Pine nut oil (pinolenic acid)
Pine nuts are best known for their contribution to pesto and are sometimes a delicious addition to salads. Now, new research has shown that an extract of the Korean pine nut may be an effective appetite suppressant. In a randomized double-blind cross-over trial, obese women were given either 3 grams of pinolenic acid or olive oil 30 minutes before a meal. Those who took the pine nut oil reported significantly decreased hunger compared to the placebo group.
It seems that the pine nut oil increases 2 hormones that send “I’m full” messages to the brain. One is CCK, or cholecystokinin, a hormone secreted by the duodenum when protein or fat enters the small intestine. CCK slows stomach emptying and promotes a feeling of fullness. Another satiety hormone stimulated by pine nut extract is Glucagon-like peptide-1. GLP-1, as it is called, is also produced by the small intestine, in response to fat and carbohydrates.
In addition to promoting fullness, GLP-1 may be important in preserving the health and function of pancreatic beta cells. These important cells produce insulin. Poor beta cell function leads to insulin resistance and diabetes. Scientists are hopeful that GLP-1 stimulation may help treat insulin resistance in the future.
A Japanese study looked at the effects of giving pinolenic acid to rats who were bred to develop high blood pressure. Both blood pressure and cholesterol were lowered in these rats.
Pine nut oil, taken 30 minutes before a meal, may have appetite-suppressing effects and may be of special benefit to those who are insulin resistant or have cardiovascular risk factors of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.