Despite the name, pine nuts are actually not nuts at all but the seeds of the pine cone. They have been a popular source of nutrition since paleolithic times and are used to add the delicious flavor and texture to pesto sauce.

The following are six amazing health benefits associated with pine nuts.

Weight loss

Pine nuts are a rich source of pinoleic acid, which is a fatty acid that scientific research has proven to be an appetite suppressant. It works by causing your body to release the hormones cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which are hormones known to keep hunger at bay.

Cardiovascular support

Pine nuts are an excellent source of monosaturated fat, which is known to decrease the levels of cholesterol in our blood stream, which in turn lowers our risk of heart attack and stroke. They also contain high amounts of vitamin E, vitamin K, copper, iron and manganese, which are all known to contribute to cardiovascular health.

High in iron

Pine nuts are rich in iron, which the body uses for a great many of its essential processes, such as the regulation of our central nervous system and the circulation of blood throughout our bodies. The copper that is naturally present in pine nuts also aids in the absorption of iron by our body.

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