Pine Nuts: Nutritional Powerhouses

The eating of pine nuts dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times when they were commonly preserved in honey. In the United States, Native American tribes mainly harvest pine nuts; in many areas, they have exclusive rights to the harvest.

Pine Nut Nutrition

• A single serving of pine nuts can provide you the following abundant source of nutrition for maintaining a healthy heart and blood pressure:
  • Protein
  • Polyunsaturated Fat
  • Monounaturated Fat
  • Cholesterol
  • Potassium
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Iron
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K
  • Thiamin
  • Riboflavin
  • Niacin
  • Vitamin B6
  • Folate
  • Pantothenic Acid
  • Phosphorous
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc
  • Selenium
  • Copper
  • Manganese

Health benefits of pine nuts:

Curb your appetite

• Pine nuts can be a potent appetite suppressor because they are a good source of pinolenic acid (a polyunsaturated fat).
• Pinolenic acid stimulates the intestines to produce a hormone called CCK, which sends a signal to your brain to turn off your appetite and slow down the rate at which your stomach empties so you feel full and satisfied longer.

They are heart healthy

• Pine nuts are high in monounsaturated fats, the same "heart healthy" fats that make all nuts so beneficial.
• These fats reduce blood cholesterol levels and help to protect the arteries from damage protecting from the risk of a heart attack.
• Because of their high content, they can go rancid quickly when you buy them already shelled. Their shelf life can be prolonged by refrigeration.

Offer antioxidant protection

• Pine nuts are high in antioxidants which help to protect the cells of your body from free radical damage.
• Pine nut oil can help you deliver even more antioxidant power to your salads.