Pine Nut

Crunchy yet butter textured, pleasantly sweet and delicious pine nuts are small edible seeds of the female cone in a pine tree. Pine kernels are, indeed, a splendid source of plant derived nutrients, essential minerals, vitamins and "heart friendly" monounsaturated fatty acids that help benefit in reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.A paper presented in 2006 at the American Chemical Society discussed the impact of pinolenic acid on feelings of hunger. Researchers found that pinolenic acid stimulates the release of hormones that suppress hunger and provide a sense of fullness.Similar to other varieties of nuts, pine nuts contain nutrients that increase energy levels naturally. They are a good source of protein and magnesium to power you through your day. Low magnesium levels have been associated with fatigue, so munching on pine nuts can help you achieve your daily intake goals for this energy-boosting nutrient.Ward off premature aging with a handful of pine nuts a day. These little nuts are packed full of protective antioxidants that combat the damaging effects of free radicals. Lutein is a type of carotenoid that protects eye health by blocking blue light from the sun to prevent damage to structures in the retina. The lutein found in pine nuts may help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness among older adults.