Pine Nuts – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com


Pine nuts are the small edible seeds of the female cone in a pine tree. These tree nuts are known for their sweet flavor and crunchy yet buttery texture. According to LiveStrong.com, pine nuts are a staple food source for many Native American cultures.

List of known nutrients

Pine nuts are packed with important vitamins and minerals that promote the body’s overall health. Nutrition-and-You.com compiled the essential nutrients found in pine nuts.

  • Beta-Carotene
  • Calcium
  • Copper
  • Dietary fiber
  • Folates
  • Iron
  • Lutein
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Molybdenum
  • Niacin
  • Oleic acid
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Protein
  • Pyridoxine
  • Riboflavin
  • Selenium
  • Sodium
  • Thiamin
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B1
  • Vitamin B2
  • Vitamin B3
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Zeaxanthin
  • Zinc

Medicinal uses for pine nuts

Like other tree nuts, pine nuts are notably beneficial in promoting heart health. Pine nuts are significantly rich in monounsaturated fats that help reduce cholesterol levels in the body. The oleic acid in pine nuts are known to stimulate the liver to rid the body of triglycerides. Regular pine nut consumption is found to increase good cholesterol levels as well. Pine nuts help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and stroke.

Pine nuts are also touted for its high antioxidant content that eliminate free radicals, thus preventing the onset of cancer and other diseases. Likewise, the high antioxidant content in pine nuts fortifies the body’s resistance against infectious agents and viruses. The tree nut’s rich antioxidant supply is found to slow down the aging process as well.

Pine nuts are an excellent source of protein. Because of this, the tree nut serves as an instant energy source. The high protein levels in pine nuts are also found to promote muscle repair and buildup. Likewise, pine nuts boosts the body’s oxygen use. Aside from this, pine nuts are known to suppress appetite and improve weight management. The pinolenic acid in pine nuts are found to stimulate cholecystokinin, a hormone that transmits satiety signals across the body.

The tree nuts also contain an abundant amount of vitamin E that helps maintain the integrity of cell membranes. The vitamin is essential in protecting the skin against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Aside from this, pine nuts are known to contain emollient properties that help keep the skin stay moisturized. In addition, pine nuts are rich in beta-carotene that promotes eye health. The tree nuts are also an excellent source of lutein that protects the eyes from UV rays, thus keeping macular degeneration at bay.

Furthermore, pine nuts are known to improve the circulatory and nervous systems, and promote bone health as well.

Body systems supported by pine nuts

Pine nuts’ healthy fat content is highly beneficial to the heart. The tree nuts are also helpful in fortifying the muscular and digestive systems. In addition, pine nuts boost the circulatory and nervous systems. Pine nuts support the skin, bones, and eyes too.

Ways to use pine nuts

Aside from being a staple in pasta recipes, pine nuts can be incorporated in other dishes such as salads and baked goods.

Where to learn more

Summary

Pine nuts prevent cancer and cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease and stroke.

Pine nuts promote weight loss and boosts skin, bone, and eye health.

Pine nuts benefit the digestive and muscular systems.

Pine nuts are known to improve the circulatory and nervous systems.

Pine nuts also support the heart, skin, and eyes.

Sources include:

LiveStrong.com

Nutrition-And-You.com

Care2.com

HealthBeckon.com

101CookBooks.com



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