Health Benefits of Pine Nuts

Health Benefits of Pine Nuts

Hailing from 20 different species of pine trees, pine nuts have been a global culinary staple for centuries. These creamy, sweet nuts have been researched for their multiple health benefits, and have been found to have positive effects on cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes and cancer proliferation. Whether toasted and added to salads or baked into desserts, pine nuts offer a wealth of essential nutrients in a delicately delicious package. (Source) Learn the health benefits of pine nuts.

Pine Nuts for Heart Health

One of the health benefits of pine nuts is their antioxidant content, which can have implications for heart health. One study analyzed a specific species of pine nut, Pinus eldarica, for its antioxidant properties and effects on lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. In the study, 40 rabbits were divided into groups, with one group treated with Pinus eldarica extract. The pine nut extract was found to lower blood lipids and to mitigate atherosclerosis in the rabbits. (Source)

Pine Nuts for Weight Management

Several studies have found pine nuts to have positive effects on weight management, including appetite control and improved lipid metabolism. In particular, the Korean pine nut, a widely used varietal, has been noted for its anti-obesity effects. One study with mice found administration of Korean pine nut oil to cause a reduction of weight gain among the mice. (Source) In another study, Korean pine nut oil was analyzed for its appetite suppressant effects in overweight post-menopausal women. Researchers conducting the study found the pine nut oil to produce a marked appetite suppressant effect due to an increased production of satiety hormones, as well as a reduction in food intake. (Source) Additionally, one study analyzed the effects of Korean pine nut oil on obesity and metabolic dysfunction in brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in mice. The group of mice that were fed pine nut oil was found to experience less weight gain and fat accumulation compared to the group that was fed soybean oil. It was concluded from the study that the improved metabolic effects were due to pinolenic acid, a chief component of pine nuts. (Source)

Pine Nuts for Diabetes Treatment

Intertwined with positive effects on obesity, the Korean pine nut varietal has also been found to have diabetes-fighting potential. One study investigated the anti-diabetic effects of Korean pine nut tree leaf essential oil and found it to have protective effects on pancreatic cells in diabetic mice. The essential oil also reduced blood glucose levels and suppressed other vital diabetes-inducing processes. (Source)

Pine Nuts for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Research has found pine nuts to have inhibitory effects on cancer cells. One study in particular found essential oil of Korean pine nut to produce inhibitory effects on proliferation and migration of colon cancer cell lines. (Source)

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE

Pine nuts, 1 ounce (28g), dried

Calories: 188
Total Fat: 19g
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 31.6mg
Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids: 9494mg
Cholesterol: 0mg
Total Carbohydrate: 4g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin E: 13% Daily Value
Vitamin K: 19%
Thiamin: 7%
Riboflavin: 4%
Niacin: 6%
Folate: 2%
Iron: 9%
Magnesium: 18%
Phosphorous: 16%
Potassium: 5%
Zinc: 12%
Copper: 19%
Manganese: 124%