Pistachio, Orange, and Ricotta Cake: A Women's Health-Friendly Treat

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This gluten-free and refined sugar-free pistachio, orange, and ricotta cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that support women's health, hormone balance, and overall well-being.

Why Are Pistachios Good for Women’s Health?

Pistachios are particularly rich in vitamin B6, a crucial nutrient for hormonal balance, PMS relief, and pregnancy support. According to the USDA, pistachios contain one of the highest amounts of B6 compared to other nuts (USDA, 2021).

How Does Vitamin B6 Help with PMS and PMDD?

Research suggests that vitamin B6 may help alleviate symptoms of PMS and PMDD, including mood swings, irritability, bloating, and food cravings. The Office of Dietary Supplements reports that B6 supplementation has been linked to a reduction in PMS symptoms, though more studies are needed to draw firm conclusions (ODS, 2021).

Is Vitamin B6 Effective for Morning Sickness?

If you’re struggling with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, vitamin B6 has been shown to be an effective treatment. Studies indicate that B6 supplementation significantly reduces nausea compared to a placebo (Vutyavanich et al., 1995; Costantine et al., 2023).

Pistachio, Orange and Ricotta Cake

Ingredients:

• 85g softened butter

• 75ml honey

• 75g raisins

• 2 eggs

• 250g ricotta

• Zest and juice of 1 orange

• 200g pistachios + 65g almond meal (or 265g pistachios)

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• ½ tsp cinnamon

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (fan-forced). Line an 8-inch baking tin with baking paper.

2. In a food processor, blend the raisins into a paste. Add the honey and blend again.

3. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix the softened butter and raisin-honey mixture until it lightens in colour.

4. Add the eggs and ricotta, mixing to combine.

5. Add the orange juice and zest, then mix again.

6. If you haven't already, blend the pistachios into a meal using a food processor.

7. Add the pistachio meal, almond meal, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon to the mixer. Mix on low speed until a cohesive batter forms.

8. Transfer the mixture to the lined baking tin and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.

9. Top with whipped ricotta, orange zest, and pistachios, or enjoy on its own.

This pistachio, orange, and ricotta cake is more than just a delicious treat—it’s a nutrient-dense option packed with vitamin B6, making it an excellent choice for supporting hormonal health, PMS relief, and pregnancy wellness.

For more hormone-friendly, nutrient-dense recipes, check out my Chocolate, Pistachio, and Rose Slice.

References

Costantine, M. M., Hodges, K. R., & Chappell, K. B. (2023). Vitamin B6 for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: A systematic review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 228(2), 345-356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2022.12.005

Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021). Vitamin B6: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/

USDA. (2021). FoodData Central: Pistachios, raw. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170187/nutrients

Vutyavanich, T., Wongtra-ngan, S., & Ruangsri, R. (1995). Pyridoxine for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 85(5), 765-768. https://doi.org/10.1016/0029-7844(95)00002-J