Pine buds
Pine buds are edible seeds of the shrub of the same name, pine. The habit of eating pine buds dates back to the days of the Greeks and Romans, who used to keep them in honey. There are about 20 species of pine trees in the world that produce these edible buds.
Today, buds are found all over the world, having different names: Indian nuts, pinon, pignon, pignole, pinhao and are used mainly in the preparation of salads and in the composition of delicious desserts.
In order for such a pine to reach the production of seeds, it is necessary to pass from 15 to 25 years after planting. The collection of pine buds is done by hand, which also imposes high selling costs on the market.
Pine buds, health benefits
In terms of nutritional content, pine buds contain many vitamins, antioxidants and minerals: protein, fiber, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, calcium, vitamin C, E and A. Pine buds also contain folic acid, oleic acid and a complex of B vitamins, composed of niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine (vitamin B1), pyridoxine (vitamin B6).
Pine buds have a rich proteincontent, helping to combat fatigue and providing the energy needed by the body. The iron present in pine buds helps to store the energy from where it is picked up by cells that produce the energy needed by the human body.
Pine buds contain lutein, an antioxidant that helps the eyes to filter ultraviolet rays, preventing damage to the macula and thus reducing the appearance of cataracts. Thanks to antioxidants, as well as copper in pine buds,the negative effects of free radicals are prevented, leading to premature aging of the body.
Through the content of fibers,antioxidants and minerals help maintain heart health, thus helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. Pine buds contain linoleic acid, which stimulates the production of the hormone CCK, responsible for stopping the feeling of hunger, increasing the feeling of satiety.
Pine buds are also renowned for cleaning the body of radium nuclei and heavy metals. In article “3 methods for cleansing the body of the nuclei of radium and heavy metals“, you find remedies in which pine buds and flaxseeds work wonders.
