Written  by Dr. Sanjana V.B Bhms,dbrm,cdn

Founder & medical director of siahmsr wellness.in

All rights reserved with siahmsr digital healthcare[siahmsr wellness]

Reviewed by SIAHMSR Medical editorial team.

Almond oil

     Almond oil is widely known for its use as a skin brightening and softening oil since ancient times.

Historical data reveals that almond oil had been used in Ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic and Greco-Persian schools of Medicine to treat dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema as well beyond its use as a beauty oil.

  Almond oil is yellowish oil extracted from the seeds of the Prunus dulcis tree, also known as the almond tree.Almond, (Prunus dulcis), tree  belongs to the family (Rosaceae). Almond oil is known for its richness  of nutrients such as linoleic acid & vitamin E .

     Almonds are native to southwestern Asia, and grown primarily in Mediterranean climates between 28° and 48° N and between 20° and 40° S,. California  is the major producer of almonds ,and account for  around  80 percent of the global production .

    There are two varieties of almonds: sweet almond (P. dulcis, variety dulcis) and bitter almond (P. dulcis, variety amara).

Sweet almonds are the edible type consumed as nuts and used in cooking or as a source of almond oil or almond meal.Almond oil has numerous health benefits.Almond oil, preferably, unrefined variety of the oil may have good amount of mono and poly unsaturated fatty acids. The composition of almond oil is mainly oleic acid (68%).

Uses of almond oil:

The growing demand for almond oil in the cosmetics and personal care sectors has been increased by consumer awareness of its multiple health benefits.

Almond oil is used for multiple purposes such as :

·       Cosmetic use

·       Food preparation

·       Pharmaceutical use

·       Others

Health benefits of almond oil

•   Almond oil rejuvenates your skin

  Sweet almond oil is used for beauty and cosmetic purposes. It is a good moisturizer for your skin and hair.

  Apply a little almond oil into your skin soon after bathing and gentle rub and wet the face again with water for radiance and glow of your skin.

Almond oil is rich in Vitamin E antioxidants and protects and repair your skin. It enhances the glow of your skin preventing free radical mediated ageing changes to your skin.

. Almond oil seemingly reduces scars, smoothens and rejuvenates the skin

 It has emollient and sclerosant properties and, therefore, has been used to improve complexion and skin tone. However, further studies are required to substantiate these clinical claims.

It is also used in the cosmetic industry, especially in dry skin creams, anti-wrinkle and anti-aging products. The sweet almond oil contains vitamins E and K that help skin regeneration and  in maintaining its elasticity.

•   Almond oil reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Almond oil can be used in cooking and salad dressing. The consumption of almond oil helps to reduce the risk of abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmias.

It also aids in the reduction of triglyceride levels, the slowing of the growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque which are responsible for clots, and the reduction of blood pressure.

Almond oil, preferably, unrefined variety of the oil may have good amount of mono and poly unsaturated fatty acids. The composition of almond oil is mainly oleic acid (68%).

Studies also showed that both whole almond and almond oil consumption caused similar reductions in plasma cholesterol and LDL (4% and 6%, respectively), as well as a 14% decrease in fasting plasma triacylglycerols 

·       Almond oil as a food ingredient

The almond oil is used as edible oil, mainly as a salad dressing and in vegetable dips.

·       Almond oil used for aroma therapy

Almond oil is one of the most popular essential oils used in aromatherapy and massage therapy since it is suitable for any skin type.

 . Helps to retrieve the shine and glow of your dull hair

 It can also remove frizziness of your hair. Almond oil may help to remove dullness and lusterlessness of the hair and make it shiny, smooth and glowing. 

written by dr sanjana vb [copyright]
image courtesy - freepik.com

References

1.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20129403/

2.    https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-almond-oil-market#:~:text=Market%20Analysis%20and%20Size&text=Data%20Bridge%20Market%20Research%20analyses,forecast%20period%20of%202022%2D2029.

3.    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/almond-oil

4.    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332957892_Almond_Prunus_dulcis_oil