*Pine nut oil, also called pine seed oil or cedar nut oil, is edible vegetable oil extracted from the edible pine nuts of several species of pine trees.

*It has a light golden yellow color, light texture and a pleasantly sweet aroma.

*It is best when used cold as a finishing oil on salads, vegetable drizzling, grilled fish, etc. Not suitable for high heat cooking.

*Pine nut oil adds a pleasant toasted nutty flavor and acts as a preservative when added to the dough before making bread.

*It is taken as a nutrient supplement. Available in 2 forms – oil and gel capsules.

*Pine nut oil has a very high content of polyunsaturated fats and so is more prone to rancidity. It has to be stored away from light and heat, preferably in the refrigerator.

*Pine nut oil can be taken 1 teaspoon mixed in water or fresh juice 3 times a day.

*It is very popular in Russia, Siberia, and Korea for its satiety promoting factor and weight loss effects.

Is it raw?

Yes, if it says cold pressed. Cold pressed oils are mechanically pressed out of the nuts under controlled conditions and are not exposed to heat or harmful chemicals. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Pine nut oil is low in saturated fats and high in unsaturated fats, about 30% monounsaturated fats and 60% polyunsaturated fats.

2. Monounsaturated fats are good for the heart as they lower the LDL and total cholesterol content and maintain HDL cholesterol content in the blood.

3. The high polyunsaturated fats are also good for the heart. The essential fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6), are the precursors of prostaglandins, the hormone like substances that have a variety of functions like contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles, control of blood pressure, pain and inflammatory response, etc in humans.

4. The omega-3 fatty acids also appear to be important for cognitive and behavioral function, as well as normal growth and development.

5. Linoleic acid is known to burn the brown fat, thus aiding in weight loss.

6. The pinolenic acid present in pine nut oil stimulates the secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK), a peptide hormone, that triggers the release of digestive enzymes from pancreas and bile juice form gall bladder, promoting proper digestion.

7. In addition to this, CCK promotes satiety, diminishing the desire to eat, so when taken with or instead of food, it reduces food cravings and promotes a feeling of fullness. It is shown to be very effective in weight loss and maintenance.

8. In naturopathic medicine, pine nut oil is used to treat gastritis, peptic ulcers, and other gastrointestinal disorders.

9. Also used as a laxative.