Pistachios Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Pistachios are edible nuts that grow on trees in warm climates.They have a greenish color and a distinctive flavor. They are high in protein, healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals.
Pistachios can be eaten raw, roasted, salted, or flavored. They can also be used as an ingredient in salads, desserts, sauces, and spreads.
Pistachios may have some health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, and improving heart, brain, and eye health.
However, they may also contain allergens, oxalates, and calories, so they should be consumed in moderation and with caution.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pistachios | 1281mg | 2178mg | 0.588 |
Pistachios contains 1281mg of Lysine and 2178mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Pistachios has a low Lysine-Arginine ratio of 0.588.
Because Pistachios contains slightly more arginine than lysine, reducing its consumption may help people who suffer from herpes, as it may lower the viral activity.
Lysine Considerations
Pistachios are a good source of lysine, an essential amino acid that is important for protein synthesis, collagen formation, and calcium absorption.
Lysine may also help prevent cold sores, herpes, and shingles.
Pistachios provide about 1281 mg of lysine per 100 grams of food, which is about 43-160% of the recommended daily intake of 800-3000 mg for adults.
It's one of the nine amino acids that the body can't produce, so it must be included in our diet.
Lysine has many roles in the body, such as aiding in growth, healing, energy production, immune function, and the production of collagen.
Research indicates that lysine may have an impact on the herpes virus, which is responsible for cold sores and genital sores.
Taking lysine supplements or using lysine cream could potentially prevent or treat these infections by slowing down the amino acid arginine, which the virus requires for growth.
Arginine Considerations
Pistachios are also a good source of arginine, another essential amino acid that is involved in nitric oxide production, wound healing, and immune function.
Arginine may also help improve blood flow, erectile dysfunction, and athletic performance.
Pistachios provide about 2178 mg of arginine per 100 grams of food, which is about 36-54% of the recommended daily intake of 400-6000 mg for adults.
Arginine has multiple functions in the body, including wound healing, helping the kidneys remove waste products from the body, and maintaining immune and hormone function.
Arginine also plays a role in the replication of the herpes virus, making it a key factor in cold sore outbreaks.
The herpes virus requires arginine to grow, replicate, and create new herpes viruses.
Foods a great source of arginine, such as nuts and chocolate, may increase the frequency and severity of these outbreaks.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
Pistachios have a moderate lysine-arginine ratio of 0.588, which means that they have slightly more arginine than lysine.
This ratio may affect the balance of these amino acids in the body, and may influence the risk of viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Some studies suggest that a higher lysine-arginine ratio may help suppress HSV replication, while a lower ratio may promote it.
Therefore, pistachios may not be the best choice for people who have or are prone to HSV outbreaks.
However, the lysine-arginine ratio is not the only factor that affects HSV, and other factors, such as stress, immunity, and diet quality, should also be considered.
Both lysine and arginine are essential for protein synthesis and various other bodily functions.
They, however, have opposing effects on the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores and genital herpes.
Lysine can prevent the replication of the virus, whereas arginine can stimulate it.
Thus, a diet rich in foods with a high lysine to arginine ratio may help reduce the occurrence and severity of herpes symptoms.
Foods that have a high lysine-arginine ratio include dairy products, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These foods can provide the body with enough lysine to compete with arginine and inhibit the virus from replicating and causing outbreaks.
Dietary Considerations
Nuts are generally a good source of arginine and low in lysine, which makes them unfavorable for people with herpes.
Arginine can stimulate the replication of the herpes virus, while lysine can inhibit it.
Nuts that have the highest arginine to lysine ratio include peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts.
These nuts should be avoided or consumed in moderation by people with herpes.
For example:
A well-balanced and healthy diet that strengthens your immune system and lowers inflammation is important.
This means you should eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and good fats, and avoid processed foods, added sugars, alcohol, and caffeine.
L-lysine supplementscan help you prevent herpes outbreaks and stop a cold sore before it develops by depriving the virus of arginine, which it needs to form a cold sore.
Avoiding foods that can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities, such as gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, or shellfish.
These foods can trigger inflammation and weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to outbreaks.
Foods that can boost your immunity and fight inflammation are essential to prevent outbreaks.
Honey, yogurt, aloe vera, and chamomile are some examples of these foods.
They can also soothe your symptoms and help you recover quicker by reducing pain, swelling, and itching.
Check more food information
