Almonds are a nutrient-dense food that our bodies love. They contain antioxidants, healthy fats, fibers, vitamins, and minerals that help us stay healthy. You might be surprised to learn that most solid almonds we snack on can be pressed into oil. This oil still bears the same nutrients but can be used in countless more ways. There are benefits of almond oil for your hair, skin, nails, face, heart, and more.
Almond oil is made by pressing the almonds at a low heat to extract the oil. It’s important to note that sweet almond oil and bitter almond oil are different. Standard almond oil is the same as sweet almond oil. On the other hand, bitter almond oil is almond oil that has had toxins that are natural in almond shells removed. Bitter almond oild containts a variety of different almonds. Sweet almond oil is the more common of the two. It tastes good to eat plain, can be incorporated into meals, and smoothes easily if applied to hair, face, or skin.
As versatile as almond oil is, it’s essential to know how and where to use the oil. Keep reading for the benefits of almond oil that you should take advantage of.
The Top 4 Benefits of Almond Oil
The list of benefits of almond oil for hair is lengthy, so let’s start at the top and work our way down.
1
Benefits of Almond Oil for Hair
Lathering almond oil into your hair can result in a smooth-to-the-touch feel. Almond oil is an emollient. Emollients work to fill the gaps in hair at a cellular level, resulting in smoother and healthier hair. Over time, using almond oil in hair consistently has proven to make it easier to style and brush. Some people opt for daily application, ideally after they’ve showered while their hair is still wet. This allows the almond oil to be smoothed into the hair and for a more thorough coating.
Just a small amount of almond oil applied consistently will help prevent breakage, and smooth split ends. Almond oil acts as a lubricant for hair. If you have dry hair or suffer from split ends, almond oil might be the solution to your hair problems. Almond oil also lends itself to helping your hair grow faster. While there is no clinical evidence yet to support this, many people who regularly apply almond oil in their hair attest to its ability to make their hair grow faster and stronger. Almond oil also contains vitamin E, which helps your hair look healthier and younger.
Finally, when you lather almond oil into your hair, it can help treat scalp conditions. It’s been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. Small amounts applied to the scalp can help treat flaky scalp and scalp psoriasis. Antioxidants in the almond oil help increase blood flow to your head that supports a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp promotes healthy hair growth.
2
Benefits of Almond Oil for Skin
With all the beneficial antioxidants and minerals within almond oil, it should come as no surprise that there are several benefits of almond oil for skin. Regular use on the face can prevent puffiness and under-eye circles because almond oil is anti-inflammatory. It improves overall complexion, treats and prevents acne, and improves skin tone. Almond oil works well with all skin tones and types, even treating dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Coupled with treating acne, almond oil also helps reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Everything from treating minor cuts to brightening your skin tone can improve by applying a dollop of almond oil and spreading generously. It contains vitamin A, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc – all of which link to protecting the skin on your face. Vitamin A helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In contrast, vitamin E helps protect against the harmful impact of sunlight. Omega-3 fatty acids fight premature aging, and zinc can help treat and prevent acne.
You might also be wondering if it’s safe to use almond oil on your skin. If you’re allergic to nuts, avoid the use of almond oil. It’s always best to do a patch test, not on your face, before using the oil more thoroughly on your skin.
3
Benefits of Almond Oil for Heart
Almond oil is not only loaded with benefits for your physical appearance, but it also supports a healthy heart. Consuming almond oil helps raise high-density lipoproteins (good cholesterol) and lowers low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol).
Almond oil also contains high amounts of antioxidants that help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and decrease inflammation in the body. Be sure to use almond oil consistently to reap the entire range of its benefits for your heart. Feel free to get creative with how you consume almond oil. Toss it in a salad, use it for cooking, or bake with it.
4
Benefits of Cooking with Almond Oil
From baking to salad dressing, you can use almond oil in your everyday cooking. Cold-pressed and refined almond oil are both safe to use, but how you cook depends on the type of oil you’re using. Cold-pressed almond oils are not stable under high temperatures and deliver a strong flavor to food. On the other hand, refined almond oil is ideal for baking and frying because it can stand up to high temperatures and has little taste. If you don’t like the taste of almond oil in your food, use refined oil for all cooking purposes.
Be sure that you store almond oil in a cool, dark place to preserve the nutritional benefits for as long as possible. Mind the expiration date and the taste of the almond oil because aged almond oil can be harmful to your health.
Using almond oil as cooking oil or topping your food with it is one of the easiest ways to incorporate the oil into your diet. Cooking oil is likely regularly used in your meal preparation. Why not use an oil that comes with a wealth of health benefits.
How To Use Almond Oil
There are various ways to apply almond oil, depending on how you want to use the product. For physical application, pour a small amount into your hand. Smooth it into your hair and skin. With a small amount on your fingers, gently rub into your face until almost the entire amount rubs in, then allow your skin to slowly absorb the remaining oil.
When it comes to cooking or ingesting almond oil, you also have options. You can use it when baking or frying depending on the type of oil. Make a salad dressing with almond oil as the base. Keep in mind that when almond oil heats up, it loses some of its nutritional value. To reap all the benefits of almond oil, drink one teaspoon per day. We recommend drinking this amount of sweet almond oil or regular almond oil every morning for a quick and easy way to get the most from nutrients from consuming almond oil.
Almond Oil Nutritional Facts
Almond oil contains the average amount of calories for most nut-based oils. Almonds usually have a fair amount of fat, and this transfers to the oil when pressed. The majority of this fat is healthy and helps support a healthy body. Overall, almond oil contains few nutrients that are harmful to the body. Check out the nutritional facts below.
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Saturated fat comes in small doses in almond oil. The American Heart Association recommends using oils that have less than four grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. On the flip side, almond oil also contains polyunsaturated fat. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are healthy fats that have a good impact on your cardiovascular system. The majority of fat in almond oil comes from monounsaturated fat. 15 to 20 percent of your calories should come from monounsaturated fatty acids. These fats come primarily from plants and should increase your good cholesterol.
Almond oil is in most major grocery stores. The price is usually comparable to other oils, if not slightly more expensive. The general health benefits of almond oil are hard to beat. It’s good for us inside and out. If you like the sound of these benefits, try incorporating almond oil into your life.
Further Reading
