Majorly grown in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, Pine nuts (Chilgoze) are a fruit from the cold regions with several surprising health and medicinal benefits to its cap. Consumed as a snack, in desserts and sundaes and in salads, it is one of the essential nuts to be included in the winter diet.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
Gluten free in nature, they are a popular choice amongst the gluten free food preparations. Enriched with several beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidants, it is also rich in Vitamin B such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folate. It acts as a storehouse of essential minerals such as manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium. An excellent source of Vitamin E, it maintains the integrity of the cell membranes and acts as an antioxidant.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF PINE NUTS
Here are a few health benefits of Pine Nuts:
1 . Aid Weight Loss
-Rich in cholecystokinin, a hormone responsible for suppressing appetite, pine nuts have been found to aid weight loss.
-It also contains pinolenic acid that enhances the hormones that act as hunger suppressors.
2 . Boost Energy
-Rich source of manganese, proteins and iron, these nuts help in boosting energy by removing fatigue and tiredness.
3 . Fight Ageing
-Rich source of antioxidants that protect the cells from damage due to free radicals, they play an important role in delaying the process of ageing.
4 . Promote Heart Health
-With unsaturated fats (that help in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels), it aids the healthy circulation and promotes heart health.
5 . Fight Constipation
-The high dietary fiber in the nuts help in easing constipation and other bowel related problems.
6 . Improve Eye Sight
-Abundant in carotenoid names lutein, pine nuts help in fighting eye diseases such as age related macular degeneration. Vitamin A and lutein have also been found to improve the overall eyesight as well.
So, go ahead and add these nuts to your daily servings and reap the countless benefits that they are to offer. Eat Healthy, Stay Happy!