Health News
Pine Nuts Help Suppress Appetite
April 7, 2006
If you are looking for a way to shed some pounds pine nuts may be the answer. A new study suggests that a compound in Korean pine tree nuts acts as an appetite suppressant.
The lipids in pine nuts can help create the feeling of fullness, which may potentially help a person consume fewer calories. Combined with a weight management program the pine nuts may help people naturally control their appetite.
The oil in the pine nuts appeared to promote the release of cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), two gastrointestinal hormones that are known to send "satiety signals" - i.e. signals that the stomach is feeling full - to the brain.
In general, pine nuts are a good source of protein and healthy fats, particularly for vegetarians. The Korean pine nut is unique in that it contains much higher levels of the healthy polyunsaturated fats than do other nuts.