Pine nuts and their derivatives (oil, flakes, resin extract) have many health benefits. These products have been used to treat and strengthen the body for many centuries. With the development of science in the 20th and 21st centuries, scientists began to find evidence of the benefits of these products through experiments and research.
The authors of a 2013 research[1] studied pine nut flakes in terms of its composition. It was concluded that pine nut flakes contain a unique composition of proteins and lipids, as well as easily digestible carbohydrates. In combination with a large amount of minerals and vitamins, these components make pine nut flakes a unique product that is recommended for use as a healthy dietary supplement.
Using modern techniques (for example, gas-liquid chromatography and atomic absorption spectrophotometry), the authors of the study isolated all the components contained in pine nut flakes. Pine nut flakes obtained by cold pressing were used. It is this method of production that allows you to preserve the maximum of useful nutrients from raw materials (pine nuts).
Scientists have found the following:
- The ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in pine nut flakes is almost equal. The product contains the most fat (34.1%), slightly less protein (31.6%) and carbohydrates (30%).
- The lipid composition of pine nut flakes is represented only by healthy fats: unsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids. These nutrients are important for cardiovascular health and also have anti-inflammatory activity.
- The protein composition of pine nut flakes is represented by a large number of amino acids. Interestingly, pine nut flakes are superior to pine nuts in the content of some amino acids, since it is a “concentrate”. Amino acids are essential for energy, mental and nervous system health, cognitive development, endurance, and detoxification of the body.
- Carbohydrates are represented by starch, insoluble pentosans, and dietary fiber. Such carbohydrates are needed for healthy digestion and gastrointestinal health. Unlike pine nuts, pine nut flakes do not contain simple sugars, a more harmful type of carbohydrate.
- The authors of the study also found minerals in pine nut flakes: magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron (ferrous), and potassium. The product contains the following vitamins: riboflavin, niacin, tocopherols, and others. The concentration of some of the listed nutrients in pine nut flakes is higher than in the raw material — pine nuts.
Pine nut flakes are a source of a huge amount of beneficial nutrients of all types. Their regular consumption improves health and prevents the development of chronic diseases.
REFERENCES
[1] Kolesnikova T.G., Subbotina M.A., et al. Study of the chemical composition of the protein-lipid product from cedar nuts
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