Pine nuts are called such conventionally. In fact, the fruits are seeds of cedar pine cones. Our country is rich in such delicacies, especially Siberia. The fruits have a delicate milky color and are distinguished by a pleasant sweet taste with a subtle oily aftertaste. Our country is the first in the world in terms of productivity of such fruits, and their largest consumer is China.
Already peeled nuts and roasted nuts without shells are sold in markets and stores.
The extraction of such seeds is quite difficult; they are obtained mainly by hand. Automation of nut production has been established only in a few places.
Such a product is considered the pride and heritage of the republic. They are highly valued for their enormous benefits to the human body and excellent taste.
Calorie content and nutritional value of pine nuts
The calorie content of pine nuts is 673 kcal per 100 grams. Of these, 615 kcal are in fat, which makes up almost two-thirds of the norm.
The nutritional value of pine nuts is very good, so after a light snack you won’t feel hungry in the near future.
Pine nuts have great energy value, so they are recommended for those who engage in intense physical activity or simply to combat stress and fatigue.
In 100 g of product:
- energy value - 673 Kcal
- carbohydrates -13 g
- protein - 23 g
- fiber - 4 g
- total fat -67 g
- cholesterol - 0 g
Calorie content
The calorie content of pine nuts confuses many followers of all kinds of diets. The energy value of the product is high. But they also have a lot of calories. Therefore, you should eat such a delicacy in doses, not exceeding the daily norm.
The calorie content of such seeds varies slightly, depending on the cooking method. Thus, unpeeled raw fruits in shell contain 648 kcal. A raw, peeled nut has a calorie content of 638 kcal. The calorie content of fried fruits increases to 680 kcal.
Composition and benefits of pine nuts
Due to the huge amount of beneficial substances contained in pine nuts, their nutritional and healing properties are also very high.
Vitamins
Nuts have healing properties due to the large amount of vitamins they contain:
- vitamin A has a positive effect on vision, skin condition, and genital health;
- vitamin B1 (thiamine) takes part in the functioning of the nervous system and many metabolic processes;
- vitamin B2 (riboflavin) directly affects the digestibility of proteins and ensures oxygen transport in the body;
- vitamin B3 (niacin) is involved in the formation of cholesterol and the activity of the circulatory system depends on its amount;
- Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a good antioxidant, strengthens blood vessels, promotes the dissolution of blood clots and the formation of new ones.
Microelements
The totality of microelements in grains is also very high, and many of them are quite sufficient for the daily needs of an adult. This;
- zinc contributes to tissue repair and wound healing, it is necessary for muscle contraction and skeletal growth, and for the proper functioning of the prostate gland;
- copper is needed for the formation of red blood cells and for brain activity;
- manganese is important for the good functioning of the female reproductive system and for the functioning of the central nervous system;
- molybdenum relieves anemia and is involved in the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates;
- magnesium affects energy metabolism, reduces the risk of inflammatory processes, strengthens the heart;
- silicon forms the basic substance of bones and cartilage;
- vanadium prevents the formation of cholesterol and takes part in the formation of bones and teeth;
- potassium monitors heart rate and normalizes the body's water balance;
- Phosphorus releases energy quickly
- calcium is the main component of teeth and bones, necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, blood clotting and cardiac activity;
- iodine is essential for the functioning of the thyroid gland;
- boron takes part in mental processes;
- iron is an important component of proteins and hemoglobin.
Many amino acids are found in cedar kernels. Most of them play an important role in the body. Among arginine amino acids, protein predominates, which is necessary for the growth of the body. Therefore, women during pregnancy, children and adolescents need to introduce them into their diet.
Pine nuts are characterized by a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Linoleic acid present in these fruits is a precursor to omega-6 fatty acids, designed to regulate blood cholesterol and cell membrane functionality. Therefore, these substances are important for the well-being of the nervous system and for the health and beauty of the skin.
Carbohydrates include glucose, fructose, sugar, sucrose, dextrin, starch and cellulose
Therefore, they are an ideal snack for those who play sports, for those who study and for those who are physically weak.
Cedar is rich in flavonoids and is therefore an antioxidant product. It has digestive, bactericidal, disinfectant, stimulating and laxative properties.
Note! It helps fight gas formation and is an excellent remedy against cystitis and cellulite.
Cedar also stimulates hair growth.
Addressing insulin resistance
Research shows that excess weight negatively affects a person's health. Obese people often develop a prediabetic condition, which is characterized by insulin resistance—an increase in plasma insulin levels.
The body does not identify the threat because there is no metabolic response about the state of the hormone concentration. As a result, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases develop, and fatty complications quickly form.
Magnesium, contained in large quantities in pine kernels, can not only reduce insulin, but also normalize the signal chain about hormone levels. Regular consumption of this delicacy helps a person cope with both insulin resistance and excess weight.
Contraindications and harm of pine nuts
Pine nuts are a natural food product that are generally safe to eat. However:
- They are prohibited for obese people because they contain huge amounts of fat.
- An allergy to the product, which leads to anaphylactic shock, is very dangerous.
Let's celebrate! Pine nuts are not suitable for everyone, so you need to see how your body reacts before eating them. You need to be especially careful when giving this product to children; they often do not like nuts. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, hives, rash, redness, abdominal cramps, dizziness, or vomiting.
The Department of Allergy and Immunology has shown that people prone to peanut allergies are also predisposed to pine nut allergies.
Appetite suppression
The kernels of cones, entering the human body, help produce the hormone cholecystokinin, which is responsible for the feeling of satiety. It is this hormone that transmits satiety signals to the brain. Thanks to him, a person no longer wants to eat, even if he hasn’t eaten much food. This allows you to significantly reduce food portions and the number of calories.
One small snack of nuts helps women avoid gaining pounds during their menstrual period, when they want to eat on a regular basis.
How to choose and store pine nuts correctly?
When stored, unshelled pine nuts can be stored for six months without spoiling. If peeled, they should be refrigerated in glass or plastic containers (preferably vacuum sealed) and consumed within 1-2 months to avoid insect larvae.
There are now a lot of shelled nuts in supermarkets and markets. Before you buy them, you should look at the manufacturing date and shelf life of the product. Nuts that sit on shelves for a long time have a bitter, metallic taste. Eating them can lead to poisoning.
Good to know! Another option for storing nuts is freezing. Many women use it because they know that the low temperature provides excellent storage for most foods.
Daily value for weight loss
The fruits of pine cones, regardless of their calorie content, are recommended for consumption when losing weight. Consuming a small amount of such delicacy will not harm your waistline, but will saturate the body with essential vitamins and microelements, which will prevent exhaustion with all kinds of diets.
To avoid harming yourself and causing excess weight, you can eat 30 grams of nuts per day. This amount of fruit contains no more than 200 calories, which are acceptable when losing weight. This dose is contained in 5-8 nucleoli or a handful.
The fruits of pine nuts are a healthy delicacy that has a beneficial effect on the human body.
Use in cooking
Nuts can be used as cooking ingredients.
They can be eaten raw, fried, added to vegetable salads, cheese, honey, muesli, porridge, pastries, ice cream, and cakes.
These seeds are widely used for: creating sweets, sauces, including the most popular and famous, pesto.
The derivative product is cedar oil. It is extracted only from the seeds and is a spice full of antioxidants.
Note! Cedar is also widely used in the preparation of soft drinks. To reap its benefits, cedar should be consumed fresh, perhaps in juice form. A cup of hot water with cedar sap in the morning stimulates evacuation.
Getting energy
Nuts are a high-calorie and valuable food product. Due to this, they are able to saturate the body with all nutrients, as well as give a charge of vivacity and positive energy.
With their help, you can fruitfully engage in physical activity throughout the day and fight the state of apathy and powerlessness.
It is known that diets greatly exhaust a person: he loses energy for everyday activities and worries. Therefore, if someone needs to limit their caloric intake and at the same time exercise, then they will not be able to do without energy.
The way out is to regularly eat pine nuts, which will increase productivity and allow you to lead an active life without overexertion: do exercises, do cardio, strength training, etc.
Recipes for dishes with pine nuts
Cedar jam
It is very aromatic and suitable for making pies and for a complete breakfast.
Compound:
- 500g pine nuts;
- 700 g sugar.
Preparation:
- Boil the nuts in water for a little while, then drain the water and add sugar.
- Cook while stirring for two hours.
- Then quickly transfer to a jar.
- Homemade jams can be stored for no more than 12 months
Pesto
Compound:
- basil leaves -25 g;
- extra virgin olive oil 50ml;
- Parmesan cheese - 35 g;
- grated cheese -15 g;
- pine nuts -8 g;
- garlic - half a clove;
- salt 1 pinch.
Preparation:
- Grind the garlic in a mortar until creamy, add nuts and basil leaves with salt and continue grinding well.
- Then add cheese and olive oil.
- Grind all ingredients again. The sauce is ready.
Ham salad with pears and nuts
Compound:
- chicken ham-300g
- pine nuts-70g
- pear-2 pieces
- green salad - 1 bunch
- garlic-2-3 cloves
- mayonnaise-1.5 tbsp. spoons
- lemon juice-1-2 tbsp. spoons
- parsley-2-3 sprigs
- ground red and black pepper
- salt to taste.
Preparation:
- All ingredients, wash, peel, cut.
- For dressing, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice, pepper, and salt.
- Mix the ingredients and season with dressing, place on plates and garnish with parsley.
For most people, pine nuts are a real discovery. Due to such versatile medicinal properties, they should certainly occupy a special place in the diet.
Contraindications to eating nuts
Pine nuts, whose calorie content helps you lose or gain the necessary weight, may be contraindicated for use under certain conditions.
The reason for this is the characteristics of the body or certain diseases:
- individual intolerance to product components;
- overweight;
- tendency to flatulence;
- diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis;
- acute form of gastrointestinal disease;
- thrombophlebitis, varicose veins.
If you have health problems, you should consult your doctor.
Cedar shells and their use in treatment
Residents of Siberian settlements never threw away the shells separated during seed processing. A variety of medicinal compositions were prepared from these raw materials, using them for external or internal purposes. Taking into account the chemical content, such a component becomes an additional source of coarse dietary fiber for the body.
In the composition of the shell separated from the core, the predominant part belongs to lignin and insoluble polysaccharides. The high calcium content makes tinctures and medicinal extracts particularly effective in the treatment of joint and bone diseases.
Ascorbic acid plays a huge role in the preparation of medicinal decoctions and infusions from shells. It is this vitamin that becomes the most effective tool for the immune system in the fight against viruses and destructive microflora; it participates in the process of collagen formation, ensuring a well-groomed and beautiful appearance of the skin.
Possible harm
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Pine nuts can be consumed only in strictly limited quantities. Their high caloric content in addition to a regular diet can lead to obesity. To avoid such consequences, when regularly consuming these nuts, it is necessary to control the calorie content of the menu.
Cedar seeds that are purchased already in purified form can be harmful to health. Large amounts of unsaturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins react with oxygen and are easily oxidized. The rancid fat of nuts is not only unpleasant to the taste, but also dangerous to health, as it can cause poisoning [4].
Regular consumption of large quantities of Siberian cedar nuts (more than 30 g per day) can lead to allergic reactions and liver problems.
Application
The breadth of use of pine nuts has determined their widespread popularity. Natural nut oil is obtained from them, known for its unique medicinal properties. The shells remaining after cleaning the kernels are used to prepare healing tinctures, decoctions, and powders.
The kernels themselves have found their application in:
- medicine;
- cooking;
- cosmetology.
In medicine
The most common area of application of the forest product is treatment with pine nuts. It is useful not only in its fresh form. Medicinal decoctions and alcohol tinctures are prepared from it and mixed with other ingredients.
Cedar is good for medicinal purposes:
- For coughs and respiratory diseases, a decoction of nuts is used. To prepare it, add a glass of nuts to a liter of water and simmer over low heat for 2-3 hours. The mucolytic property of pine nuts facilitates the discharge of sputum;
- cedar milk, obtained from a mixture of finely ground kernels with water, is used to replace cow's milk for children with allergies. It replenishes the deficiency of essential substances and has a pleasant, sweet taste;
- For gastritis or stomach ulcers, cedar oil has healing properties. Drink it before meals three times a day, a teaspoon. The course of treatment is a month. Instead of butter, you can use ground nuts in equal proportions with honey;
- infusions on the shell are used to prevent and get rid of hemorrhoids;
- The anti-inflammatory properties of pine nuts are used in the recovery and postoperative period. They support the body, give strength, prevent the development of complications;
- For diabetes mellitus, fresh nuts normalize surges in blood sugar levels. They are taken before or during meals;
- In case of oncology, nuts are indispensable; they are used in conjunction with other treatment options. The nuclei have preventive and therapeutic anticancer effects;
- For gynecological problems, an infusion of nucleoli is useful. They are poured with boiling water and left for several hours.
When using pine nuts to treat diseases, you must consult a specialist so as not to cause irreparable harm to the body or worsen the patient’s condition.
In cooking
Pine nuts are incredibly popular in cooking. They are included in salads, sauces, and baked goods. Nuts go well with vegetables, fish and meat. They can also be consumed separately, fresh or lightly fried. The nut is used both in dietary nutrition and for weight gain purposes.
The kernels improve the taste of dishes and give them a pleasant, pronounced nutty aroma. The taste of the products also changes: it becomes richer and sweeter.
The nut is used in making desserts. It is placed in cakes, cookies, creams, and added to ice cream and cakes.
In cosmetology
The composition, rich in fatty acids and vitamins, allows the use of nut kernels for cosmetic purposes. They improve the appearance and health of hair, nails, facial skin, décolleté, and hands.
Masks are made from the kernels by grinding them to a paste. By mixing the mass with additional ingredients, you can increase the beneficial properties of the procedure: fermented milk products, essential oils, eggs, honey are suitable. Apply the compositions for 15-20 minutes, then wash off. The effect of application is clearly noticeable after the first use.
Nut butter is popular among pregnant women. When applied externally, it will prevent the appearance of stretch marks in problem areas and increases skin elasticity.
The beneficial properties of pine nuts are due to the rich composition of the product. They will benefit both adults and children. Pine nut kernels are not only tasty, but also beneficial for the human body. Their healing properties extend to all systems and organs. However, one should take into account not only the beneficial properties, but also contraindications to the use of pine nuts, and do not exceed the daily intake.
Traditional medicine recipes, rules for using nuts in treatment
In order for the use of cedar seeds to improve health to bring exceptional benefits, you should use only high-quality raw materials. Before preparing tinctures based on cedar seeds, they must first be soaked and then carefully cleaned of shells and foreign matter.
Next, pour boiling water over the product 3 times. This technique will remove the bitterness that is formed from the tannins remaining on the surface of the nucleoli. Only after the procedure has been completed can you begin to create healing agents.
For blood vessels and heart
Preparation and administration of the composition:
- Place 1 tbsp in a glass bowl. nut kernels and ½ tbsp. raisins Pour ½ liter of high-quality vodka/alcohol over the products, leave for 2 weeks;
- strain into a dark bottle, fill the remaining raw materials again with the same amount of alcohol;
- stand for 1 month, strain, combine both compositions.
Take 1 tbsp. l. 2–3 times a day for 30 days. Take a 2-week break and repeat the course of treatment.
For the immune system and blood
Preparation of the product:
- Place 100 g of kernels together with shells in a blender, add 1 tsp. calamus root, mistletoe herb, thyme, clary sage, chamomile. Grind the mass;
- pour the dry composition into 1 liter of high-quality vodka;
- leave for 2 months in a dark and cool place.
Take 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l. in 30 min. before meals. The course of treatment is until the entire amount of the resulting balm is used.
To normalize metabolism
Pine nuts (the caloric content of the product does not interfere with the receipt of useful drugs) have a good effect on metabolic processes in the human body.
Preparation of the composition:
- crush the pine seeds along with the shell, place in a glass container;
- pour vodka so that it is 5–6 cm higher than the dry component;
- Infuse the mixture for a week, then strain the healing solution.
Use 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l. The course of treatment is 30–45 days.
For the nervous system and sensory organs
Method of receiving funds:
- chop 1 tbsp. l. pine nuts, pour 300 ml of boiling water.
- leave the mixture for 50 minutes. in a sealed glass container, then strain.
Use the product before meals 5 times a day, 50 ml.
For the digestive system
Preparation of the composition:
- chop 3 tbsp. l. nut shells;
- pour 250 ml of 40 percent alcohol into the mass;
- keep the infusion for 9 days, then strain.
Use the composition for compresses or as rinses.
For the skin of the hands and mucous membranes
Preparation procedure:
- post 1 tbsp. peeled kernels together with the film into a glass container, pour the product into 1 liter of drinking water;
- leave the mixture for 2 hours, then beat with an immersion blender until smooth.
Take ½ tbsp half an hour before meals. 3 times a day. The course of treatment is from 30 days.
For the reproductive system
Cooking process:
- pour the shells of cedar seeds into a bottle (preferably made of dark glass), add alcohol, and seal tightly;
- leave the solution for 20 days in a place where it is not exposed to sunlight;
- Strain the mixture into a clean container.
Take 1 tbsp for a month. l. before eating. Next, gradually increase the dose, bring it to 22 drops, and then reduce the dose by 1 drop. Reach two, pause for 3 days. Repeat the treatment course 3-4 more times.
For the musculoskeletal system
Preparation and administration of medicine:
- place 300 g of nut shells in a saucepan, pour in 1 liter of boiled drinking water. Cook the mixture on low heat for 3–4 hours. You can use a water bath;
- Cool the mixture and strain thoroughly.
Take 30 minutes before. before meals, 100 g per day until health improves.
Reviews
My grandmother told me that in the old days, pine nut kernels were crushed, put in a clean rag and applied to abscesses. The pain went away and the abscess quickly opened.
Decembrist, 37 years old, Petrovsk-Zabaikalsky
When you bite nuts, you somehow calm down, the main thing is not to break a tooth or damage the enamel. And vodka infused with nut kernels in small doses is very helpful for stomach pain. We call nuts cedar gold.
Olesya, 28 years old, Novosibirsk
Pine nut oil and nuts are food for athletes. You don’t need to eat a lot of them, but the benefits from them are immense.
Alexander, 32 years old, Vasilkov.
The cedar taiga gives people great wealth - natural vitamins and nutrients from Mother Nature herself! Pine nuts make an invaluable contribution to human health. It is not for nothing that they wish their loved ones good Siberian health. But it is necessary for people to treat cedars with love and responsibility.
Health to you and your loved ones! Natalya Belokopytova.
