# Cedar Nuts (Pinus sibirica)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cedar-nuts
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-04
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Nut
**Also Known As:** Siberian pine nuts, Siberian cedar nuts, Pinus sibirica seeds, Russian cedar nuts, Kedrovye orekhи, Pine nuts (Siberian), Siberian stone pine nuts, Cedar seeds

## Overview

Cedar nuts (Pinus sibirica) are the seeds of the Siberian stone pine, rich in pinolenic acid, a rare polyunsaturated fatty acid that stimulates cholecystokinin (CCK) release to support appetite regulation. They also deliver high concentrations of vitamin E (tocopherols), magnesium, and complete protein, contributing to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) defense and metabolic support.

## Health Benefits

• Antioxidant support from vitamins E and A that attack [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s associated with cell aging (evidence: traditional/preliminary)
• [Energy metabolism](/ingredients/condition/energy) support from combination of monounsaturated fats, protein, and iron content (evidence: traditional/preliminary)
• Provides essential minerals including iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper (evidence: compositional analysis)
• Contains omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (evidence: compositional analysis)
• Potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties from stilbenoids including pinostilbene and resveratrol found in bark (evidence: preliminary)

## Mechanism of Action

Pinolenic acid in cedar nuts stimulates the secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) from intestinal enteroendocrine cells, signaling satiety via vagal afferent pathways to the hypothalamus. The high gamma-tocopherol and alpha-tocopherol content neutralizes lipid peroxyl radicals by donating hydrogen atoms, interrupting oxidative chain reactions that damage cell membranes. Magnesium acts as a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions including ATP synthesis via Mg-ATPase, while the iron content supports electron transport in the [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) respiratory chain through cytochrome complexes.

## Clinical Summary

A small randomized, double-blind study (n=18 overweight women) published in Lipids in Health and Disease (2008) found that 3 grams of Pinus sibirica pine nut oil administered before a meal significantly elevated CCK and GLP-1 levels by approximately 60% compared to placebo, reducing prospective food intake by roughly 36% over four hours. A follow-up pilot study (n=10) by the same research group corroborated appetite-suppressing effects with similar pinolenic acid doses. Evidence for [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) benefits relies primarily on in vitro lipid oxidation assays and traditional ethnobotanical use from Siberian and Chinese herbal medicine, with no large-scale randomized controlled trials completed to date. Overall, the evidence is preliminary and promising but insufficient to make definitive clinical recommendations.

## Nutritional Profile

Cedar nuts (Pinus sibirica) per 100g raw: Calories ~673 kcal. Macronutrients: Fat ~68g (predominantly monounsaturated oleic acid ~18-20g, polyunsaturated linoleic acid ~33-35g omega-6, alpha-linolenic acid ~3-4g omega-3, pinolenic acid ~14-17g — a rare omega-6 fatty acid unique to pine nuts with appetite-suppressing properties); Protein ~14-16g (containing all essential amino acids, notably arginine ~2.4g, glutamic acid ~2.9g, aspartic acid ~1.3g); Carbohydrates ~13g (fiber ~3.7g, net carbs ~9g). Micronutrients: Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) ~9-10mg (60-67% DV — primary fat-soluble [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), bioavailability enhanced by fat co-ingestion); Vitamin K1 ~53mcg (~44% DV); Thiamine B1 ~0.4mg (~33% DV); Niacin B3 ~4.4mg (~28% DV); Vitamin A precursors (beta-carotene) ~small amounts. Minerals: Phosphorus ~575mg (~46% DV); Magnesium ~251mg (~60% DV); Zinc ~6.5mg (~59% DV — one of highest among nuts, supporting immune and enzymatic function); Iron ~5.5mg (~31% DV, non-heme form with moderate bioavailability, enhanced by vitamin C co-consumption); Copper ~1.3mg (~144% DV); Manganese ~8.8mg (~383% DV); Potassium ~597mg (~13% DV). Bioactive compounds: Pinolenic acid (14-17g/100g) shown to stimulate CCK and GLP-1 release; phytosterols ~236mg (beta-sitosterol predominant); phenolic antioxidants. Bioavailability note: High fat content supports absorption of fat-soluble vitamins E and K; phytic acid present (~0.2-0.3%) may moderately reduce mineral bioavailability.

## Dosage & Preparation

One source mentions eating at least half a cup of pine nuts daily to provide recommended magnesium intake, though this is not a clinically validated therapeutic dosage. No standardized dosage ranges or specific formulations have been established through clinical research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Cedar nuts are generally well tolerated, but individuals with pine nut allergy or broader tree nut allergies should avoid them due to cross-reactivity risk involving storage proteins such as vicilin and legumin. A rare phenomenon called 'pine mouth' (dysgeusia), characterized by a bitter metallic taste lasting 2–14 days, has been reported primarily with Pinus armandii but is occasionally associated with other pine species including Pinus sibirica. Cedar nut oil may theoretically potentiate anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin due to its vitamin E and polyunsaturated fat content, warranting caution at supplemental doses above typical dietary intake. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit intake to culinary food amounts, as safety data at supplemental doses are absent.

## Scientific Research

The available research consists primarily of phytochemical composition studies compiled in the 2015 systematic review by Rogachev and Salakhutdinov. While this review references studies on [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties, no specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses with PMIDs were provided in the search results.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Pinus sibirica has been long used as a source of natural compounds and materials, with traditional uses valuing all parts of the tree - wood, resin, needles, and nuts - for their medicinal properties. The search results indicate cedar nuts have been traditionally consumed but do not specify which traditional medicine systems or specific historical applications.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, Magnesium, Resveratrol, Pine bark extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is pinolenic acid and why does it matter in cedar nuts?

Pinolenic acid is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (C18:3n-6, all-cis-5,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid) that comprises roughly 14–19% of Pinus sibirica seed oil. It is biologically notable because it stimulates the gut hormones CCK and GLP-1, which signal fullness to the brain, making it one of the few food-derived fatty acids with documented appetite-regulating activity.

### How many calories and how much protein are in cedar nuts?

A 28-gram (1 oz) serving of cedar nuts contains approximately 190–200 calories, 4 grams of protein including all essential amino acids, and 19 grams of fat predominantly as monounsaturated oleic acid and polyunsaturated linoleic and pinolenic acids. They also provide about 2.6 mg of iron per 100 grams, contributing meaningfully to daily iron requirements.

### Can cedar nuts help with weight loss?

Preliminary evidence from a 2008 double-blind trial (n=18) suggests that 3 grams of Pinus sibirica pine nut oil taken before meals can elevate satiety hormones CCK and GLP-1 by up to 60%, reducing short-term caloric intake. However, no long-term weight loss trials exist, and the effect at typical whole-nut serving sizes is unquantified, so cedar nuts should be considered a supportive dietary food rather than a proven weight-loss supplement.

### Are cedar nuts the same as pine nuts sold in grocery stores?

Cedar nuts specifically refer to the seeds of Pinus sibirica, a Siberian species harvested primarily in Russia and Kazakhstan, while commercial pine nuts are often sourced from Pinus pinea (Italian stone pine) or Pinus koraiensis (Korean pine). The fatty acid profile differs meaningfully: Pinus sibirica oil contains higher pinolenic acid concentrations (14–19%) compared to Pinus pinea (under 1%), so the appetite-regulating properties observed in research are specific to the Siberian variety.

### What vitamins and minerals are highest in Pinus sibirica cedar nuts?

Pinus sibirica cedar nuts are particularly rich in vitamin E (primarily alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, providing roughly 9–10 mg per 100 g), magnesium (approximately 251 mg per 100 g, about 60% of the adult RDA), phosphorus (~575 mg per 100 g), zinc (~6.5 mg per 100 g), and manganese (~8.8 mg per 100 g). Vitamin A precursors (beta-carotene) are present in smaller amounts and contribute to the antioxidant profile alongside tocopherols.

### Are cedar nuts safe for people with tree nut allergies?

Cedar nuts from Pinus sibirica are botanically seeds rather than true tree nuts, though they may still trigger reactions in individuals with tree nut allergies due to cross-reactivity. People with documented pine nut or tree nut allergies should consult a healthcare provider before consuming cedar nuts, as allergic responses can vary. Allergy testing may be warranted to determine individual tolerance.

### How do cedar nuts compare nutritionally to other pine nuts and seeds?

Pinus sibirica cedar nuts contain higher levels of pinolenic acid and monounsaturated fats compared to Mediterranean pine nuts (Pinus pinea), making them distinctive for fat composition and potential satiety effects. Cedar nuts also provide more iron and magnesium per serving than most other seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. The specific mineral and fat profile of Siberian cedar nuts makes them nutritionally unique within the pine nut family.

### What affects the absorption of minerals like zinc and iron from cedar nuts?

Cedar nuts contain phytic acid, which can bind to minerals like zinc and iron and reduce their bioavailability when consumed in large quantities. Consuming cedar nuts with vitamin C sources or soaking them beforehand may help enhance mineral absorption by reducing phytate content. Pairing cedar nuts with animal proteins or acidic foods can also improve the uptake of iron and other minerals from the nuts.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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