
Diabetes mellitus causes people to avoid many foods. However, recent studies show that patients need to include nuts in their diet, which are a source of useful substances that help maintain normal metabolism and reduce the risk of developing other diseases. Although pine seeds are not nuts, they are high in healthy fats, amino acids, minerals and vitamins that diabetics need.
Composition of pine nuts
Pine nuts have in their composition:
- B, K, E, A and C vitamins;
- Amino acids such as tryptophan, arginine and leucine;
- Minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese.
Contained in the nuts vegetable protein is easily and quickly absorbed by the body. It consists of 19 amino acids, 8 of which are essential for health. Dietary fiber seeds normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, gently remove toxins and impurities from the intestines.
The caloric value of pine nuts is 670 kcal per 100 grams
The benefits of pine nuts for diabetes
Pine seeds are recommended for diabetes not only because of their rich composition, but also because of their low glycemic index - only 15. This term refers to the value that shows how quickly the carbohydrates from the product raise the blood sugar level. When you have diabetes, it is extremely important to carefully monitor your diet. Preference should be given to foods with low GI.
Pine nuts are a tasty and useful source of health and youthfulness. They not only do not raise blood glucose, but also help to lower it.
Carbohydrates are an important part of any person's diet, including the diabetic. They should make up at least 50% of the total food, so you can't just exclude them, as it will have a negative impact on your health. Pine nuts contain complex carbohydrates or as they are also called slow carbohydrates. Their name is due to their complex structure, which does not allow them to disintegrate quickly after entering the body.
Complex carbohydrates are broken down slowly and evenly, the glucose from them is absorbed by the body gradually. That's why pine seeds give long satiety without a spike in blood sugar.
Benefits of pine nuts for the heart
Recent studies in the treatment of diabetes show that people who regularly consume nuts have a 34% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The risk of premature death is also reduced by more than 30%. The risk of coronary disease is minimized by 20%. However, the maximum benefit from the consumption of nuts is achieved by including them in the daily diet. The list of acceptable nuts also includes pine seeds.
The benefits of pine nuts for the heart are due to their chemical composition:
- Potassium, magnesium, manganese are important for ensuring normal heart function. Deficiency of these components can cause the development of hypertension and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Vitamin E helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke by 30%. It is a powerful antioxidant that prevents oxidation of fats and protects the heart from potential damage.
- Regular consumption of pine nuts reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol. If its levels are elevated, there is an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Vitamin K from Siberian pine seeds ensures the normal functioning of heart muscle and also increases the intensity of their metabolism.
In addition, nuts of this species help to maintain a feeling of fullness for a long time. This property is due to the presence in their composition of fatty acids that affect the production of the so-called satiety hormone. Their use allows you to delay the next meal for 4-6 hours.
Daily rate
Cedar kernels are a treasure trove of health, but they should be used in moderation. The norm is 2-3 tablespoons daily. Diabetics are allowed to eat up to 70 g of pine nuts a day. The optimal snack time for Siberian pine seeds is before dinner.