Pine nuts are small pale yellow seeds of Siberian pine.
They contain nutrients that strengthen the immune system and treat various diseases. In this article, we will get acquainted with the beneficial properties and contraindications of pine nuts.
Interesting facts about the beneficial properties of pine nuts
1. In science, the term "pine nuts" means not pine nuts, but seeds of pine pine trees.
2. Real cedar grows in South Asia and Lebanon. Its fruits are inedible.
3. The height of cedar pines reaches 40 meters. Harvested every 5-6 years.
4. Since ancient times, healers have known about the beneficial properties of pine nuts. They boiled them in milk, and drank the resulting broth, both for prevention and for any disease.
5. Medieval scientist and doctor Avicenna wrote about pine nuts.
6. In 1972, scientists confirmed the fact that pine nuts have a good effect on male potency. Now, in many medicinal preparations for male strength, kernels are added.
7. Pine nut oil is considered a real delicacy. It contains 3 times more provitamin A than fish oil.
8. Pine nuts are the ingredients of Italian pesto sauce.
9. The ancient Greeks and Romans added pine nuts to their diet. This is confirmed, discovered by archaeologists, the remains of nuts in the place of burnt Pompeii.
10. Academician Pallas wrote that in the 19th century, baths with the addition of cedar oil cake and husks were taken to treat consumption.
Pine nuts: useful properties and composition
Pine nuts practically do not differ from walnuts in their composition. Their main feature is a high content of unsaturated fatty acids and a small amount of fiber. Due to this, pine nuts do not irritate the stomach, so they are allowed to eat with chronic gastritis.
Pine nuts are rich in amino acids, micro and macro elements. In addition, they are a valuable source:
iodine;
phosphorus;
magnesium
vitamins of groups A, B and E;
minerals;
phospholipids;
antioxidants.
Another difference from other nuts is a large percentage of protein content up to 44%, i.e. this is 12 times more than in chicken. It is absorbed by the body by 99%. Recommended for vegetarians and people who lack protein.
Pine nuts contain substances that increase a person's performance. In addition, they are actively involved in the growth and development of the body, so they must be included in the diet of baby food.
The healing and beneficial properties of pine nuts
Due to its beneficial properties, pine nuts are used in folk medicine for such ailments as:
• disease of the endocrine system. The iodine, nickel, molybdenum and vitamin E contained in the composition restore and normalize the thyroid gland;
• cardiovascular diseases. Nickel improves blood circulation, and vitamin E fights against coronary heart disease. Nuts are also useful for anemia;
• diseases of the digestive tract. Cedar oil helps treat stomach and duodenal ulcers. A cedar oil cake normalizes metabolism;
• a cold. Vitamins and minerals strengthen the immune system and have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial effects;
• dental diseases. Decoctions and tinctures from pine nuts relieve inflammation of the gums and their bleeding;
• skin diseases. Cedar oil, decoctions and tinctures fight dermatitis, wounds, rashes, acne, including with psoriasis and neurodermatitis;
• diseases of the nervous system. Baths with broth soothe, relax and relieve fatigue. Pine nuts improve physical and psychological health. They help to cope with irritability, stress and insomnia.
Pine nuts: useful properties and applications
The beneficial properties of pine nuts have been widely used both in folk medicine, and in cosmetology and cooking. They are simply eaten or added to various dishes. Oil is squeezed out of nuts, which is used to season salads. In addition, it is used in cosmetology: added to masks for hair, skin and nails.
In addition to oil, in cosmetology a decoction of shell is used. For its preparation you need 2 tbsp. l pour shells with one glass of hot water and put in a water bath for 15-20 minutes, and strain after cooling. If you wash your hair several times with a prepared broth, then it will become silky, smooth and shiny, and will also get a rich chestnut shade.
With skin diseases (burns, wounds, cuts, pustules) and inflammation of the oral cavity, tincture of cedar shells helps. To cook it, you need 2-3 tbsp. l mix shells with 250 ml of 40% alcohol and let stand in a cool dark place for about 9 days. Then be sure to strain the tincture.
Cedar oil cake (meal) helps to reduce weight and cleanses the body of toxins and toxins. It can be used both separately and in combination with other products. For example, a couple of tablespoons of oilcake are mixed with honey and the mixture is taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Such a simple recipe is used to treat gastritis.
Pine nuts: contraindications
Pine nuts have practically no serious contraindications. Among them can be distinguished - individual intolerance or allergy. In addition, after eating, many people have a taste disturbance: a metallic or bitter aftertaste appears in their mouth, which after a few days disappears without medical attention.
Excessive consumption of pine nuts leads to weight gain. Therefore, girls who dream of a slim figure, should pay attention to the number of calories contained in them. Of course, you should not completely abandon this product. It is just enough to eat 20 g of pine nuts per day.
You can not give nuts to small children, as they can stick them in their nose or ear, or just choke. Moreover, the nuts themselves are very small and easily penetrate inside. In addition, nuts cause allergies in many children, so you need to add them to the children's diet gradually and carefully.
It is recommended to give to children over 3 years old. The optimal daily intake for children is 10-15 kernels of pine nuts in the absence of allergies. If the child is overweight, then you need to limit the intake of nuts. Also, children with an allergic reaction should not eat baby food with nut additives.
Also here can be attributed harm from low-quality pine nuts. In order not to get poisoned, remember the basic rules:
it is best to choose unpeeled pine nuts, since peeled nuts quickly deteriorate;
nuts should not be rotten or with damaged areas;
Far Eastern pine nuts triangular in shape, have a taste of needles, suitable for gourmets;
pine nuts of European pine - large, white and oblong, almost tasteless, they are most often added to salads;
Siberian pine nuts are considered the most delicious, contain up to 70% of oil;
Store nuts preferably in a cool place or in the refrigerator.
Summing up, it can be noted that pine nuts are a unique product that is not inferior to, and in some cases superior to other nuts in medicinal and beneficial properties.
