Date: 10/25/2025 10/26/2025
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Shilin Long
Buddhist Diet and Regimen
Lung-Moistening Effects of Pine Nuts
Summary
Pine nuts are nutrient-rich nuts highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine for their ability to moisten the lungs, relieve cough, and nourish yin. Sweet and neutral in nature, they are believed to enter the lung, kidney, and large intestine meridians, making them especially beneficial for those with chronic cough, dryness, or yin deficiency. Modern studies show that pine nuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, protein, vitamin E, and trace minerals, which not only support respiratory health but also enhance immunity and slow aging.
1. Key Nutrients in Pine Nuts
1.Unsaturated Fatty Acids: Help moisten dryness and nourish the lungs.
2.High-Quality Protein: Supports cell repair and tissue regeneration.
3.Vitamin E: A potent antioxidant that protects lung tissues from oxidative damage.
4.Trace Minerals: Zinc, iron, and magnesium strengthen immune defense.
5.Pine Nut Oil: Contains linoleic acid and pinolenic acid, with lung-moistening and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Lung-Moistening Benefits
1.Relieves Cough: Particularly effective for dry cough or prolonged cough caused by lung dryness.
2.Soothes Throat Dryness: Helps moisten the throat and reduce irritation.
3.Boosts Respiratory Defense: Antioxidants mitigate damage from air pollutants to lung tissues.
4.Supports Digestive Health: Moistens both lungs and intestines, relieving constipation due to dryness.
5.Promotes Skin Health: By nourishing yin internally, pine nuts indirectly improve skin hydration and elasticity.
3. Consumption Tips
1.Best For: Individuals with chronic cough, lung dryness, smokers, and the elderly.
2.Recommended Intake: 15–20g per day; avoid excessive consumption to prevent weight gain or heatiness.
3.Ways to Eat: Eaten raw, roasted, or combined with ingredients like lily bulbs, white fungus, or honey for lung-moistening desserts.
4.Caution: People with weak digestion or prone to diarrhea should consume in moderation.
