The benefits and harms of pine cone jam — 5 proven properties

Pine cones are rich in vitamins (A, B, P, C), antioxidants, phytoncians and valuable essential oils.

Various decoctions, compotes and syrups based on cones have been used for centuries for the treatment of cardiovascular and bronchopulmonary diseases, strengthening immunity.

Scientists claim that pine cone jam also has beneficial health properties.

5 useful properties

Let's focus on the main facts about the benefits of using pine cone jam (based on scientific sources of information).

1. Improves brain function

Proven that B vitamins, which are abundant in pine cones, are necessary to maintain the functional and anatomical integrity of the brain.

Pine cones Improve cognitive functions (thinking, attention, memory), and also reduce the likelihood of neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease).

The product, due to the abundance of antioxidants, is effective in case of insufficiency cerebral circulation . It allows brain tissues to adapt to hypoxia conditions.

2. Strengthens the immune system

Pine cone jam is a rich source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for normal functioning of the immune system .

Vitamin A, according to the data of British specialists, increases the activity of local immunity factors to various external infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa) and prevents the manifestation of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

The ability of vitamin A to activate the production of immune system cells capable of phagocytosis has also been established. As a result, they effectively capture foreign agents that have entered the body.

Vitamin C makes an equally valuable contribution. Ascorbic acid accelerates the synthesis of all components of the immune system, as well as accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues.

3. Reduces blood pressure

Phytoncides are present in the composition of the product. These substances, according to the data Japanese scientists reduce the level of catecholamines in blood plasma and, as a result, the level of blood pressure.

Moreover, phytoncides are effective in preventing hypertensive crises – sudden spikes in blood pressure levels.

Jam is recommended for people of older age groups suffering from hypertension. It effectively prevents blood pressure spikes and reduces the doses of medications taken.

4. Fighting cancer

Antioxidant compounds found in pine cones that do not break down during heat treatment, help the body is fighting cancer.

They neutralize free radicals formed during oxidative stress. These aggressive molecules cause damage and even malignant degeneration of cells of any organ, increase the risk of developing chronic diseases.

The direct cytotoxic effect of antioxidants is also noted, that is, they are able to destroy already formed cancer cells.

5. Strengthens bones

According to the data Iranian scientists, vitamin K, available in pine cones, plays an important role in maintaining the mineral strength of bones .

Biologically active substance stimulates the synthesis and differentiation of osteoblasts, as well as some proteins, promotes mineralization of the extracellular bone matrix.

Similar properties allow the use of cone jam in order to prevent osteoporosis – a decrease in bone strength. This pathology is dangerous with sudden bone fractures and mainly affects the elderly and women after menopause.

Contraindications

Jam made from pine cones has contraindications and can cause harm to health.

Common side effects include:

1. Dyspeptic disorders. When taking jam in large volumes, nausea and heaviness in the epigastric region may occur, less often vomiting.
2. Allergic reactions. Are characterized mainly by a mild course, expressed in the form of urticaria, conjunctivitis.

Jam made from cones is not recommended to be consumed during pregnancy and lactation. The conducted studies have not been able to prove the safety of the product for infants and expectant mothers.

Step-by-step recipe

Not only pine cones can be used to make jam, but also spruce, cedar, fir and alder cones. In addition, you can use both brown (mature) cones and green (young) ones.

Let's focus on the most popular recipes.

1. Classic

Ingredients:

• 1 kg granulated sugar;
• 1 kg of any cones;
• Water – according to need.

Cooking scheme:

1. Sort and thoroughly rinse the cones under cold water.
2. Fill the cones with water (it should completely cover them). Put aside a couple of cones. Let stand for 30-60 minutes.
3. Drain the water and re-fill the cones with water, after placing them in any enameled dishes.
4. Simmer for 30 minutes after boiling.
5. Without covering the lid, place the vessel in a dark place for 12-16 hours.
6. Drain the resulting liquid into a container, add sugar, mix thoroughly.
7. Cook the resulting composition over low heat until thickened. You should get a mass of dark crimson color with a bright rich aroma.
8. Add 2-3 cones to the composition, put on fire, bring to a boil and hold for 5-7 minutes. Pour into sterilized jars, roll up.

2. Plain

Components:

• 1,500 grams of any cones;
• 1,500 grams of granulated sugar;
• Water – according to need.

Cooking steps:

1. Sort and rinse the cones.
2. Pour the cones into a saucepan and pour water (it should cover the cones by 1-2 cm).
3. Leave the cones in the water for 24-26 hours.
4. Drain the water and re-fill with water. Put it on the fire.
5. Bring to a boil, add sugar and mix thoroughly.
6. Simmer for about 90 minutes. It is necessary to constantly stir the composition and remove the foam.
7. Pour the jam into sterilized jars, roll up.

Jam can be stored for up to 12-18 months. After opening the jar – up to 2 weeks.

Tips for use

Let's focus on the key aspects of proper cooking and eating:

1. When to collect cones. In the southern regions, it is better to collect pine cones in mid–May, in northern latitudes - from the end of May to the middle of June.
2. Which cones to choose. It is better to choose coniferous and deciduous forests located outside the city. Cones can absorb a number of toxic substances from the atmospheric air and soil. There should be no signs of fungal infections on the tree.
3. How to store jam. It is better to store the product in the refrigerator for up to 1-1.5 years, in a dark place at room temperature for up to 6 months. After opening the jar, it retains freshness only in the refrigerator – up to 2 weeks.
4. How much and when you can eat. Jam is preferably consumed in the morning or afternoon (no more than 4-5 tablespoons per day). It is ideal as an accompaniment to tea or fermented milk drinks, can be served with bread, dried fruits or fresh fruits.

Conclusion

1. Pine cone jam is a rare but incredibly healthy dish from the point of view of traditional medicine. The product can lower blood pressure, protect against cancer, improve the functioning of the central nervous system and immunity.
2. Jam can also be harmful to health. It is recommended to take into account the possibility of side effects and to normalize consumption.
3. The dish can be prepared at home. To do this, you only need properly assembled cones and granulated sugar.