A confirmed presence in the June parties, the pinion is the seed of the araucaria, a tree common in the southern region of Brazil, and which is most consumed in the fall and winter months. More specifically, its sale officially begins in April.

Highly nutritious, it is abundant in important minerals, such as phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese and iron, as well as vitamins A, C and E, and antioxidants. fatty acids essential health benefits, such as omega-6 and omega-9, which contribute to lowering blood cholesterol and help prevent cardiovascular disease.

The fame also reaches the kitchen: it goes well alone or in sweet and savory dishes. But, the food delivers fewer calories than nuts, chestnuts, and almonds. Each 100 grams of cooked pine nuts has about 160 calories, 3.6 g of protein, 5.5 g of fiber, 1.46 g of fat, and 33.2 g of carbohydrates.

Benefits of the pine nut

Helps control appetite

Thanks to omega-9 pine nuts help control hunger, because this fatty acid helps release a hormone called cholecystokinin In addition, because it is gluten-free This is an option for celiacs.

Read more: How to control your hunger hormones

Protects heart health

Also, because it is full of fatty acids (good fat) it can be said that this is a food that protects the health of the heart. In this sense, the presence of omega-6 and omega-9 provide better control of the level of cholesterol in the body. Therefore, they help keep blood pressure under control.

Read also: High-fiber diet can prevent heart disease and diabetes

Prevents premature aging

Not only that, it is also a food rich in antioxidant properties Among other things, oxidative stress causes premature aging of the skin and the appearance of wrinkles.

Read also: Foods that ensure healthy, smooth skin

Strengthens bones

Pine nuts are especially rich in phosphorus (about 166 mg per 100 g), a very important mineral. In short, phosphorus acts in many ways in the body: from chemical reactions in which energy is released, to bone formation and teeth, oxygen transport to the fulfillment of cellular functions.

Better bowel function

Food is a great source of fibers It has approximately 5g of fiber for every 100g of the food, so it helps fight constipation, as well as the feeling of bloating, so that the intestinal transit is facilitated.

Helps in gaining muscle mass

It has a considerable amount of vegetable protein. Therefore, it can be said that it helps in gaining muscle mass ( hypertrophy ) pursued by many athletes.

How to consume the pine nut

The pine nut is very versatile, it can be cooked in a pressure cooker with salt and eaten without accompaniments, but it can also be used in several recipes such as salads, snacks, farofas, cakes, pies, stews and casseroles.