Pine nuts - the so-called seeds of pine pine, erroneously sometimes called "cedar". Unlike real cedars, which prefer a warm southern climate (Central Asia, the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, North Africa and the Himalayas), the tree that gives us this delicious treat is growing in the harsh climatic conditions of Siberia and the Far East. The exception is the European cedar pine or pine trees, which grows on the Mediterranean coast and in Asia Minor.
Pine nuts - useful properties
The kernels of cedar nuts are similar to small light yellow grains with a dark dot on the blunt end. They have a bright taste and a pleasant aroma, and the unique composition of pine nuts, combining a large amount of vegetable protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, micro- and macro elements, allows them to be called "pearls of Siberian forests".
Let's analyze in more detail, what is useful for pine nuts:
- pine nuts contain 19 irreplaceable and conditionally indispensable amino acids ("bricks", of which all the proteins of our body are built), therefore they are especially useful to vegetarians as a source of protein;
- a high content of fats (60% by weight), of which 94% are essential fatty acids (vitamin F), make pine nuts a wonderful product for the prevention of atherosclerosis, t. it is vitamin F that removes cholesterol from the body and prevents it from "clogging" blood vessels;
- pine nuts - containing a lot of vitamin E (up to 55%), vitamins B1 and B2, as well as 5 macro- and 14 microelements - a multivitamin complex created by nature itself;
- contain a record number of phospholipids - substances that take part in the formation of immunity, responsible for the growth and development of cells.
No doubt, pine nuts are a generous gift of nature, in which a lot of medicinal substances are concentrated. But, as with any medicine, it is important not to overdo with their dosage. The recommended daily portion of these nuts is 20-40 g.
Pine nuts can and should be eaten by pregnant and lactating women, provided that they do not have any allergies to this product. It is not recommended to abuse this product
How to choose pine nuts?
Peeled pine nuts are stored for no more than 2 weeks. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the expiration date, the appearance - the nucleus should be light yellow, and slightly oily. Too dark and completely dry nuts, indicate that they are already old. The use of such cedar nuts will do more harm than good: they can cause a mucous burn and poisoning. It is better to buy untreated pine nuts - they do not deteriorate longer.