Pecan oil is a byproduct of the pecan nut that’s starting to reserve its spot in health food stores and specialty food shops all across America.
This natural edible oil is extracted from pecan kernels and is primarily used for cooking. Pure cold-pressed pecan oil tends to have a mild or neutral odor and flavor that allows it to blend well with any recipe.
Pecan oil also has important health benefits
Pure virgin pecan oil is considered healthy since it contains good monounsaturated fats and is low in saturated fats.
Only 9.5% offatty acidsin pecan oil are saturated. That’s lower than other commonly used cooking oils like olive oil with 13.5%, peanut oil with 17%, and butter with 66%¹. Pecan oil is lighter and does not contain some of the additives that other oils possess.
The balance of fatty acids found inside pecan oil have been known to reduce bad cholesterol and the risk of heart disease².
Pecan oil is now officially a "heart healthy" food
As of 2012 The American Heart Association has deemed that pecans are “heart healthy” and allowed them to be sold with the association’s “heart-check” printed on the label. If you see this heart-checkon a product label, it meansthat a particular food meets the requirements of The American Heart Association’s HeartCheck Food Certification Program³.
Since pecans are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and anti-oxidants, they have many health benefits other than helping you trim your waistline and lower your cholesterol.
“Scientists have proven that pecans have more anti-oxidants than any other tree nuts,” says Cindy Wise, Executive Vice President of The Texas Pecan Growers Association.
Cooking benefits of pecan oil
Pecan oil also has a high smoke point of 470° F (higher than other common culinary oils) . This allows the oil and its flavor to stay intact longer and at higher temperatures, which means you can use it for baking, frying, grilling, sautéing, and browning meat in a skillet without easily burning it.
Using pecan oil outside of the kitchen
Did you know that early Native American tribes used pecan oil in natural remedies to aid in curing and preventing illness?
Pecan oil was also used as a natural, organic skin remedy throughout ancient culture. Today, it can be found in many massage oils, cosmetics, and can be used in aromatherapy as well as the production of bio-fuel.
Needless to say, pecan oil can cure a multitude of sins.
Pecan oil in cosmetics
In the use of cosmetics, pecan oil most often appears in soaps, perfumes, or lotions in order to prevent and treat dry skin.
Pecan oil is considered a carrier oil and is used in aromatherapy in order to dilute essential oils for application. Carrier oils, like pecan oil, have a thicker texture and are mostly odorless, so they can help reduce the harsh smell of essential oils.
FAQs
Pecan oil contains good fats which are known to help reduce bad cholesterol levels. In fact, it has over 90% unsaturated fatty acids (50% monounsaturated and 40% polyunsaturated). A high smoke point of 470 degrees allows for great sautéing, brazing, and stir frying and the ability to brown meats without burning.
What is pecan oil good for? ›
It is rich in Vitamin E and A, which can help keep your skin healthy. It is less comedogenic than coconut oil or olive oil, so it is suitable as an oil cleanser or moisturizer. Use pecan oil to keep your hair smooth and soft. If you have dry hair, dandruff, or split ends, you can make great use of pecan oil.
Is pecan oil better for you than olive oil? ›
Pecan oil contains 50% percent less saturated fats than does olive oil. Pecan oil's smoke-ability point (the temperature at which oil begins to break down and burn) is 470*F, 145 degrees higher than olive oil and butter. Of all the tree nut oils being produced today, pecan oil ranks #1 for antioxidant content.
Does pecan oil have omega-3? ›
Pecans are a good source of plant-based omega-3s (specifically ALAs) in a diet. In addition to pecans, walnuts and macadamia nuts are a good source of omega-3s. Omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated (“healthy”) fat that cannot be made by the body and must be obtained instead through diet.
Are pecans anti-inflammatory? ›
The anti-inflammatory properties of pecans reduced low-grade inflammation that leads to chronic inflammation and the development of a range of prevalent diseases. This also shows pecans maintain body weight and prevent diabetes despite consuming a high fat diet.
Does pecan oil help hair growth? ›
Dealing with dry hair, split ends, or dandruff? Pecan oil might be the perfect solution for you! As it's rich in amino acids, it contributes to the growth of full, healthy hair. It can also help prevent hair loss and stimulate faster hair growth.
Do you refrigerate pecan oil? ›
You can store your pecan oil at room temperature, where it has a shelf life of several months, or you can store it in your fridge to extend its use for about a year or longer.
What is the number 1 healthiest oils? ›
Oil Essentials: The 5 Healthiest Cooking Oils
- Olive Oil. Olive oil is popular for a reason. ...
- Avocado Oil. Avocado oil boasts a lot of the same benefits as extra virgin olive oil, but with a higher smoking point, making it great for sauteing or pan frying. ...
- Coconut Oil. ...
- Sunflower Oil. ...
- Butter.
Olive oil and avocado oil are good choices for deep frying. Peanut and palm oils are less suitable, either for health or environmental reasons.
Can I fry with pecan oil? ›
Because of its high smoke point, pecan oil may be safely used in a wide variety of recipes. Use it to sear, sauté, cook on the grill, braze, stir-fry, or deep-fry food. Its smoke point is greater than that of most cooking oils, at 470 degrees Fahrenheit.
1. Almonds. Relatively low in calories, almonds are an excellent food for health due to their protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Is pecan oil inflammatory? ›
Pecan oil has a number of health benefits that make it a good choice for people with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. The oil is high in unsaturated fats, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Are pecans a superfood? ›
According to researchers at Texas A&M University, pecans may help prevent obesity, reduce inflammation, and increase energy consumption; and together with their high nutrient content, these benefits put them in the superfood category.
What organ does pecans help? ›
Heart Healthy
They found adding a handful of pecan nuts in your diet helps decrease LDL i.e. 'bad cholesterol', which in could turn prevent stroke and coronary artery disease.
Do pecans clean your colon? ›
Pecans Promote Digestive Health, Relieving Constipation
The fiber found in pecans help to clean out the gastrointestinal system, allowing the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency.
Who should avoid pecans? ›
Potential downsides. Although pecans have been linked to several potential health benefits, there are some downsides to consider. First, those with an allergy to tree nuts should avoid them, along with other types of tree nuts like almonds, cashews, chestnuts, and walnuts.
Does pecan oil tighten skin? ›
While pecan oil is popular for helping to tighten the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, it can help prolong the process of getting wrinkles too.
Can you fry with pecan oil? ›
Because of its high smoke point, pecan oil may be safely used in a wide variety of recipes. Use it to sear, sauté, cook on the grill, braze, stir-fry, or deep-fry food. Its smoke point is greater than that of most cooking oils, at 470 degrees Fahrenheit.
Does pecan oil clog pores? ›
Pecan oil is packed with antioxidants and vitamin E, it won't clog your pores, and it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne. In addition, pecan oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't contribute to breakouts.
Are pecans good for wrinkles? ›
Some of the many vitamins and antioxidants that pecans have are ellagic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin E. These specific vitamins and antioxidants fight against free radicals–the greatest cause for the aging of skin. Due to this, pecans help to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration of the skin.
Only 9.5% offatty acidsin pecan oil are saturated. That’s lower than other commonly used cooking oils like olive oil with 13.5%, peanut oil with 17%, and butter with 66%¹. Pecan oil is lighter and does not contain some of the additives that other oils possess.