and do not cause sudden sugar spikes.

Pistachios are a healthy snack

Now that you know the health benefits of pistachios, you need to enjoy them more often. Nichols Farm Pistachios has a wide variety of pistachio nuts for your snacking needs. Nichols Farm has a complete line of dry-roasted pistachio varieties that includes in-shell, no-shell, and many flavored varieties.

The pistachios are grown on farms in the San Joaquin Valley in California. Since 1961, Nichols Farms has tilled the fertile soil of the San Joaquin Valley in California to supply the highest quality almonds and pistachios to families across the nation. The Nichols are caretakers of the land and committed to sustainable agriculture- integrating water recycling, composting, and other resourceful practices into their farming, while generating onsite solar energy to power their operations.

Check out the two flavors of Nichols Farm Pistachios that were selected as Good Housekeeping 2025 Snack Awards Winners

 Nichols Farms announced on June 17th, 2025, that their No Shell Organic Hot Honey Pistachios and their No Shell Organic Rosemary Garlic Pistachios were named winners in Good Housekeeping’s 2025 Snack Awards. The full list of awards can be found on goodhousekeeping.com/snacks2025

This win coincides with and reflects a significant trend shift in the snacking industry away from sugary offerings towards snacks that can support consumers’ health and wellness goals. Consumers across all age groups and demographics are seeking out snacks that are lower in sugar, fat, and calories while not compromising on taste. Pistachios reflect this demand perfectly, offering consumers a satiating, high-protein, high fiber snack option with low sugar and healthy fats.

Why Digital Art Tools Are a Game-Changer for Busy Moms

 

Motherhood is full of lovely moments. But let's face it, it's also full of to-do lists, routines, and little time for yourself. Between making lunches and running school errands, your creative side tends to be relegated to the back seat.

 But here's the surprise: computer art software is allowing mothers a means to rediscover their spark, without requiring a room of their own, hours of spare time, or even one solitary brush.

Let's focus more on why these tools are having such a great impact on the lives of busy moms.

Why Moms Need a Creative Outlet

 There’s no doubt about it, motherhood changes your entire schedule. You’re constantly managing things for your family, and at the end of the day, there’s often no energy left for yourself. That’s exactly why having a creative outlet matters.

 It's not merely about creating something beautiful. It's about having a few peaceful minutes that are yours alone. Doodling or drawing can actually calm your nerves, improve your mood, and create a sense of personal identity beyond the "mom." The catch? Conventional art arrangements take time and make a mess. That's where digital tools save the day.

The Rise of Digital Art Tools

 We live in a time where creativity doesn’t have to wait for the right moment. With digital tools, you can draw, sketch, or paint right from your laptop or tablet, while the kids nap or dinner simmers on the stove.

 You don’t need a dedicated corner with art supplies spread out. Just open an app and get started. That kind of freedom is exactly what makes these tools so appealing to moms who are always multitasking.

 If you're using a Mac, there are some great drawing apps for Mac that make things even easier. Apps like Tayasui Sketches, Sketch, and Artstudio Pro are easy to use and give you a lot of creative flexibility, even if you’re just doodling between tasks. Not sure which one’s the right fit? There are helpful guides that make it simple to compare features and pick the app that works best for your style, routine, and screen size.

Why These Tools Work for Moms

That's why digital art software is such a great resource for busy moms:

  ● No mess: No cleaning up paint, brushes, or spilled water

  ● Portable: Make art anywhere, on your couch, in the park, or on a break

  ● Flexible: Five minutes or fifty, you can pick up right where you left off

  ● Fun for the kids, too: Lots of moms say that these tools are a great way to connect with their kids through art

  ● No pressure: There is no "right" to draw, just have fun doing it

The best part? You don’t need formal training or a long setup. You just need a moment and a screen.

What to Look for in a Digital Drawing App

 Not all tools are created equal. When choosing a digital art app, you want something that fits into your life, not the other way around. Here’s what to look for:

  ● User-friendly design: You don’t have time to learn something complicated

  ● Quick save/share features: Easily save your art or send it to a friend

  ● Fun brushes and tools: Play around with effects and textures without feeling overwhelmed

  ● Works across devices: Being able to access your sketches from both your phone and Mac makes things easier

  ● Affordable or free: You don’t need to spend a lot to get started

If an app feels too complicated, skip it. You deserve something that adds joy, not stress.

You Don’t Need to Be an Artist

 One of the biggest myths that stops moms from trying digital art is the idea that you have to be “good at it.” You don’t. No one’s grading your sketch or judging your color choices. This is for you. If it makes you feel good, that’s all that matters.

Even if all you do is scribble shapes or practice lettering, it’s still your moment of expression. And with digital tools, there’s no pressure, just a safe, easy space to play and explore.

Final Thoughts

 Busy moms rarely get quiet moments. But when they do, it’s important to have an easy way to reconnect with themselves, and digital art makes that possible. No big mess, no long setup, and no pressure to be perfect.

 It’s not about creating a masterpiece. It’s about giving yourself space to breathe, feel inspired, and do something just for you.

 So next time the house is quiet and you have five minutes to spare, open that drawing app. You might be surprised at how much joy it brings.

Spicy Walnut Hummus Made With Cold Pressed Walnut Oil

This spicy walnut hummus is a delicious twist on traditional hummus. In place of the tahini, it uses walnuts. The walnuts add a delicious flavor and are rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Hummus is a favorite healthy plant-based snack that is perfect for summer gatherings. Hummus is the perfect dip for a snack board. Serve it with fresh vegetables and crackers. 

This spicy walnut hummus is so easy to make and can be whipped up in minutes. It is a dip that guests will love. This hummus has a delicious nutty taste, thanks to the walnuts. Walnuts have many health benefits, thanks to the healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Keep reading to discover the delicious recipe and the health benefits of walnuts.

Spicy Walnut Hummus 

~ Is Delicious

~ Plant-Based

~ Healthy

~ Easy to Make

~ Gluten-Free

~ Loaded with Protein

The 4 Health Benefits of Walnuts

Walnuts are part of the nut family and are loaded with healthy nutrients. From plant-based protein to healthy unsaturated fats, walnuts are a healthy food that you need to eat. Discover 4 Health Benefits of Walnuts.

1. Heart health

 Walnuts are a great source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that is important for reducing inflammation. In fact, it is the only nut significantly high in these omega-3 fatty acids. Their anti-inflammatory compounds may reduce the risk of heart disease.

2. Brain health

 Studies have shown that the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory polyphenols found in walnuts may improve brain function and slow mental decline that occurs with aging. Cognitive functions include your memory and ability to think. The cool part is that walnuts actually look like a brain.

3. Gut health

 Bacteria and microbes in your intestines and gut are also essential to your health. Research shows walnuts can improve gut health. In a clinical trial, adults who ate walnuts every day had healthier gut bacteria.

4. Cancer prevention

 Microbes in your gut take compounds found in walnuts and produce urolithin compounds. These urolithins may help lower the risk of certain cancers. Research is still being done to fully understand walnuts' potential role in cancer prevention.

Swap the olive oil for cold-pressed walnut oil for additional health benefits

Traditional hummus uses olive oil, but this spicy walnut hummus is made with delicious cold-pressed walnut oil. This not only gives the hummus additional health benefits but also intensifies the nutty flavor of the hummus.

Cold-pressed walnut oil is loaded with healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids. I used a delicious walnut from Fresh Vintage Farms in the hummus.

 Fresh Vintage Farms makes its Cold Pressed Walnut Oil from California walnuts. Their Walnut Oil has a robust flavor and smooth finish and is packed with Omega-3s, Antioxidants, healthy Unsaturated Fatty acids, and more.

Unlike other refined Walnut Oils on the market that utilize rancid walnuts with high-heat expellers and refineries, Fresh Vintage Farms Virgin Oils are cold-pressed from fresh Walnuts, grown on ground that was proudly farmed on the forefront of environmental stewardship. 

About Fresh Vintage Farms

Fresh Vintage Farms specializes in cold-pressed artisan cooking oils made from nuts. They currently produce 3 different types of nut oils that are made from almonds and walnuts. The tree nuts used in their Artisan Cooking Oils are grown in a 90-mile radius of Turlock, California.

Fresh Vintage Farms was founded in 2019 by husband and wife Tommy and Tara Tickenoff. As third-generation almond farmers, their connection to farmers and sustainable farming practices led them to create Fresh Vintage Farms.  They take pride in their cooking oils - use only whole, edible nuts in their small batch manufacturing process - and cold press extraction to guarantee an exceptional taste while still providing maximum nutritional value.

What are cold-pressed nut oils &  how do I use them?

Almond Oil

Fresh Vintage Farms Almond oil is made from California-grown whole almonds and is 100% cold pressed, preserving all its nutritional benefits. With fewer calories and fat than olive and avocado oil, it is a healthy cooking option. Its high smoke point makes it suitable for high-temperature cooking without releasing harmful toxins. Rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, it can help reduce the risk of heart disease and is a good source of vitamin E. 

It can be used for cooking, BBQing, Smoking, dressings, and marinades, or as a finishing oil for soups and stews.

Walnut Oil

Fresh Vintage Farms Walnut oil is made from California-grown walnuts and is 100% cold-pressed to retain all its natural goodness. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, known to be heart-healthy, and contains 3 times more omega-3s than olive oil. It is also a good source of antioxidants, which can protect the body against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 

 Its unique flavor makes it a versatile choice for use as a finishing oil on salads, baking, marinating, and even cocktails.

Spicy Walnut Hummus Made With Cold-Pressed Walnut Oil

The recipe was found on Fresh Vintage Farms' website