Almonds are seeds loaded with Vitamins, Minerals, Proteins, and Fibers and are associated with a lot of health benefits. They are considered one of the healthiest foods. Oil derived from Almonds is known as Almond Oil which is very beneficial for your skin, hair, and overall health.
Two Variety Of Almonds Are Available
1. Sweet Almonds
Sweet Almonds are the variety that is mostly eaten and used in cooking and in cosmetics.
2. Bitter Almonds
Bitter Almonds are not easily available and they are non-edible. Bitter Almonds can only be applied topically after they’ve been processed properly for use. They are considered to possess the medicinal property but at the same time do have a toxic effect if not processed properly.
Nutritional Value Of Sweet Almond
Below mentioned is the nutritional value of 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of almond oil.
- Calories: 117
- Total fat: 13.00 grams
- Saturated fat: 1.10 grams
- Monounsaturated fat: 9.1 grams
- Polyunsaturated fat: 2.5 grams
- Vitamin E : 26% of the RDI
- Phytosterols: 36 mg
The Goodness Of Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond Oil is an odorless, nutty-flavored, and pale yellow-colored oil which possesses unlimited benefits for the human body. Sweet Almond Oil is rich in Vitamin A, E, Fatty acids, Potassium, Zinc and Proteins. Almond Oil is loaded with antioxidants that rejuvenate the skin by trapping moisture and removing free radicals. Sweet Almond Oil is very light and gets easily absorbed. Its mild aroma makes it an ideal hair oil. Almond oil also has laxative properties which help in treating constipation. It helps in lowering the cholesterol level in the blood.
Hair Benefits Of Almond Oil
Almond Oil is rich in Omega 3 Fatty acids, Phospholipids, Magnesium, and Vitamin E. Sweet Almond Oil strengthen and nourishes the hair from root to tip.
1. Gets Rid Of Split End
This recipe helps one get rid of split ends. Almond Oil is rich in antioxidants, Vitamins, and minerals which help in restoring the hair follicles.
Ingredients
- Almond Oil
- Castor Oil
- Olive Oil
Steps
- Mix Almond Oil, Castor, and Olive Oil in equal amounts
- Apply this mixture to wet hair
Following this procedure twice a week for a few months will help in getting rid of split ends.
2. Treats Dandruff
Dandruff treatment can be done with home remedies in an effective way. Almond Oil is an excellent emollient that helps in cleaning and removing dead cells.
Ingredients:
Steps:
- Apply a mixture of powdered amla and almond oil on the hair
- Leave it for 30 minutes
- Wash off.
Regular application helps to keep the scalp clean.
3. Makes Your Hair Healthy And Long
Your hair is exposed to dust, smoke, and heat during the styling process which can make it dull and lifeless. Regular care is required to regain the texture and shine of your hair. Almond Oil contains magnesium which is known to prevent hair fall.
Steps:
- Massage your hair with Almond Oil for 10-15 minutes
- leave it on for an hour, so that the oil penetrates deep down the roots and nourishes your hair.
4. Can Substitute Shine Enhancers And Leave-In Conditioners
Almond Oil is a rich source of Vitamin E and Essential Fatty Acids which makes it an excellent moisturizer. Almond Oil is very light and easily absorbed by the skin.
Steps
- After washing your hair, gently massage almond oil on your hair.
This will moisturize your hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and tangle-free.
- To Control Hair Loss
Every day we lose around a hundred hair strands, but it does not affect our total hair volume because of new hair growth that replaces the old. But if hair fall is heavier than normal, our scalp will show visible signs of thinning which can be very disturbing. Exposure to environmental pollutants, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, and stress are the main reasons for excessive hair loss.
Deficiency of magnesium and calcium in particular results in poor hair growth and hair loss. Zinc is another important mineral for healthy hair; its deficiency is known to cause alopecia, characterized by thinning of hair. 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. Rub it in gently until most of the oil is absorbed into the scalp. Leave it on overnight for best results. Eating a few almonds every day or mixing in a few drops of almond oil into your salad or smoothie will work from the inside to make your hair healthy.
Skin Benefits Of Almond Oil
Sweet Almond Oil is a rich source of Vitamin A, E, Monounsaturated Fatty Acids, Protein, Potassium, and Zinc. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. Oxidative stress is when your body does not have antioxidants to fight the free radicals, which causes the deterioration of collagen. Collagen is a main component that helps to keep your skin soft and younger looking. Vitamin A helps to reduce acne. Fatty Acid helps to trap moisture inside your skin. In total, these make Almond oil one of the best oils for your skin and face care.
1. Reduces Dark Circles
Massaging your under eyes with Almond Oil before going to bed is a sure-shot way of getting rid of those weird-looking dark circles. Vitamin A and E present in Sweet Almond Oil penetrate the skin and rejuvenate the dead skin and you will see a visible reduction in dark circles with its regular application within a week or two. Like Almond Oil, castor oil is another great solution for dark circle problems.
2. Removes Impurities And Dead Skin Cells
As already discussed above, Sweet Almond Oil is an excellent emollient. It acts as a skin cleanser by removing dead cells from the skin and helps in getting radiant skin.
Ingredients:
Steps:
- To make a homemade scrub, mix 1 tablespoon of Almond Oil with 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Massage it gently in a circular motion on your skin and wash off with cold water.
This will help in getting rid of dead cells and black head. Face scrubbing is one of the most important steps towards clean and glowing skin.
3. Makes The Skin Healthier
Sweet Almond Oil is hypo-allergenic and can be used safely on sensitive skin also. It is non-comedogenic meaning it is unlikely to clog your pores. Vitamin E and Fatty Acids present in Sweet Almond Oil help in skin renewal and fight the signs of aging. It helps in healing the damage to the skin by UV rays. Almond oil nourishes the skin from deep within imparting a healthy glow.
4. Cures Psoriasis And Eczema
Almond Oil is hypoallergenic and is very gentle even on sensitive skin. Massage this oil gently on the affected area. Vitamin E and antioxidants help to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. The zinc content present in Almond Oil helps prevent rashes and heals dryness. Because of its soothing property, Almond Oil helps cure skin inflammation and psoriasis, which can be treated effectively and naturally.
5. A Good Substitute For Hand And Foot Cream
Massaging with Almond Oil on hands and foot helps to improve blood circulation. It is a light oil and is able to easily penetrate into the skin, making your skin soft. And the zinc content helps in healing cracked heels.
6. Reduces Wrinkles And Fine Lines
Almond Oil is loaded with Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Antioxidants. It helps in the production of collagen which is a main component of skin, thus making the skin more elastic. Regular massage with Vitamin E helps in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and reverses the aging process.
7. For 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.
Almond oil can be safely used on sensitive skin as it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. It is excellent for removing makeup even from the tender area around the eyes. Dip a ball of cotton in the oil and apply it on the face. Allow to remain for 2 minutes and then gently wipe it off with a fresh piece of cotton.
It is easy to make a natural facial scrub with almond oil and fine sugar. Mix them together and apply on the face, working in circles to gently lift off grime and dead cells. Wash it off with water. Repeat it every week for beautiful, radiant skin.
8. To 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. Skin-to-skin friction also can result in chafed skin. This type of contact dermatitis can result in soreness and a burning sensation. Doctors usually prescribe zinc-based ointments to reduce inflammation.
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 or lotions available.
The application is simple enough. Just dip three fingers in the oil and gently dab the oil on the affected area. Leave it on until all the oil is gradually absorbed into the skin. You can safely use almond oil on chafed skin anywhere on the body, even on baby skin, as long as you don’t have a specific allergy to this oil.
9. To Reduce Fine Lines & Other Signs Of Aging
Smooth, supple skin is a sign of youthfulness, but a structural protein called collagen is behind this flawless look. Collagen forms an even layer under the skin and acts as a good padding that keeps the skin taut, yet supple. Fine wrinkles start to appear as we age because of thinning of the skin and unevenness in the collagen padding underneath.
It is an inevitable part of the natural aging process, but premature aging can result from excess exposure to the sun, tobacco smoke, and dehydration. With proper protective measures and skin care, the aging process can be slowed down to some extent. Almond oil has a role to play here.
Oxidative stress is one main reason for the deterioration of the collagen layer. Almond oil contains Vitamin E, which is one of the most potent antioxidants known. It can help repair some of the damage done to the collagen layer. The oil is especially rich in proteins and can provide the amino acids required for the formation of collagen. External application of the oil can prevent dehydration by reducing moisture loss from the skin.
Health Benefits Of Almond Oil
1. For Muscle Aches & Fatigue
Relieving muscle pains and soreness is one of the main traditional uses of bitter almond oil. The same benefits can be obtained from sweet almond oil, but without the poisoning risk associated with the former. Massage this protein-rich oil into tired muscles to rejuvenate them. Aromatherapy uses almond oil to relax knotty muscles.
For best results, warm the almond oil over a gentle heat until it becomes nearly unbearable to touch. Apply this hot oil to the aching muscles and massage it in well. Wet a thick towel in hot water, wring it, and then use it to cover the massaged area. Leave it on for at least half an hour or as long as you can. This treatment relieves muscle fatigue by drawing out toxins.
2. For Heart Health
According to the Doctrine of Signatures, the shape of 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 which 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 HDL cholesterol. Use almond oil in salad dressings to reap its heart health benefits.
3. To Improve 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. Another good reason to have a handful daily!
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