Chilgoza or pine nuts are seeds which belong to the evergreen pine tree. The pine tree flowers in the months between May-June whereas the cones ripen during months of September to October of the following year.
The seeds are obtained from the cones which have ripened and are then plucked prior to opening. The scales of these cones are opened by heating them and the seeds can be shaken out of the cones with ease. The kernels which are also called giri or magaj are oleaginous in shape and they have a very delicate flavour. These seeds are edible and are extremely nutritious. Although all pine trees yield the pine nuts, very few, about 20 species of these pine trees yield such pine nuts which are large enough to be eaten.
Fun fact: Neje is the name given to pine nuts which grow in the Himalayas. They grow at an altitude ranging between 1800 and 3500 meters. These have a high price in the market which makes them one of the most important cash crop among the local lot.
This article discusses 10 impressive health benefits of pine nuts, potential risks and how to incorporate them into your diet.
What is Chilgoza (or Pine Nut)?
Chilgoza is a kind of pine fruit that has its origin from regions in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and in India it Grows only in Tribal District of Kinnaur Himachal Pradesh.
Chilgoza or pine nuts are dry fruits that are enriched with the goodness of many vitamins and minerals like Zinc, Phosphorus, and more that make them a very healthy addition to your diet.
Chilgoza Nutrition Facts
The nutrients found in 100 grams of Chilgoza (Pine nuts) are -
- 13 grams of carbohydrates
- 3.7 grams of sugar
- 68 grams of fat
- 13 grams of protein.
Additionally, it is rich in vitamin K, vitamin E, choline, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B5. It is rich in minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
Chilgoza Benefits?
1) Chilgoza Benefits During Pregnancy
Pregnant women and lactating mothers can use the Chilgoza dry fruit benefits and provide nourishment to their developing babies. Containing a rich quantity of iron and folate, Chilgoza induces the development and growth of the brain of the child when consumed regularly by pregnant women
2) Fights Viral Attacks
Viruses that cause flu and herpes are warded off by the polysaccharides and Zinc present in Chilgoza. Zinc is a magic element that helps in reducing the attack of many viruses on the body by strengthening your immune system.
3) Assists with the Management of Diabetes
Diabetes has several symptoms like vision issues, strokes, weight gain, etc. These symptoms can be managed by consuming pine nuts regularly. It also reduces bad cholesterol levels as well as controls glucose levels.
4) Ease PMS Symptoms
If you are a woman suffering from PMS symptoms, then snacking on pine nuts is an excellent remedy as it contains magnesium and vitamin B6, which help in reducing the severity of PMS symptoms.
5) Keeps your skin super healthy
Antioxidants are the mystery entities that are responsible for making your skin look and feel super healthy and glowing. Chilgoza dry fruit Benefit your skin because it contains many antioxidants in massive quantities.
6) Aid in weight loss
As if it wasn’t beneficial enough already, pine nuts are also capable of speeding up your Weight Loss by triggering your brain into thinking that it is full. Chilgoza is able to play this trick on your mind because it has Pinolenic acid.
7) Makes your hair healthier
Chilgoza is flowing with protein that has a direct impact on the good health of your scalp and your hair. Eating pine nuts regularly can give you the shiny and strong hair that you may be longing for because the protein present in them will thoroughly nourish your hair and scalp.
8) Promotes a good gut health
Pine nuts have Phosphorus in plenty. This means that your body will have enough of the nutrient that it requires to be able to carry out all the digestive activities and relieve any symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, or any other digestive-related issue. Phosphorus is able to act on the body’s pH, which directly influences your digestive health.
9) Results in strong bone health
Your bones and teeth require adequate amounts of Phosphorus to be able to maintain themselves in a good and strong shape. Since chilgoza has a rich bank of Phosphorus, it can help your bones and teeth by making them stronger on regular consumption.
10) Benefits your brain
Chilgoza benefits not only your body but also your brain by providing it with ample oxygen in the blood through its plentiful content of Iron.
You can buy 100% organic Chilgoze from our Shop Now section
Kinnaur Harvest is a Kinnaur-based Farming unit, operated by local Women Self-help. We procure Chilgoza from farmers and hence can ensure 100% traceability of the product. Link below for buying Chilgoza