What are the benefits of shells?
Decoctions of nut shells are used in folk medicine to treat dysbiosis, intestinal inflammation and stomach ulcers.
It also helps reduce the intensity of cough and inflammation of the mucous membranes. For the treatment of rheumatic diseases, vodka tinctures made from shells and compresses are mainly used. It is strictly not recommended to self-medicate rheumatism without consulting a doctor.
Important! Cleaned Siberian pine seeds, vacuum packed, last much longer. Therefore, when choosing pine nuts, it is better to opt for a product in shell
The biggest problem with eating them is peeling them. Many people extract the kernels the old fashioned way, cracking them with their teeth. However, this is fraught and may result in a trip to the dentist
Therefore, when choosing pine nuts, it is better to opt for a product in the shell. The biggest problem with eating them is peeling them. Many people extract the kernels the old fashioned way, cracking them with their teeth. However, this is fraught and may result in a trip to the dentist.
Also, for cleaning nuts, improvised tools are often used - a hammer and pliers. But this can damage not only the shell, but also its contents.
However, there are little tricks that, if used correctly, can peel nuts without much difficulty. The seed shell becomes brittle when the product is strongly cooled or heated. So, nuts can be put in the freezer for several hours or fried in a hot frying pan for 10–15 minutes. In addition, the product can be soaked in boiling water for 15–30 minutes.
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.
Calories
Calorie content of pine nuts: 100 g of product - 671 kcal. This is a high figure. A handful of nuts can satisfy your hunger for a while. The calorie content of pine nut cake and flour is slightly lower: 432 kcal per 100 grams of product.
Weight 1 pc. of peeled pine nuts is 0.2 g, and its calorie content is 3 kcal. We are talking about raw nuts. U
roasted seeds have a higher energy value.
The daily intake of pine nuts for a healthy person is 20-40 g. This amount of seeds is enough to saturate the body with all useful substances. Before using the product for food, you must ensure its quality. To do this, you should evaluate the aroma and appearance of the nuts. The quality of the product is affected by the place and time of collection, storage conditions.
Attention! If the collection rules and storage conditions are not followed, pine nuts will become a useless or even hazardous product. Experts recommend purchasing shelled pine nuts on the market.
When purchasing peeled kernels, it is impossible to know for sure where and how they were cleaned and stored, or what they were processed with.
Experts recommend purchasing shelled pine nuts on the market. When purchasing peeled kernels, it is impossible to know for sure where and how they were cleaned and stored, or what they were processed with.
Nutritional and energy value of the product
Calorie content of pine nuts depending on the type:
Product type | Kcal per 100 grams |
Raw nut in shell | 648 |
Raw without shell | 638 |
Roasted peeled | 680 |
Cedar flour | 626 |
Cedar oil | 898 |
Nutritional value of the product (BJU):
- proteins - 13.7 g;
- fats - 68.4 g;
- carbohydrates - 13.1 g;
- dietary fiber - 3.7 g.
Composition of vitamins, micro- and macroelements:
Vitamins | Micro- and macroelements |
|
|
The daily intake of nuts is 30 g (about 2 tablespoons).
Standards for the consumption of pine nuts for children and adults
Maintaining good health requires a high-quality and varied diet. Nutritionists advise eating cereals, fruits, vegetables and nuts daily. However, excessive intake of cedar seeds with their high calorie content can lead to digestive problems.
The maximum daily intake for an adult is 50 g. If this threshold is regularly exceeded, dyspeptic symptoms may occur and side effects may occur.
Experts recommend the following amount of daily consumption of cedar nuts:
- adults who do not have individual intolerance to the components of the product or contraindications for health reasons can take 25 g per day. If you want to gain weight - 40 g;
- The daily rate of use of pine seeds in a child’s diet is 3–4 g per day starting from the age of 3. For schoolchildren, the daily intake can be increased to 10–15 g;
- overweight elderly people are advised to include 15–20 g of nuts in their daily diet, 25–30 g for normal physique;
- patients suffering from diabetes can eat up to 70 g of nucleoli per day.
When losing weight, it is better to consume cedar seeds half an hour before meals. The feeling of fullness will prevent you from overeating, which will help you get rid of extra pounds.
How many pine nuts can you eat per day?
To benefit from the product, it is important to know how many pine nuts you can eat per day without harming your health. Pine nuts are high in calories, so you should not overuse them. Otherwise, the opposite effect is possible: nuts will only cause harm.
Pine nuts can be consumed in the following quantities:
- for adults with normal health (without serious chronic diseases), average build – about 30 g;
- Depending on the deviations in physique, the amount of the product also changes: if you are overweight, you should not eat more than 20 g of nuts; if you are underweight, you can allow yourself up to 60 g per day. When losing weight, it is recommended to eat them half an hour before meals, for weight gain - during it or immediately after;
- in childhood, the child’s age and body features are taken into account. For children over 3 years old, you can start with 10 g per day, gradually increasing the norm to 30 g. It is important to control the consumption of the product, because nuts are small. The child may choke or push them into the nose or ear;
- older people can take up to 20 g of product per day;
- For diabetics, it is permissible to eat up to 70 g of nut kernels for medicinal purposes.
In addition, the individual characteristics of the body and contraindications to the use of pine nuts are taken into account.
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.
How many pine nuts can you eat per day?
Nutritionists recommend consuming from 20 to 100 grams of kernels per day. The maximum portion is possible only on a fasting day, and the minimum is recommended for obese people.
It is forbidden to eat pine nuts for weight loss without calculating the daily calorie content of dishes and systematically exceeding the optimal norm, since the high level of energy value of the seeds can lead not to weight loss, but to the gain of extra pounds. Although there is good news: the decrease in appetite caused by this product will make it easy to avoid fruit abuse.
To control the amount of delicacy you eat, you should remember that 20 grams of nuts contain 120-140 kcal, and 60 grams – 400 kcal, which is equivalent to one full meal.
Calorie content and BZHU
The high calorie content of shelled nuts is due to the following composition of the nuts:
- proteins – 17 g;
- fats – 70 gr.;
- carbohydrates – 10 gr.
Easily digestible proteins contain 19 amino acids, most of which are conditionally essential. The amount of proteins in the seeds is not inferior to the concentration of these organic compounds in beef liver, duck and some types of fish.
Carbohydrates in pine nuts are represented by monosaccharides (glucose, fructose) and polysaccharides (sucrose, pentose, dextrin, fiber and starch). This is the main source of energy. Carbohydrates reduce hunger and give you energy.
Fats consist of saturated (8 g), monounsaturated (25 g) and polyunsaturated (37 g) acids.
The ratio of sugar in processed foods is as follows:
- roasted nut without shell – 19/56/26;
- nut butter – 0/99/0;
- flour (milk) – 2/5/1;
- cream – 19/56/26;
- cake - 30/19/30.
Chemical composition
Kernels from Siberian pine cones contain many chemical compounds that are involved in all metabolic processes in the human body: in the metabolism of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, electrolytes.
100 g of peeled pine nuts contains 68.37 g of fat, 13.69 g of protein and 9.38 g of carbohydrates [1]. The proteins of cedar seeds are easily digestible. They contain 19 amino acids out of 26 known, including essential ones: tryptophan, phenylalanine, valine, lysine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, leucine, arginine, histidine [2].
The carbohydrate composition of pine pine seeds is represented by monosaccharides (glucose, fructose) and polysaccharides (sucrose, pentosans, dextrin, fiber and starch).
The fatty substances of cedar oil are predominantly unsaturated fatty acids (FA).
The fats of cedar pine seeds are sources of fat-soluble vitamins A, E and K, which they contain, and also contribute to their better absorption in the human gastrointestinal tract. Composition of fats
Name | Content, g per 100 g of product [1] |
Saturated fatty acids | 4,899 |
Monounsaturated fatty acids | 18,764 |
Polyunsaturated fatty acids | 34,071 |
Cholesterol | 0 |
In terms of the amount of protein, pine nuts are not inferior to duck meat, beef liver and heart, as well as many types of fish.
The vitamin composition of these nuts is rich: they contain both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins.
Vitamin composition
Name | Content, mg per 100 g of product [1] |
Vitamin A (retinol) | 0,001 |
Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) | 9,3 |
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0,054 |
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) | 0,4 |
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0,2 |
Vitamin B3 (niacin) | 4,4 |
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) | 0,3 |
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 0,1 |
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) | 0,034 |
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | 0,8 |
Nuts contain many useful minerals, without which normal functioning of the body is impossible, including the following:
- macroelements: sodium, potassium, chlorine, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus;
- trace elements: zinc, iron, copper, manganese, silicon, vanadium, molybdenum, iodine, nickel, tin, boron, titanium, silver, cobalt.
Significant Minerals
Name | Content, mg per 100 g of product [1] |
Potassium | 597 |
Phosphorus | 575 |
Magnesium | 251 |
Calcium | 16,0 |
Zinc | 6,5 |
Iron | 5,5 |
Pine nuts are high in calories:
- 100 g of dried raw materials without shells contains 673 kcal [1];
- in 100 g of kernel meal (after squeezing cedar oil from them) – 432 kcal [3].
What is evidenced by the high calorie content of pine nuts per 100 g
The high calorie content of pine nuts per 100 g suggests that the product should be consumed in very limited quantities by those who are watching their weight and are trying to lose weight. At the same time, you should never completely give up nuts, because in small quantities they contribute to the production of hormones that signal that hunger has been satisfied. The hormone cholecystokin entering the brain sends a signal to the brain that the body is already full and can stop eating.
Interesting: Calorie content of green tea per 100 grams
Thus, pine nuts are an excellent snack, which is a healthy alternative to sweets and starchy foods.
Calorie content, nutritional value and chemical composition of cedar nuts
Pine nuts are a real storehouse of substances necessary for humans.
Pine nuts have everything:
- vitamins – PP, group B, K, E, C;
- macro- and microelements - phosphorus, magnesium, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc, etc.;
- amino acids – arginine, lysine, leucine, aspartic and glutamic acids;
- phytosterols;
- fatty acids, incl. Omega-9.
The calorie content of fresh pine nuts is just over 680 kcal, which is the average among other nuts.
BJU composition per 100 g:
- 68 g fat;
- 14 g proteins;
- 9 g carbohydrates.
The glycemic index of the nut product is only 15 units, which means it can be used to normalize blood sugar levels in diabetics.
The nuclei make up for the deficiency of chemical elements in the human body. The benefits and harms that pine nuts bring depend on the amount of product consumed, the regularity of its inclusion in the diet, and health status.
Recipes for treating various diseases
Let's look at the most popular folk medicines made from pine nut kernels and how to use them correctly.
Alcohol tincture
This remedy is considered the most universal and is used in the treatment of a wide range of pathologies - used internally for colds, gynecological diseases and gastrointestinal pathologies, gout, rheumatism, coronary artery disease, anemia, kidney problems, neuroses and atherosclerosis, externally for skin pathologies and pain in muscles and joints, and also for rinsing for inflammation in the oral cavity.
The advantages of the medicine include a long shelf life - after production it can be stored in a dark, cool place for up to 12 months.
The following methods of preparing tincture are popular:
- Tincture of unshelled pine nuts. The washed and dried nuts in the shell are crushed and placed in a tightly closed dark vessel. Next, the raw materials are poured with vodka so that the liquid level rises 5 cm above the nuts. The mixture is infused in a sealed container in a dark place for a week, after which it is filtered.
- Tincture on peeled cedar seeds. 1 glass of kernels is filled to the top with vodka and left in a dark place for 14 days, after which it is filtered.
In the absence of diabetes, you can add 1-2 tbsp to the tincture. l. honey This will improve its taste and beneficial qualities. The standard course of taking the drug is 45 days, 1 tbsp. l. three times a day. After the course you should take a break of at least 30 days, then you can repeat it.
Water infusion
This product is an alternative to alcohol tincture for population groups for whom alcohol is contraindicated - those suffering from liver diseases, children and pregnant women. You can read about all the possibilities of using the product and its benefits for expectant mothers in the article “Pine nuts - tasty and healthy, but is it possible during pregnancy?”
To prepare it, add 2 tbsp. l. peeled pine nuts with a glass of boiling water. The mixture is infused for 3 hours, filtered and brought to 250 ml with warm water. The drug is taken in the same way as an alcohol tincture.
Milk decoction
This remedy effectively helps to expectorate mucus in dry coughs.
To prepare the medicine, 200 g of washed and dried cedar seed kernels are placed in an enamel bowl and poured into 1 liter of milk. The mixture is brought to a boil and simmered over low heat for another 20 minutes. Drink expressed milk 1 tbsp. l every 2 hours during illness.
Pine nuts with honey
This recipe has long been known as an effective medicine for gastritis, ulcerative pathologies of the stomach and intestines, as well as chronic pancreatitis.
To prepare the product, peeled pine nuts are thoroughly ground or crushed, and then mixed with honey in a ratio of 2 to 1. The mixture is consumed before meals, 1 tbsp. l. three times a day.
The effect of pine nuts on the body of men and women in treatment
The unique composition of the plant product can have an individual effect on male or female organisms.
For representatives of the stronger sex, taking cedar kernels is indicated to achieve the following results:
- improving sperm quality, enhancing sperm motility, positive effects on male fertility;
- for the prevention of tumors, prostatitis, and prostate cancer;
- in order to normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system, ensure blood flow to the genitals, achieve an erection, quality and duration of sexual intercourse;
- prevention of age-related pathologies, atherosclerosis, which reduce potency after the age of 50.
The advantages of consuming cedar seeds in women's nutrition include the following factors:
- during lactation, taking nucleoli significantly increases the fat content of breast milk;
- useful components of the product have a beneficial effect on fetal development;
- the use of cedar seeds allows you to tidy up the condition of your nails, improve the health of your skin and teeth, and ensure the beauty of your hair;
- Regular consumption of nuts helps remove toxins and waste, prevents vascular pathologies, and stops age-related changes occurring in tissues;
- A decoction of seeds during menopause eliminates the symptoms of this condition and reduces bleeding during menstruation.
Eating nuts is a proven means for men and women to strengthen the immune system and restore a normal emotional and mental state.
Pine nuts: benefits and harm for women
Let’s look at how pine nuts are beneficial for women in addition to the properties described above:
- For youthful skin and beautiful hair. Regular consumption of cedar seeds allows you to saturate the body with essential nutrients, amino acids, minerals and vitamins, increasing the protective function of the skin and strengthening the hair follicles. Antioxidant properties delay the aging process, maintaining skin firmness and elasticity for a long time.
- For weight loss. Despite the high calorie content, judicious use of the product helps regulate body weight. Substances contained in pine nuts stimulate the body's production of the hormone cholecystokinin, which signals the body's saturation and regulates appetite. Thus, the amount of food consumed is reduced and with additional physical activity, weight loss is achieved faster.
- To eliminate excess hair on the body. To reduce the rate of growth of unwanted hair, use an infusion or decoction of pine nuts. They pour it over the legs several times a week and soak compresses for application to the armpits or other areas of the body.
- For the health of the reproductive system. Tinctures of cedar seeds, their cake or husk effectively help against fibroids, heavy bleeding during menstruation, ovarian cysts, and also ease menopause.
- For the prevention and treatment of varicose veins. The beneficial properties of nuts have a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels, preventing or reducing the unpleasant manifestations of varicose veins. For existing pathology, massage with oil squeezed from the seeds is used.
- During pregnancy. Consumption of pine nuts during this period ensures the supply of many useful substances necessary for the development of the unborn child, reduces the risk of miscarriage and helps maintain the health and tone of the expectant mother.
- When breastfeeding. In the absence of allergies in the child, the introduction of this product into the diet of a nursing mother can improve the nutritional value and taste of breast milk.
It is recommended to use nuts during lactation a month after the birth of the child, gradually increasing their quantity from several pieces to a tablespoon per day. You can learn all the intricacies of using the product during lactation from the article “Pine nuts are the richest source of nutrients during breastfeeding.”
To prevent the use of cedar pine seeds from being harmful to the body, it is important to monitor the quality of the product, avoid exceeding the daily norm, and when treating, be sure to follow the doctor’s instructions
Benefits of pine nuts
Pine nuts are a concentrated form of essential human substances. Despite their small size, they are much more nutritious than other nuts and surpass them in nutritional value.
Nutrients in pine nuts
Fatty acid
Pine nuts contain healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids. For example, linoleic acid, which is involved in the synthesis of nutrients responsible for normal blood pressure levels, have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and promote tissue regeneration.
Amino acids
Pine nut proteins contain a large number of amino acids; their quantity exceeds the concentration of these substances in other types of nuts. Arginine predominates, which lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, strengthens the immune system, and prevents the formation of blood clots. Methionine, tryptophan, lysine are amino acids that are rare (deficient), but due to the good absorption of protein from pine nuts, they have a beneficial effect on the body.
Vitamin complex
The rich vitamin composition of pine nuts includes vitamin A, which is important for normal growth and full development, as well as vitamins E and group B. Together, they affect all body systems, contributing to their proper functioning, and are responsible for good vision, youth and elasticity skin.
Mineral composition of pine nuts
One small pine nut is a source of large amounts of minerals important for development and life. Among them:
- copper, which supports brain activity and normalizes the nervous system;
- magnesium is involved in metabolism, interacts with insulin, for the transmission of nerve impulses;
- silicon to maintain the body's strength during physical activity, healthy hair and lungs;
- manganese for normal functioning of the nervous system, absorption of copper and iron, proper cell development;
- vanadium, which prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in blood vessels, strengthens bone tissue;
- potassium, which supports normal functioning of the cardiovascular system and water balance;
- phosphorus to maintain cardiac activity and all processes in body tissues;
- calcium for bones and teeth, maintaining the central nervous system, metabolism, converting proteins, fats and carbohydrates into energy;
- iodine for normal functioning of the thyroid gland;
- molybdenum, which is responsible for the condition of tooth enamel and metabolic rate;
- nickel, which activates the process of hematopoiesis, is involved in fat metabolism and hormonal regulation;
- sodium for normal metabolism;
- aluminum to stimulate tissue growth and development, the regeneration process and the digestive system;
- cobalt for metabolic processes, cellular renewal, skeletal system;
- titanium (physiological) for good vision, healthy nails and hair, joints;
- boron for metabolic processes and blood sugar control;
- barium for digestive and cardiovascular health;
- iron for proper metabolism, hormonal levels, storage and movement of oxygen in cells.
Pine nuts: a natural source of valuable vitamins and minerals, you can eat 25 grams of the product every day without side effects
Useful properties of pine nuts
The enormous benefits of pine nuts for the body are due to their high content of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, niacin, vitamin E, and many other useful substances.
- Phosphorus is necessary for normal muscle function and is responsible for the health of bones, teeth, and kidneys. This microelement promotes the absorption of B vitamins, which the body requires to produce energy and ensure proper functioning of the brain;
- potassium - a 100 g serving of pine nuts can replenish ¼ of the body's daily need for potassium. It supports the functioning of the heart, brain, skeletal muscles;
- vitamin E - increases immunity, stimulates regenerative processes, improves blood circulation, has a rejuvenating effect;
- oleic acid - protects against atherosclerosis;
- tryptophan hormone - fights insomnia.
Thus, saturating the body with beneficial substances contained in pine nuts helps to significantly improve its condition. Their regular use also has the following positive effects:
- vascular and heart function improves;
- anemia is eliminated due to the iron content in nuts;
- visual function is restored due to the replenishment of the body's reserves of lutein and zeaxanthin;
- brain activity is activated;
- mood improves, symptoms of depression decrease;
- the functions of the reproductive system in men and women are normalized.
With regular consumption of pine nuts, the body gradually cleanses itself of toxins, the blood composition improves, the functioning of the kidneys and bladder is restored, teeth and bones are strengthened, the functioning of the central nervous system is normalized, and stress resistance increases. But, although the product is very useful for many organs and systems of the body, in some cases its use is contraindicated.
Approximate ripening times
Before you go collecting cones, you need to find out when flowering and fruiting begin. Siberian cedar is wind pollinated and begins to bloom in the warmer months - late May and early June. However, 18 months pass from the appearance of shoots and buds to the formation of mature seeds.
Maturation periods:
- spring-autumn: buds form, flowering and pollination occur, seeds form;
- within 12 months after pollination, the ovules become resinous and ripen;
- intensive growth begins after winter and continues until July;
- the ripening process is completed in September.
Mature cones have a rich brown color and often fly off the tree when there is a gust of wind or a light tap on the trunk.