Do you know what benefits pine nut kernels have for the human body?

The wild pine nuts from Changbai Mountain in China are the seeds of the precious tree species, the red pine, also known as the Northeast pine nuts. A folk saying in Northeast China goes, "A small harvest every three years and a big harvest every five years," referring to the red pine nuts. Wild red pines need to grow for about 50 years before they start to bear seeds. The maturation period is about two years, and the long growth cycle and low yield make them extremely precious.

Pine nuts grow in pine cones, which are shaped like pagodas, hence the name "pine cones." Large pine cones can be nearly 20 centimeters tall and 10 centimeters in diameter, while small ones are about the size of a palm. Pine cones grow at the top of the pine trees. When there is a good harvest, a single red pine can produce hundreds of pine cones.

Picking pine cones is a very dangerous job. The pine cones grow at the top of red pines that are several dozen meters tall. People have to climb up to pick them. Only those who are strong and agile can do this job, as the bare tree trunks offer nothing to hold onto. So, don't joke about the high price of pine nuts anymore. Due to their scarcity and the dangerous harvesting process, it's important to note that pine nuts have significant nutritional value:

• They can lower blood lipids, prevent cardiovascular diseases, enhance brain function, and fight fatigue.
• They can beautify hair, improve complexion, moisturize the skin, and enhance beauty.
• They can relieve constipation, promote digestion and absorption, and stimulate appetite.
• They can soften blood vessels and prevent aging.
• They can nourish yin and body fluids, tonify qi and blood, and relieve dryness and constipation.
• For pregnant women, eating more pine nuts is beneficial for both themselves and their babies. The vitamin E in pine nuts can improve the skin condition of pregnant women, prevent miscarriage, and assist in treating infertility. The rich fat oil in pine nuts can relieve constipation without harming the body and moisturize the skin. The abundant minerals such as phosphorus, manganese, calcium, iron, and potassium in pine nuts can provide rich nutrients for pregnant women and have a nourishing effect on the brain and nerves of the fetus.