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  • Mediterranean nuts: origins, ancient medicinal benefits and symbolism

  • Patricia Casas-Agustench, Albert Salas-Huetos, Jordi Salas-Salvadó
  • Journal:
    Public Health Nutrition / Volume 14 / Issue 12A / 13 December 2011
    Published online by Cambridge University Press:
    13 December 2011, pp. 2296-2301
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  • Objective

    To consider historical aspects of nuts in relation to origin and distribution, attributed medicinal benefits, symbolism, legends and superstitions.

    Design

    Review of historical aspects of nuts.

    Setting

    Mediterranean region.

    Subjects

    The varieties reviewed include almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts and pistachios.

    Results and conclusions

    Like other foods, nuts have a wide variety of cultural connections to the areas where they grow and to the people who live there or eat them. History, symbolism and legends reveal the ancient tradition of nuts and how they are related to the lives of our ancestors. Archaeological excavations in eastern Turkey have uncovered the existence of a non-migratory society whose economy centred on harvesting nuts. This shows that nuts have been a staple in the human diet since the beginnings of history. Moreover, since ancient times nuts have been used for their medicinal properties. They also play a role in many old legends and traditions.