Pistachios vs Split Peas: Which Is Healthier?

Although pistachios and split peas belong to different food groups, and it’s not that common to compare foods from different groups, people are often interested in these comparisons as well.

While pistachios belong to the nuts and seeds group, split peas belong to legumes food group.

That’s why we decided to create an in-depth article that compares pistachios and split peas, their nutritional values, similarities, differences, macronutrients, and micronutrients – vitamins and minerals.

Generally speaking, foods from nuts and seeds group are usually higher in healthy fats and lower in carbs than legumes, but both are valuable addition to a plant-based diet.

Now, let’s see how pistachios and split peas compare specifically.

Pistachios

Pistachios (Pistacia vera) are a type of nut that is native to the Middle East and are now grown in many parts of the world.

These nuts have a slightly sweet and slightly nutty flavor and are often used in sweet and savory dishes.

Pistachios are a good source of nutrients, including protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

They are also a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

There are many ways to incorporate pistachios into your diet. They can be eaten raw or roasted, and are often used in baking or as a topping for salads and other dishes. Pistachios are also available in various forms, including whole, chopped, and ground into flour.

Pistachios are widely available and can be found at most grocery stores. They are often sold roasted or raw and can be purchased with or without the shell.

If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious nut to add to your diet, consider giving pistachios a try. They are flavorful, versatile, and have a variety of health benefits.

Pistachios is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin E and some Vitamin C, and Vitamin B3 (Niacin).

Split Peas

Split peas (Pisum sativum) are a type of legume that are native to the Middle East and have been grown for thousands of years.

They are made by splitting dried peas and removing the outer skin, resulting in a small, round, flat legume that is green or yellow in color.

Split peas are a popular ingredient in many dishes, such as split pea soup, and are highly valued for their nutritional content.

One of the main health benefits of split peas is their high protein content.

They are a good source of plant-based protein, making them a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Split peas are also high in fiber, which can help to improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels.

They are rich in nutrients such as iron, potassium, and B vitamins. They also contain several plant compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Split Peas are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin K and some Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

Pistachios vs Split Peas Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing pistachios vs split peas.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of pistachios and split peas and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Pistachios vs Split Peas Calories

Comparing split peas vs pistachios for weight loss, split peas are slightly lower in calories, with 364 calories per 100 grams, compared to 560 calories per 100 grams of pistachios.

However, both pistachios and split peas can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Pistachios vs Split Peas Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including pistachios and split peas, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Split Peas offer around 13% more protein than pistachios.

Split Peas have 23.1 grams of protein per 100 grams, while pistachios has 20.2 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Pistachios vs Split Peas Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in pistachios and split peas.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 56% higher in split peas than in pistachios. They have 61.6 grams per 100 grams, compared to 27.2 grams in pistachios.

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There’s less sugar in split peas than in pistachios, 57% precisely.

One handful of split peas (28 grams) contains 0.9 grams of sugar, while the same amount of pistachios contains 2.1 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in pistachios and split peas.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 6.2 grams of fiber per portion, split peas are a better source of fiber than pistachios which offer 3 grams per portion.

Pistachios vs Split Peas Fats

Fats in pistachios and split peas are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in pistachios and split peas:

• Pistachios: 45.3 grams per 100 grams
• Split Peas: 3.9 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, split peas are 93% lower in saturated fats.

Split Peas and pistachios contain 0.4 grams and 5.9 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Pistachios vs Split Peas Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of pistachios and split peas.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Pistachios has a higher amount of vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and vitamin K.

However, split peas have a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), and vitamin E.

Pistachios and split peas contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins pistachios and split peas contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Pistachios vs Split Peas Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the pistachios and split peas comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Pistachios is a better source of iron, selenium, sodium, and zinc than split peas.

On the other hand, split peas are a higher amount of calcium, copper, fluoride, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium.

Check out the table below to learn how pistachios and split peas compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

Pistachios and split peas are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both pistachios and split peas are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in nuts, seeds and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.

Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.

Legumes, nuts and seeds are a versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.