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Pine Nuts (Pinyons) vs Black Beans: What’s The Difference?

This article explains the key similarities and differences between pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans, foods from the grains and legumes food groups. Read on to learn more about the pine nuts (pinyons) vs black beans comparison.
Michael Whaley, Health Writer

Written by Michael Whaley, Health Writer. Updated on March 17, 2023.

Although pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans belong to different food groups, and it’s not that common to compare foods from different groups, people are often interested in these comparisons as well.

While pine nuts (pinyons) belong to the nuts and seeds group, black beans belong to legumes food group.

That’s why we decided to create an in-depth article that compares pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans, their nutritional values, similarities, differences, macronutrients, and micronutrients – vitamins and minerals.

Generally speaking, foods from nuts and seeds group are usually higher in healthy fats and lower in carbs than legumes, but both are valuable addition to a plant-based diet.

Now, let’s see how pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans compare specifically.

Pine Nuts (Pinyons)

Pine nuts, also known as pinyons (Pinus spp.), are the edible seeds of certain species of pine trees.

These nuts have a slightly sweet and slightly nutty flavor and are often used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Pine nuts are a good source of nutrients, including protein, fiber, and different vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

There are many ways to incorporate pine nuts into your diet. They can be eaten raw or roasted and are often used in baking or as a topping for salads and other dishes. Pine nuts are also available in various forms, including whole, chopped, and ground into flour.

Pine nuts are widely available and can be found at most grocery stores. They are often sold roasted or raw and can be purchased with or without the shell.

If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious nut to add to your diet, consider giving pine nuts a try.

They are flavorful, versatile, and have a variety of health benefits.

Pine Nuts (Pinyons) is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and Vitamin B3 (Niacin).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) and some Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

Black Beans

Black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are a type of legume that are native to Central and South America.

They are a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes due to their high protein and fiber content and rich, nutty flavor.

Black beans are also a good source of antioxidants. They have been shown to have a number of potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and helping to lower cholesterol levels.

They are easy to incorporate into a wide range of recipes and can be enjoyed in dishes such as black bean soup, burritos, and salads.

Black Beans are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine) and some Vitamin K.

Pine Nuts (Pinyons) vs Black Beans Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing pine nuts (pinyons) vs black beans.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Pine Nuts (Pinyons)Black Beans
Energy629 kcal341 kcal
Carbs19.3 g62.4 g
Sugar2.12 g
Fiber10.7 g15.5 g
Protein11.6 g21.6 g
Fat61 g1.42 g
Saturated Fat9.38 g0.366 g

Pine Nuts (Pinyons) vs Black Beans Calories

Comparing black beans vs pine nuts (pinyons) for weight loss, black beans are slightly lower in calories, with 341 calories per 100 grams, compared to 629 calories per 100 grams of pine nuts (pinyons).

However, both pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Pine Nuts (Pinyons) vs Black Beans Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Black Beans offer around 46% more protein than pine nuts (pinyons).

Black Beans have 21.6 grams of protein per 100 grams, while pine nuts (pinyons) has 11.6 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Pine Nuts (Pinyons) vs Black Beans Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 69% higher in black beans than in pine nuts (pinyons). They have 62.4 grams per 100 grams, compared to 19.3 grams in pine nuts (pinyons).

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There’s less sugar in pine nuts (pinyons) than in black beans, 100% precisely.

One handful of pine nuts (pinyons) (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of black beans contains 0.6 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 4.3 grams of fiber per portion, black beans are a better source of fiber than pine nuts (pinyons) which offer 3 grams per portion.

Pine Nuts (Pinyons) vs Black Beans Fats

Fats in pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans:

  • Pine Nuts (Pinyons): 61 grams per 100 grams
  • Black Beans: 1.4 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, black beans are 96% lower in saturated fats.

Black Beans and pine nuts (pinyons) contain 0.4 grams and 9.4 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Pine Nuts (Pinyons) vs Black Beans Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Pine Nuts (Pinyons) has a higher amount of vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

However, black beans have a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and vitamin B3 (Niacin).

Pine Nuts (Pinyons) and black beans contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Pine Nuts (Pinyons)Black Beans
Vitamin A29 IU17 IU
Vitamin C2 mg0
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)1.24 mg0.9 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.223 mg0.193 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)4.37 mg1.96 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)0.21 mg0.899 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.111 mg0.286 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)58 µg444 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00
Vitamin E00.21 mg
Vitamin K05.6 µg

Pine Nuts (Pinyons) vs Black Beans Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Pine Nuts (Pinyons) is a better source of calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium than black beans.

On the other hand, black beans are a higher amount of copper, magnesium, manganese, sodium, and zinc.

Pine Nuts (Pinyons) and black beans contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans compare when it comes to mineral content.

Pine Nuts (Pinyons)Black Beans
Calcium8 mg123 mg
Copper1.04 mg0.841 mg
Fluoride00
Iron3.06 mg5.02 mg
Magnesium234 mg171 mg
Manganese4.33 mg1.06 mg
Phosphorus35 mg352 mg
Potassium628 mg1480 mg
Selenium03.2 µg
Sodium72 mg5 mg
Zinc4.28 mg3.65 mg

The Final Word

Pine Nuts (Pinyons) and black beans are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both pine nuts (pinyons) and black beans are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in nuts, seeds and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.

Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.

Legumes, nuts and seeds are a versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.

Sources

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