5 Proven Health Benefits Of Almond Oil

Almond Oil is extracted from almonds ‘badaam’, which are the seeds of the Prunus dulcis tree, a tree which is believed to be first domesticated in the present day Iran around the early Bronze Age era (3000–2000 BC). In India, badam was introduced in India during the 16th century by Persian travellers. Almonds and its oil have traditionally been considered beneficial for health in India, especially for improving brain health in general and memory in particular. For this reason, almonds are eaten in raw, roasted or fried form and the almond oil is used in cooking and for applying on body.

# Good for heart

Being low in saturated fatty acids as high in unsaturated ones is one of the best indicators of heart-friendly oil. Monounsaturated fats increase the HDL cholesterol levels, or the “good” cholesterol levels which transports cholesterol from arteries to liver for breaking it down. Therefore, cholesterol levels can reduce by intake of almond oil.

# Good for skin

1. Almond oil is suitable for almost all types of oils. People have been massaging their body with almond oil due to the belief in it being good for the health of skin. Unrefined sweet almond oil is one of the best oils for applying to skin. It protects skin from sun damage and prevents stretch marks and redness.

2. Fatty acids present in it help in retaining moisture. Vitamin E prevents dryness of skin. Zinc present in oil makes skin smooth. Due to these properties, almond oil has been used to treat eczema and psoriasis.

3. Skin cleansing, particularly facial skin cleaning, can be done by using almond oil. It helps us get rid of impurities by opening pores of skin, removes dead skin and excess sebum.

4. It can be used for treating acne scars, reducing puffiness and under-eye circles because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

5. Almond oil is good for reducing acne since it is rich in retinoid which are derived from Vitamin A.

6. It also has anti-aging properties. It allows collagen, the protein which is responsible for youthful look of skin, to thrive because of presence of Vitamin E.

# Good for hair

1. Almond oil is good for hair. Almond oil has calcium, magnesium and zinc. Growth of hair depends on these nutrients. Presence of Zinc prevents thinning of hair.

2. The hydrating and nourishing properties of Almond oil make it good for applying on hair to get smooth, soft and shiny hair. It is applied to scalp and massaged gently, which not only nourishes the scalp and hair but also improves blood circulation to the scalp. This works to prevent inflammation in scalp and occurrence of dandruff.

3. Being rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants helps in offsetting the effects of problems created by free radicals and in preventing damage to hair by pollution, heat etc.

# Good for Colon health

Almond oil is also a laxative which is used for treating constipation in children. It is also used to treat rectal prolapse in children. It is believed that this also helps in preventing colon cancer.

# Helps with natural weight loss

Almond oil also helpful in reducing the weight. Due to more unsaturated fatty acids, this is healthy alternative to many other oils which are high in saturated fats.

Unsaturated fats provide energy, build cell walls and helps to absorb vitamins A, D, E and K. Therefore, it is not necessary for obese people to stop using all oils in diet. Rather, it is far more useful to move to those oils which have high unsaturated fatty acids. This will help burn belly fat.