Almond oil had been used extensively for its health benefits and as a beauty aid much before science caught up with the goodness of this seed oil. Very popular in Southeast Asia and in the Mediterranean region where the Almond tree was first domesticated.
Owing to the generous amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, potassium, proteins, zinc, and a number of other vitamins and minerals that the seed and the oil content, almond oil works wonders for the skin, hair, and health.
Note: There are two kinds of almond oils. The bitter almond oil comes from pressing bitter almonds that contain amygdalin that turns into toxic hydrocyanic acid once it is processed. Though it has some medicinal properties, bitter almond oil cannot be ingested. This oil can be used for topical application only.
Sweet almond oil is made from edible almonds. This oil is used extensively for skin and hair. This oil has culinary uses too.
10 Benefits of Almond Oil You Didn’t Know
Let’s take a look at the benefits almond oil has to offer to enhance skin, hair, and health.
Smooth, Flawless Skin
Almond oil is a mild, hypoallergenic oil that can be safely used even on baby skin. In fact, it is the best massage oil for infants.
Deep Cleansing Of Skin
Almond oil is light in texture, and can easily penetrate deep into the skin, softening and dislodging the dirt and debris accumulated in the skin pores and hair follicles. This prevents blackheads and acne. Thanks to the Vitamin A content in the oil, it may even help reduce acne flare-ups. Vitamin A is very important for the skin, that is why all the foundation for the skin contains Vitamin A
Removes Dark Circles & Tan
If you have dark circles and bags under your eyes, almond oil can come to your aid. Apply the oil every night before going to bed.
Relieve Eczema & Psoriasis
These problems are caused by the body’s own reactions to external and internal triggers, but they can leave the skin of the affected areas dry and itchy.When the skin is broken, due to scratching, it starts to weep and make crusty deposits. It also makes way for bacterial and fungal infections. Almond oil helps with this. Being a mild, hypoallergenic oil, it moisturizes the skin without irritating it
Treat Skin Rashes
Skin rashes are very common in the nappy area of young kids wearing diapers. In adults too, the skin may become inflamed from constant rubbing against hard materials, including underwear. Almond oil is a better alternative to these creams. For one thing, you don’t have to worry about the chemical substances contained in commercial products irritating the skin further. Also, almond oil with its rich store of zinc is as good as any store-bought creams.
Delays Signs Of Aging
Applying almond oil on your skin regularly will make your skin feel younger and fresher.The goodness of vitamins that almond oil is blessed with makes it a blessing to the skin. The vitamin E and fatty acids reverse and prevent the signs of aging, making it capable enough to renew skin cells and invigorating the skin, therefore shrinking the wrinkles.
Hair Benefits
Deficiency of magnesium, zinc, and calcium in particular results in poor hair growth and hair loss. Almond oil is rich in all of these minerals.You need to use almond oil on a regular basis to control hair loss. Warm one tablespoon of oil and apply it to the scalp every night after your shower or bath.
Healthy Nails
If your nails are thin and chip off easily, it indicates mineral insufficiency. Almond oil is rich in zinc, the deficiency which causes brittle nails and white spots. The oil also contains appreciable amounts of B-complex vitamins and iron that also help improve nail health.
Heart Health
According to the Doctrine of Signatures, the shape of a food determines which part of the body it would nourish. In the case of almonds, it is easy to see that it favors heart health. Theories apart, these nuts are full of heart-healthy substances. People with heart problems are often advised to have a handful of raw almonds every day.
Almond oil is rich in a monounsaturated fatty acid called oleic acid that is considered good for the heart. A diet that contains high amounts of this omega-9 fatty acid is known to reduce blood pressure and increase the HDL cholesterol.Use almond oil in salad dressings to reap its heart health benefits.
Improves Memory & Cognition
It is a general practice in many Southeast Asian cultures to soak a few almonds in water overnight and drink the water and eat the softened almonds first thing in the morning. This is thought to increase brain power and improve memory. It is easy to see how these tasty nuts full of good fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals benefit the brain, but there’s some definite evidence to show that almond oil can contribute to the better overall neurologic function