The benefits and harms of pine nuts
What is pine nut?
The single name "pine nut" refers to several types of edible pine plant seeds. All of them are actively used by humans in various spheres of life. Today it is customary to divide such nuts into two varieties - taiga (aka small) and condo (or large). For the layman, there is no fundamental difference.
To understand what a pine nut is, just try to peel it. In order to get a small nut kernel, it is necessary to crack a fairly strong shell.
In Russian latitudes, pine nuts are understood as the seeds of the Siberian (cedar) pine, an evergreen plant that reaches 44 meters in height. In science, it is not customary to call these seeds exactly nuts. So they began to be called in cooking.
Initially, pine nut kernels were widely used in the field of cooking. Soon, people noted other properties of seeds, and began to use all the components: shells, and nut oil, and cake (meal).
Pine nut shells are actively used in the manufacture of special tinctures and balms. Nuts are the basis for the manufacture of an elite finishing material - cedroplast. Hulls, cake and cedar seed bran are used in the preparation of therapeutic and prophylactic baths. In general, pine nuts are widely used in traditional and folk medicine. Its beneficial properties are used in cosmetology and dietetics, as well as aromatherapy sessions.
Content:
- Composition and calorie content
- The benefits of pine nuts
- What else are pine nuts useful for?
- Harm of pine nuts
- Tincture of pine nuts with vodka / alcohol
- Pine nut shell
- Benefits of pine nut oil
- How to peel pine nuts at home?
- Contraindications to the use of pine nuts
Composition and calorie content
- Fats: 68.3 g
- Proteins: 13,7 g
- Carbohydrates: 13,1 g
- Water: 2.3 g
- Ash: 2.6 g
-
Cellulose:
3.4 g
Vitamins (per 100 g): |
amount |
% RDA |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 9.33 mg | 62.2% |
| Vitamin K | 53.9 μg | 44.9% |
| Vitamin B3 (PP, nicotinic acid) | 4.01-5.84 mg | 24.6% |
| Vitamin B1 (thiamin) | 0.22-0.54 mg | 22.2% |
| Vitamin B7 (biotin) | 10 mcg | 20% |
| Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0.20-0.25 mg | 11.3% |
| Vitamin B4 (choline) | 55.8 mg | 11.2% |
Minerals (in 100 g): |
amount |
% RDA |
| Manganese | 7590-10300 mcg | 447.3% |
| Vanadium | 93 μg | 232.5% |
| Boron | 150 mcg | 214.3% |
| Cobalt | 211nbsp; mcg | 211% |
| Silicon |
50 mg |
166.7% |
| Copper | 1260-1430 mcg | 134.5% |
| Zirconium | 51.4 μg | 102.8% |
| Phosphorus | 530-630 mg | 72.5% |
| Silver | 2.8-7.1 mcg | 70.7% |
| Magnesium | 236.0-263 mg | 63.8% |
| Zinc | 5850.0-6770 mcg | 52.6% |
| Rubidium | 44 μg | 44% |
| Iron | 4.89-6 mg | 36.2% |
| Molybdenum | 25 mcg | 35.7% |
| Chromium | 17.7 mcg | 35.4% |
| Potassium | 518-696 mg | 24.3% |
| Sulfur | 150 mg | fifteen% |
| Selenium | 0.5-13 μg | 10.4% |
Other important connections:
- Phytosterols - 141 mg (256.4% of the RDI)
- Purines - 13 mg (10% of the RDI)
- Oxalic acid - 198 mg (49.5% of the RDI)
Complete chemical composition ➤
The benefits of pine nuts
- The inclusion of pine nuts in the diet has a positive effect on the work of the heart and blood vessels, the nervous system, the liver (especially its main function - hematopoiesis). Regular consumption of seeds helps to restore visual acuity, strengthen immunity and normalize the functions of the endocrine glands.
- The benefits of pine nuts contribute to their use not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of diseases of the digestive system, atherosclerosis, diabetes and anemia.
- Modern medicine includes pine nuts in the production of various pharmaceuticals prescribed for the treatment of: anemia (anemia); ischemic heart disease associated with chronic pathologies as a result of insufficient blood supply to the muscles of the heart. Preparations that contain pine nuts are effective for allergic diseases and conditions characterized by a decrease in immunity or its complete absence. In this case, cedar seeds help restore metabolism, strengthening the immune system at the cellular level.
There are many recipes used in gynecology, urology and neurology. Traditional medicine widely uses pine nuts in the treatment of cholelithiasis and ulcers, atherosclerosis, colds and vitamin deficiencies.
It is better to purchase unpeeled pine nuts, because cleaned quickly deteriorate and absorb harmful substances from the environment.
If the cedar is already bitter, then the oils contained in it are already rancid and cannot be eaten! Rancid oil is very harmful.
What else are pine nuts useful for?
The amazing effect of pine nuts is that they promote weight loss. Along with the fact that the calorie content of pine nuts exceeds the nutritional value of bread, meat and vegetables, they have the property of stimulating the synthesis of the hormone cholecystokinin.
Cholecystokinin hormone is designed to send signals to the brain about the saturation of the body and the need to stop eating. Thus, pine nuts reduce appetite by quickly saturating the body.
Taking a smaller amount of food, a person loses weight, so the main recommendation of experts is to consume pine nuts half an hour before meals.
Pine nuts for excess hair growth
Cedar seeds are also used to combat unwanted hair growth. Women are often unhappy with excess hair on different parts of their body, but the variety of modern ways to get rid of it is not as safe as we would like. And the use of pine nuts not only does not harm the skin, but also allows you to get an effective result for a long time.
The recipe is based on ash obtained by burning the shells of cedar seeds: 300 grams of dry shells are set on fire and allowed to burn completely. The resulting ash is poured with water (vegetable oil can also be used). The resulting mixture is applied to areas of the body that require the removal of excess hair, kept for ten minutes and removed with a damp cloth. Three such procedures are enough for unwanted hair to disappear.
For the same purpose, a decoction of pine nuts is used. They are poured over their legs so that the hair on them becomes brittle and falls out.
Harm of pine nuts
- Cedar seeds are beneficial in certain amounts. If their daily allowance exceeds 50 grams, then they can harm the body. It is better to take such nuts in the morning, as a separate product.
- You cannot combine pine nuts with meat and dairy dishes, because protein products will interfere with the absorption of nuts and an extra load on the digestive organs cannot be avoided.
- Pine nuts are not given to small children, because small nuclei can cause airway blockage. A child's consumption of pine nuts should only take place under the supervision of an adult.
- Hazardous to health are peeled pine nuts, which can often be seen in markets and stores, as peeled nuts quickly go rancid in the light and in contact with oxygen!
Rancid pine nuts contribute to the manifestation of symptoms characteristic of a state of intoxication or poisoning of the body. So during a meal, it can be noted that a certain feeling of unpleasant bitterness appears in the mouth. It can last for about a week and intensify if you eat sweets. The bitter and metallic taste of food can appear a couple of days after consuming cedar seeds. The restoration of taste occurs naturally, without medical intervention, but it takes some time - from 2 days to 2 weeks.
Tincture of pine nuts with vodka / alcohol
Making tinctures using cedar seeds is quite common. Most often, such tinctures are made with vodka or alcohol, but with vodka, the tincture is not so strong and more pleasant in taste.
Tincture of cedar seeds with vodka is similar in appearance and taste to cognac. However, the abuse of even such a healthy drink is harmful to health, so the tincture is consumed in small quantities for medicinal and prophylactic purposes.
There are many ways to infuse pine nuts. The most popular are the following:
- # 1. In glassware, 40 grams of pine nut kernels are poured into 0.5 vodka or alcohol. The tincture is left for 40 days in a dark place. The mixture must be shaken thoroughly every three days. After a specified period of time, the tincture is filtered and taken as directed.
- # 2. Place 500 grams of pine nuts in a glass jar and fill them with vodka (or alcohol) so that the liquid covers the nuts completely. After 12-14 days, the tincture can already be taken.
- No. 3. Pine nuts are thoroughly kneaded and poured with vodka or alcohol so that it covers the nuts by at least 5 centimeters. After a week, the tincture is filtered and poured into a glass container.
Useful properties of pine nut tincture. The tincture has therapeutic properties. First of all, this is a beneficial effect on the work of the digestive system and the human sexual sphere. In addition, it helps to correct disorders of visual and auditory functions, prevents the process of salt deposition and has an antitumor effect. This tool has no equal in strengthening the immune system. Lotions with such a tincture are used to restore the skin, heal wounds, bruises, burns and cracks. It cures diseases of the joints and cleanses the lymph and blood.
The tincture is taken in courses of 1-2 months. Then the therapy is interrupted for 30 days and repeated again. The tincture is used according to the following scheme: a couple of teaspoons are diluted in 10 grams of boiled water. This mixture is taken several times a day just before the main meal. Consult a doctor before use!
Contraindications to the use of medicinal tincture on pine nuts are individual sensitivity to the components contained in the product, as well as allergies to drug components. Pine nuts are harmless, but the basis of the tincture - vodka or alcohol - has a negative effect on the child's body, women during pregnancy, people with alcohol intolerance and suffering from severe liver diseases.
Pine nut shell
Application of pine nut shells
Cedar shells have long been recognized as a valuable raw material. Its application has been implemented in several manufacturing industries. So, in medicine, ointments, creams and various tinctures are made with the help of cedar seed shells. In the food industry, the use of pine nut shells is associated with the production of syrups and liqueurs. Even in the construction industry, pine nut shells play an important role in the production of decorative panels.
Tannins - tannins that make up such shells - are real antiseptics, which makes pine nuts a unique therapeutic anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent.
A regularly consumed tincture based on cedar seed shells has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels and strengthens the immune system of the human body. Various tinctures on the shell of cedar seeds are used to treat leukemia, anemia, uterine bleeding, periodontitis. With their help, preventive measures are taken to prevent atherosclerosis.
Tincture of pine nut shells
- With leukemia. Pine nut shell tincture is effective in the complex therapy for the treatment of leukemia. Its recipe is simple: 100 grams of the shell is placed in a glass container, poured with vodka so that the liquid completely covers the shell. The mixture is left in a dark place. After a week, filter. Take a drink daily for 1 tsp three times a day.
- With radiculitis, such a tincture is effective: 200 grams of dried shells are pounded into powder, poured with vodka and tightly closed. The mixture is infused for a month. After straining, the tincture is drunk on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals in the amount of 2 tablespoons.
- To strengthen the immune system, the tincture is prepared as follows: a half-liter glass jar is filled with dried shells, filled with alcohol, and covered with a tight lid. Insist on this mixture for three weeks. After straining, the tincture must be poured into a dark glass dish, so it will be better preserved. taking such a tincture is carried out twice a day, a teaspoon half an hour before meals.
- The tincture not only enhances the body's immune functions, but is also effective in the case of pathologies of the genitourinary system, eye diseases and disorders of the digestive tract.
Decoction of pine nut shells
Decoctions are recommended for use in disorders of the functions of the digestive system. First of all, it is an anesthetic with anti-inflammatory effect. A decoction of pine nut shells is useful for women during menopause and in case of bleeding.
The preparation of such a decoction is reduced to the following: 1 tablespoon of dried cedar seed shells is poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for 15-20 minutes. Filter the drink and take half a glass up to five times a day between meals.
Decoctions of cedar shells successfully treat allergic rhinitis, cough and bronchitis. To do this, a glass of crushed shells (usually a coffee grinder is used for grinding) is poured with a liter of cold water and the mixture is boiled in a water bath or over very low heat. The lid of the pot must be tightly closed. The cooking process is at least 3 hours. Then the mixture is cooled, filtered and stored in the refrigerator. The ready-made broth is applied within 2 days: twice a day, half a glass before meals.
Benefits of pine nut oil
Cedar nut oil is a product with a unique set of medicinal properties. It has no analogues either in nature or in industrial production.
By cold pressing they produce oil of pine nut, or Siberian cedar seed. The benefits of pine nut oil are associated with the most valuable medicinal, useful and nutritional properties.
All vegetable oils have valuable properties and are beneficial for the human body. But cedar seed oil is unique in that it alone includes the whole complex of medicinal and preventive qualities inherent in other vegetable oils: sea buckthorn, burdock, coconut, olive and others.
Cedar seed oil contains five times more vitamin E than olive oil and 3 times more than coconut oil.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize oxidative stress in the body. As a result of its action, the level of cholesterol in the blood decreases, the body rejuvenates.
A complex of B vitamins is recommended for use in cases of nervous system disorders. It normalizes brain activity, improves the condition of hair, nails and skin.
Concentrated vitamin P - unsaturated fatty acids - is present in pine nut oil in such quantities that it even surpasses the known fish oil in this indicator. This vitamin is designed to renew skin cells and enhance lactation in lactating women. The lack of vitamin P is manifested in an increase in the frequency of colds, skin problems, the appearance of trophic ulcers and allergic reactions. The most serious failures due to vitamin P deficiency are associated with damage to the digestive system.
How to take pine nut oil?
Cedar seed oil is taken both as a medicine and as a prophylactic agent. Therapy with such oil is especially effective for diathesis, psoriasis, eczema and vitamin deficiency. It deals with respiratory diseases and atherosclerosis. There are a number of other indications for its use: ARVI, acute respiratory infections and influenza, metabolic disorders, allergic reactions, intoxication conditions associated with an overdose of heavy metals or radionuclides, peptic ulcers, baldness and chronic fatigue syndrome.
How to use? The way in which the oil is used depends on the disease to be treated. So, problems with the skin are treated topically, i.e. by applying lotions and dressings with pine nut oil.
For direct ingestion, this oil is taken in a teaspoon 2-3 times a day. The therapy is carried out in courses for three months according to the following scheme: 10 days of taking pine nut oil - 5 days off - 10 days of taking oil - 5 days off and so on throughout the quarter.
How to peel pine nuts at home?
Peeling pine nuts is a rather laborious process. In industrial enterprises, specialized equipment is used for this purpose. But how to peel pine nuts at home?
To facilitate the process, many recommend first frying the nuts in a dry skillet or preheating them thoroughly in the oven, keeping the temperature at 130 ° C for a couple of minutes. This method is, of course, controversial. Doubt is caused by the fact that the kernel of the nut itself contains a lot of fats, which tend to oxidize quickly when heated, and, therefore, lose most of their nutrients. Therefore, it is better to chop nuts raw.
Splitting kernels at home is done with a hammer or a heavy wooden pestle. Garlic press, pliers and other similar devices made of high quality durable materials will cope with this task.
You will have to make some physical effort, because it is not so easy to separate the kernels from the shell, but at home the set of available tools for this purpose is extremely limited.
The use of pine nuts has no significant contraindications, with the exception of their excessive use, for example, for problems with excess weight.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. So, contraindications to use can be presented by the so-called individual intolerance to the components that make up the product.
In addition, pine nuts are often used not in pure form, but as alcoholic tinctures. Hence the harmful effects of alcohol on the nervous system, the work of the heart and blood vessels, and the digestive system. Thus, if a person suffers from diseases of the listed systems, the rules for taking funds based on pine nuts should be discussed with the attending physician or they should be completely excluded.
The author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist
Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).
