Cranberry Seed Oil & Cranberry Seed Flour Information Site

Cranberry Seed Oil

If maintained under strict handling requirements, each tiny cranberry seed produces only 15-25% recoverable cranberry seed oil. To better guage the commercial quantities necessary for public benefit, it takes approximately a semi-trailer full of cranberries to make merely five gallons of cranberry seed oil.

Oil extracted from cranberry seeds has a long shelf life due to the high concentration of antioxidants in the oil. This stability also leads to a "neutral" taste, with no undesirable aftertaste, as opposed to "grassy" or "fishy" tastes from common omega-3 sources like fish and flax seed oils.

High in Antioxidants = Ability to Stabilize Fatty Acids = Longer Product Shelf Life = Less Rancidity From Oxidation = Better Taste Profiles in Oils = More Options for Food Delivery

Cranberry seed oil is unique in that it has a naturally-occurring, balanced ratio (1:1) of Alpha-Linolenic Acid (omega-3) to Linoleic Acid (omega-6) essential fatty acids. This ratio is a target for many food formulators as both of these fatty acids must be present at the same time in the digestive tract to be properly utilized in the body. The typical American diet has a major overabundance of omega-6, which many studies are showing numerous harmful results.

Current medical studies are showing increased importance of the balanced EFA ratio. Many scientific "schools of thought" are beginning to lean toward the importance of balanced omega-3 & 6 EFAs during ingestion rather than attempting to offset the omega-6's with increased omega-3 intake.

The naturally-occurring antioxidants and sterols in cold expeller pressed cranberry seed oil present no need to integrate additives for increasing the stability of the fatty acids. The presence of antioxidants and fatty acids create a synergistic effect in regard to bioavailibity. The uptake and utilization by the body is increased for these and other nutrients when ingested simultaneously.

There are numerous delivery options for cranberry seed oil based products. The oil may be taken alone, encapsulated or may be included as an ingredient in another nutraceutical, food, skin care or pharmaceutical product. The oil may also be blended with other ingredients to make a wide variety of products.

Nutrients Found Within Cranberry Seed Oil

The following nutrients are commonly found in cranberry seed oil:

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) - Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that must be ingested in your diet. Unlike many non-essential compounds, your body lacks the ability to create this nutrient. Omega-3 EFAs are vital to proper cell membrane function and influence nearly every bodily function and component. Learn about the health benefits.

Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids - Linoleic Acid (LA) is another essential fatty acid. Learn about the health benefits.

Omega-9 Fatty Acids - Oleic Acid is a fatty acid commonly found in olive oil. Learn about the health benefits.

Vitamin E - Important antioxidants for cellular health. Learn about the health benefits.

Carotenoids - Known for giving the cranberry the deep red color, carotenoids are another type of antioxidant. Learn about the health benefits.

Phytosterols (plant sterols) - (including beta-sitosterol) heart-healthy compounds that have been shown to positively influence cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Learn about the health benefits.

Additional Information

For a list of products which use cranberry seed oil, check out the products page.

Disclaimer: No part of this website should be interpreted as medical advice. The science and any claims, whether direct or implied, made about the products, nutrients or extracts on this site have not been evaluated by Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. As always, consult with your healthcare professional before starting any diet, medication or dietary supplement.