Pine nuts are some of the most elegant nuts around. Their graceful and smooth exterior together with their subtle, sweet taste make them an appealing snack for many.
Despite what their name implies, pine nuts are not actually a nut at all. Pine nuts are actually seeds harvested from certain types of pine cones.
If you’re wary of high-fat foods, you might shy away from pine nuts. However, pine nuts contain healthy fats that provide several health benefits.
However, they’re also quite expensive — one of the priciest nuts around, Still, could they be worth it?
Here are some details on why you should consider adding pine nuts to your grocery list:
1. Make Weight Loss Easier
Surprising to some, the pine nut is actually one of the nuts with the most calories per gram. However, as we’ve covered before with almonds, this does not necessarily equal weight gain. Even though they’re calorically dense, pine nuts have several factors that make them a good food for losing and managing weight
2. Boost Energy Levels
There are many nutrients in pine nuts that help you stabilize your energy levels, such as iron, protein and healthy fats. However, the most important one is the incredibly-high magnesium content.
This is because the mineral plays a vital role in the breakdown of glucose and fat. In other words, it helps turn the food you eat into usable energy for your body.
This may be one of the reasons why so many people are dependent on caffeine these days
3. Strengthen Immunity
Another prominent trace mineral found in pine nuts is zinc. Around 50 years ago, scientists discovered that zinc-deficient patients were more commonly dying to infections at a young age.
Since then, the mineral has been recognized as vital for the human immune system. To keep your body’s defenses at full strength, be sure to eat enough zinc-rich foods, such as pine nuts.
4. Sustain Brain Health
Iron is an essential mineral for the brain, as it’s needed for transporting and storing oxygen in your blood. If your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood, cognitive impairment may soon follow.
The magnesium in pine nuts helps your brain in other ways as well. For one, a higher intake of the mineral has been linked to a steadier mood.
According to studies, eating foods rich in magnesium could lead people to have fewer incidents of depression and angry outbursts.
5. Decrease Heart Disease Risk
Another major cause of suffering in today’s society is heart disease. Actually, it’s the number one killer worldwide!
Thankfully, heart disease can almost always be prevented by a healthy lifestyle and diet. For one, you could start eating nuts on a regular basis, like pine nuts.
Pine nuts’ monounsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals, phytosterols and phenolic compounds have all been shown to be good for your heart health.
