10 beneficial properties of pine nuts for humans and contraindications

Cedar nut is a generic name for Siberian pine seeds. It is similar in composition to most nuts, but, from a botanical point of view, has nothing in common with them.

Modern science has discovered many useful properties that pine nuts have for our body. They contain a lot of valuable fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. With regular use, they can reduce the risk of developing many diseases, normalize body weight and boost immunity.

How they are useful – 10 facts

Below are the 10 main facts about the benefits of pine nuts (from a scientific point of view).

1. Have a rich composition

Pine nuts are an extremely nutritious product with a high calorie content (about 673 calories per 100 grams). They contain mass of biologically active components:

Pine nuts contain a number of valuable acids: oleic, linoleic, a-linoleic, y-linoleic. These substances are incredibly useful in small quantities, but they are unsafe if overused (for example, as part of an oil).

2. They help you lose weight

The works of Korean scientists are clearly demonstrate the ability of fatty acids (which are part of Siberian pine seeds) to suppress hunger centers in the brain. This property is due to increased production of the satiety hormone – cholecystokinin.

Installed that pine nuts are able to reduce food cravings by 60% for the next 4-5 hours.

An equally important role is given to dietary fiber and fiber in nuts. These components cause mechanical stretching of the walls of the stomach and, through reflex mechanisms, also lead to appetite suppression.

Monounsaturated fats and iron in nuts activate the breakdown of adipose tissue cells in order to meet the energy needs of the body, therefore, they help to lose excess weight.

Pine nuts are recommended for people who are obese or overweight in order to further control appetite and reduce body weight. The effectiveness is expressed to the same extent in both men and women.

3. Improve the health of the heart and blood vessels

Experts from the USA proved that pine seeds reduce the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease and the risk of death from a formidable complication of this disease – myocardial infarction.

The healing effect is caused by the abundance of monounsaturated fats, linoleic acid and magnesium in the composition, which reduce the level of total cholesterol in the body (as well as atherogenic fractions – LDL and TAG).

Excess cholesterol in the blood provokes the appearance on the walls of the arteries atherosclerotic plaques , leading to a partial or complete decrease in blood flow. It is precisely this pathological mechanism that underlies the formation of coronary heart disease.

Additionally, potassium, manganese and magnesium reduce blood pressure by relaxing smooth muscle fibers located in the walls of blood vessels.

4. Prevent the development of type II diabetes mellitus

It was found that pine nuts, with long-term use, reduce the concentration of glucose and the level of glycated hemoglobin (an indicator of sugar levels over the past 2-3 months) in the blood.

A similar therapeutic property is realized due to the following mechanisms:

1. Slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine. Fiber inhibits the absorption of simple carbohydrates from food.
2. Increased sensitivity of insulin receptors of peripheral tissues (muscle and fat) to insulin. As a result, cells begin to consume glucose more efficiently, reducing its concentration in the blood.

Pine nuts can be successfully used to prevent early development (with hereditary predisposition) or to provide additional control (to reduce the doses of medications taken) of type II diabetes mellitus.

5. Improve brain health

Pine nuts contain large amounts of iron. The mineral needed for transporting oxygen to the most remote cells of the central nervous system and maintaining metabolic processes in them.

An additional advantage is the high content of zinc, magnesium and manganese. These substances reduce the severity of any anxiety and depressive disorders, improve emotional background and Stress tolerance .

In turn, antioxidants reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Pick's disease).

6. Fighting cancer

Cedar pine seeds are abundant in plant antioxidants and magnesium. These substances, due to the suppression of chronic inflammation and free radical mechanisms, significantly reduce the risk of malignant tumors of any localization.

In addition, nuts inhibit the division and growth of cancer cells, as well as their spread through the body through blood and lymph vessels.

As an example of effectiveness, one can cite works Japanese and American researchers. They found that high levels of magnesium in the diet are associated with a rare incidence of pancreatic and liver cancer.

7. They increase the strength of bones

As part of nuts available vitamin K, which, according to the data Italian experts, increases the absorption of calcium by bone tissue, which leads to growth Bone mineral density .

High levels of vitamin K in the diet are associated with a rare incidence of bone fractures and osteoporosis (most often reported in the elderly and women after menopause).

8. Strengthen the immune system

Zinc and magnesium in the composition of nuts are the main minerals necessary for a full–fledged The immune system works .

They stimulate the proliferation of immune cells during the introduction of any foreign agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi) and significantly reduce the risk of developing infectious and inflammatory diseases.

It is important to note that these components do not cause hyperstimulation of the immune response and do not negatively affect the course of autoimmune disorders (scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.).

9. Improve the condition of the skin and hair

Cedar pine seeds are a valuable source of vitamin E.

According to the information experts from India, vitamin E protects the skin from the effects of harmful solar radiation, increases its supply of oxygen and nutrients, has a rejuvenating effect and smoothes wrinkles.

Pine nut oil (when used topically) also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It is used to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, scabies and various purulent-inflammatory pathologies.

When applying oil to the hair, there is a decrease in brittleness, an increase in natural shine and an overall improvement in appearance.

The cosmetics industry manufactures a lot of products based on nuts.

10. Good for the eyes

Pine nuts contain zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as about 600 different carotenoids.

These substances are necessary to maintain adequate metabolic processes in the eyeball (especially in the course of hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus).

Pine nuts prevent the appearance of degenerative macular changes and the development of glaucoma, which can lead to blindness.

Also, against the background of frequent intake of nuts, there is a tendency to increase visual acuity.

Possible harm

In isolated cases, pine nuts can cause harm to the body. Adverse effects include:

1. Dyspeptic disorders. Nuts are rich in proteins and fiber, which, when ingested excessively, can lead to diarrhea, increased gas formation, bloating and pain in the lower abdomen.
2. Change in taste perception. Fungi may be present on fruits, which, when they get on the tongue, change the functioning of the taste buds for several hours, making any food bitter and unpleasant.
3. Allergic reactions. Are extremely rare, but are characterized by severe course (anaphylactic shock, angioedema).

Pine nuts are safe for women during pregnancy. None of the studies conducted could prove the negative effects of nuts on the condition of the fetus, as well as on the physical and intellectual development of the child after birth. However, it is necessary to observe a measure – no more than 75 grams per day.

Tips for use

The use of cedar seeds should be strictly regulated. The recommended daily allowance is from 50 to 75-90 grams. Exceeding this indicator is fraught with the development of dyspeptic disorders and an increased risk of obesity (with an inherently increased body weight).

It is recommended to eat nuts in whole form, namely their kernels (without shells and husks).

Special attention should be paid to their appearance. A high-quality product should taste good and have no stains on the surface. Bitter or sour nuts are often affected by a fungus that can not only disrupt the perception of taste, but also lead to poisoning.

Any heat treatment (roasting, boiling, etc.) reduces the concentration of biologically active substances in the composition.

Nuts should be consumed during the day or in the morning. Taking it in the evening and especially at night can cause an overload of the digestive system and disrupt the physiological process of sleep.

Pine nuts are often used as part of folk recipes. They are also widely used in cooking as an accompaniment not only to desserts, but also to meat, poultry and fish dishes.

In no case should you take cedar oil in its pure form! It has carcinogenic properties and may increase the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Recipes for medicinal products

Traditional medicine has developed a lot of recipes based on cedar pine seeds, which are time-tested. Some of them have a small but reliable evidence base:

1. Decoction from the shell. The decoction is effective in improving the course of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, as well as in strengthening the immune system . To prepare it, take 1 cup of crushed pine nut shells and pour 1 liter of boiling water, cook the mixture over low heat for 2.5-3 hours. Cool the resulting broth and take 100 ml 3 times a day.
2. Infusion. The remedy is effective for the relief of inflammatory diseases (especially hemorrhoids). It is necessary to peel the nuts from the shell, chop them. Pour 200 ml of boiling water and let it stand for about 1-2 hours. Take 2-3 tablespoons up to 5-7 times a day.
3. Tincture. Alcohol tincture on pine nuts is effective in reducing cholesterol levels in the blood and treating rheumatoid arthritis. It also stimulates potency in men. For cooking, you will need: 1 liter of vodka or medical alcohol, 80-100 grams of pine nuts, several strips of orange peel, 1-2 tablespoons of honey, and 3 leaves of black currant. First, pour boiling water over the nuts and leave for 20 minutes, drain the water; repeat this action 3 times. Then mix all the ingredients (it is recommended to wrap the orange peel and blackcurrant leaves in gauze), pour into a glass vessel and close the lid tightly. Leave for 2-2.5 weeks in a warm place protected from light. Strain it. Take 30-50 ml 1 time a day (for lunch, after meals).
4. Cedar milk. The drink is especially effective for the treatment of infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract. It is necessary to pour 200 grams of nuts into 1 liter of milk, cook over low heat for 20 minutes, strain. Take 200 ml 2 times a day (morning and evening).

Conclusion

1. Thus, pine nuts are unique sources of antioxidants, valuable fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.
2. With their regular intake, the risk of developing cardiovascular and endocrine diseases, malignant tumors decreases, body weight normalizes, immunity is strengthened and bone strength increases.
3. Cedar pine seed oil has become widespread due to its rejuvenating effect and improved hair growth.
4. Due to the risk of side effects, you should be careful about including nuts in the nutrition system and follow the recommendations for selection and consumption.