Almonds are the oldest and most widely grown of all the world’s nut crops. They were first produced in the Middle East, and very soon, people discovered that the oil extracted from its seeds was extremely beneficial. Nearly half of dry Almond’s weight was found to be oil and ripe Almonds were pressed to extract the oil with minimal heat. Today, Almonds and Almond Oil are popular as rich sources of nutrients. You might have come across nutritionists advising people to add Almonds to their daily diet and Ayurveda beauty experts recommending Abhyanga (self-massage) with the oil to nourish the skin. Either way, Almonds provide us with what our body requires and form an important part of our life.

Refined Vs Unrefined Almond Oil

• After harvesting, almonds are hulled and dried before different methods are used to extract their oil.
• Refined almond oil is extracted from almonds using high-heat processing and chemicals.
• This method negatively affects the nutritional value of the oil, as many of the nutrients found in raw almond oil are destroyed during high-heat or chemical treatments .
• While this method results in less nutritious oil, refined almond oil can withstand much higher temperatures and is less expensive than the unrefined type, making it a more cost-effective option for consumers.
• Unrefined almond oil is made by pressing raw almonds without the use of high heat or chemical agents.
• This low-heat process helps almond oil retain much of its nutrient content, making unrefined almond oil a better choice for culinary uses.

ALMOND OIL- BENEFITS

High in Antioxidants

Almond oil is a great source of the potent antioxidant vitamin E. Vitamin E is a group of eight fat-soluble compounds that have antioxidant properties. These compounds protect cells from harmful substances called free radicals. While free radicals are necessary for health, they can cause damage if their numbers grow too high in the body.

Skin Moisturizer

Termed as skin care essential, almond oil can be used in different ways to moisturize your skin leaving it smooth, young and soft. In winters, almond oil can be used as a daily moisturizer applied in the morning after shower for a long lasting softer effect. Zinc in almond oil comforts the crackled skin of hands and feet by renewing the dead skin and toning the patchy areas.

May Help Keep Your Heart Healthy

Almond oil consists of 70% monounsaturated fat, which has been researched for its effects on heart health. Monounsaturated fats have been shown to increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. Almond oil can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease because of its high levels of antioxidants, its ability to decrease inflammation in the body, and its effect on cholesterol.

Almond lip balm

Chapped lips are winter indicators and the use of lip balm becomes a must. You can make your own lip balm by combining almond oil with some honey and apply it regularly for soft pinky lips.

Beneficial for Blood Sugar Control

This oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, both of which have been shown to help lower blood sugar in people with diabetes those who consumed a breakfast with added almond oil had lower blood sugar.

Eyelash mascara

For healthy eyelashes dip a new mascara brush in almond oil and apply it for shiny and healthy lashes. Some people face the dryness on the eyelids or lashes, almond oil mascara coat is ideal for such conditions.

Stretch Marks

Almond oil penetrates in the skin easily and nourishes the skin it is not a surprise to add that it can also be helpful in preventing stretch marks. Simply pour some oil in your hand rub it to create heated friction and apply on the skin in a circular massaging motion that improves the blood circulation and creates a natural confrontation to stretching and tearing.

Make up remover

Almond oil suits all skin types and cleans the makeup easily, leaving the skin moisturized and fresh. It prevents the chances of pimples and skin allergies.

Hair Fall Treatment

Split ends and weak hair may results in hair fall. To avoid this mix and mildly heat the olive and castor oils in equal proportions with almond oil and apply it on your scalp at least once in a few days. Your hair is conditioned naturally. Notice the change and let others notice it too!

NOTE: Natural benefits and uses of almond oil for beautiful skin and healthy hair growth are countless but if you are allergic to almonds or any nuts, you are suggested to apply a test patch before applying it on hair or skin.