Go nuts! It's National Pistachio Day.

Back in the day, I used to eat pistachio nuts as fast as I could shell them. My fingers were stained bright red. Red dye has fallen from favor and now we eat our pistachio nuts dye-free.

An excellent source of protein, unsalted pistachios have a high-potassium low-sodium content which helps to normalize blood pressure, maintain water balance in the body and strengthen muscles. They are also a good source of vitamin E, which boosts the immune system and alleviates fatigue, and contain lesser amounts of magnesium, phosphorous, iron and zinc.

One ounce of pistachio nuts is 165 calories.

We still love pistachio nuts - in ice cream, chopped and tossed in a salad, as a crust for fish and chicken, or just to snack on with a beer.

Try one of these 989 ways to love pistachio nuts