California Ag TODAY: SUNDAY'S AFC CHAMPIONSHIP -- NUTRITION EXPERTS TEAM-UP FOR PISTACHIO GROWERS

The Broncos and Patriots will confront each other on Sunday's AFC Championship Game, but their nutrition experts are in agreement that pistachios are a nutrient-rich snack. American Pistachio Growers (APG) TODAY announced the addition of two key ambassadors to their list of athletes and nutrition experts: Bryan Snyder, Team Nutrition Manager for the Denver Broncos and Ted Harper, Team Sports Dietitian for the New England Patriots.

Both men are tasked with developing the year-round nutrition strategies designed to support the intense physical requirements of their players and ultimately, the world championship. These two ambassadors will reach millions of health-conscience sports enthusiasts and educate them on the health benefits of pistachios, a favorite snack.

While millions of Americans struggle with weight and weight-related health issues, nutritional solutions should include Pistachios, long known as a heart-healthy tree nut and the lowest calorie nut per serving, as an ideal snack, thanks to the recent and numerous studies revealing health benefits realized by people who eat nuts regularly, including pistachios.

The New England Journal of Medicine (11/20/13) published a study that showed people who eat a handful of nuts (including pistachios) daily had a 20% lower death rate over the course of the 30-year research project, the largest study of its kind. In addition, other supporting studies showed people who eat nuts regularly tend to remain leaner due to an association with reduced waist sizes and less weight gain throughout the course of life, compared to individuals who do not regularly eat nuts.

“This is good news for football fans who want to live to see their team win that “perfect season,” according to Judy Hirigoyen, Director of Global Marketing for American Pistachio Growers. Pistachios are an ideal snack, whether you’re a professional athlete or an armchair spectator.

The addition of Harper and Snyder follows APG’s announcement in October that British pro cyclist Mark Cavendish (the most stage wins at the Tour de France) is the newest APG Brand Ambassador and his dietitian, Nigel Mitchell, an expert nutrition ambassador for the growers’ association. Says Hirigoyen, “In their roles, Mitchell, Harper and Snyder Both teams enjoy pistachios throughout the year for good health.