Infinity Health & Wellness Magazine October / November 2016 | Page 18

We are Pining for Pine Nuts!
Pine nuts are not nuts at all, they are edible seeds
from a pine tree. For those of you that really just don’t
think about pine nuts or don’t use them for cooking
or salads, you may be enlightened when you find out
how nutritious they really are!
Pine nuts have been enjoyed since Roman times,
they have nutrients similar to other nuts, but have a
unique flavor packed with protein, iron, magnesium
and other healthy nutrients.
Research suggest that these little seeds actually may
reduce heart disease because of the pinolenic acid that
they contain, helping to support good cholesterol levels.
Pine nuts contain lutein, a carotenoid that helps to
ward off eye diseases, such as macular degeneration.
Pine nuts have been regarded as a nutritious snack
but they are loaded with antioxidants that are crucial
in fighting off free radicals in the body.

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A natural energy booster, pine nuts also contain fatty
acids that can help you feel full because they produce
high amounts of an appetite suppressing hormone.
Pine nuts are delicious roasted, they can be added to
a salad or to any sweet and savory dish.
Some people may get an aftertaste when consuming
pine nuts, it is rare, but it can leave a bitter taste in your
mouth, if this seems too unpleasant, then it will go away
usually after a few moments or a couple of hours.
An allergy toward pine nuts can be possible just like any
allergy with nuts, so if you already have nut allergies,
proceed with caution, even though they are seeds.
Pine nuts can be expensive, so it is best to buy them
on sale whenever possible. They need to be stored
in air tight containers in the refrigerator or freezer
because they can go rancid very quickly.

Oct / Nov 2016