You have been told that eating almonds is beneficial to your health, especially heart health, but were you aware that the oil extracted from almonds also has a lot of great benefits which go beyond heart health. The medium chain fatty acids and poly-sterols along with a host of vitamins and minerals are the components which contribute to sweet almond oil benefits. We’ll look at 15 of those benefits, how they work and what to do to get those benefits.
15 Amazing Sweet Almond Oil Benefits and How to Get them
1. Better Heart Health
The sweet almond oil benefits for better heart health should come as no surprise since those with heart conditions are often told to eat a handful of raw almonds daily. The medium chain fatty acids, including omega-9, contribute to reducing blood pressure and helping to raise HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol).
What to do:
- Substitute almond oil for vegetable, soy and sunflower oils for cooking.
- Make use of almond oil in your salad dressing mix.
2. Improved Memory
Improving your memory and concentration are other sweet almond oil benefits of which you can take advantage. The combination of fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals included in almonds and their extracted oil feed cells involved in neurological functions.
What to do:
- Mix 1 cup almond oil with 1/2 cup vinegar.
- Add three cloves of minced garlic and 3 Tbsp of your favorite finely chopped fresh herbs.
- Use as an overnight marinade for beef, chicken or pork.
3. Healthier Hair
Revitalizing your hair from overuse of styling products and chemicals is another of the most impressive sweet almond oil benefits. The vitamins and minerals in almond oil help to moisturize the scalp and hair follicles to restore strength and vitality to your hair.
What to do:
- After shampooing, dry your hair with a towel to remove excess moisture.
- Cup your palm and place ¼ to ½ Tsp of almond oil in it, depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
- Rub your palms together to distribute the oil evening over your palms and fingers.
- Coat the strands of hair with the oil by running your fingers through them.
- Allow your hair to air dry.
- Use this treatment a couple of times per week.
4. Stronger Nails
Also among the best sweet almond oil benefits is its ability to help strengthen your nails. Brittle and weak nails are typically a sign of a deficiency of minerals. The zinc and iron included in sweet almond oil, as well as its high content of B vitamins, help to strengthen and maintain healthier, thicker nails.
What to do:
- Warm ½ Tsp of oil slightly
- Using a dropper, place a drop of the hot oil on each
- Rub the oil into the cuticle.
- Repeat several times a week.
5. Prevent Hair Loss
Many environmental and nutritional deficiencies contribute to hair loss. Preventing that hair loss is another of the outstanding sweet almond oil benefits. The minerals magnesium, zinc, and calcium are essential nutrients to increase the vitality of a healthy scalp and encourage new hair growth.
What to do:
- Besides adding almond oil into your diet, you can also apply it to your scalp.
- Place 1 Tbsp of almond oil on the crown of your head and massage it into your scalp until all of the oil is absorbed.
- Do this nightly before going to bed and leave it in place until morning.
6. Relieving Muscle Fatigue
Reducing muscle aches and fatigue are memorable sweet almond oil benefits to keep in mind. The mineral content of almond oil, especially the magnesium, helps relieve aching and fatigued muscles. Its scent also helps to encourage relaxation.
What to do:
- Warm 1 Tbsp at a time of oil until it is almost too hot to touch
- Massage the warm oil into the affected area.
- Place a moist towel over the area and leave it for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Repeat as often as needed.
7. Skin Rash Treatment
Doctors tend to prescribe zinc based treatments for skin rashes, but sweet almond oil benefits in the very same way as those costly products. It is rich in zinc but doesn’t have the other chemical additives which are often included with store bought products as well. The zinc and other minerals help to reduce inflammation in the affected area.
What to do:
- Dip three fingers in the almond oil.
- Dab the oil onto the affected area
- Allow the oil to be absorbed gradually.
8. Promotes Collagen Production
You can preserve your youthful look through increased collagen production, which another of the most beautiful sweet almond oil benefits. The proteins and amino acids in sweet almond oil encourage the production of collagen which rids your skin of wrinkles, lines and other signs of aging. The vitamin E contained in almond oil also helps to fight oxidative stress, which tends to deplete your skin of collagen.
What to do:
- Consuming almond oil is the most beneficial, but it can also be applied externally.
- Gently massage almond oil into your skin a couple of times a day to maintain moisture and vitality.
9. Eczema and Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis and eczema treatments are also part of the sweet almond oil benefits. Caused by several internal and external factors, the nutrient compounds in almond oil help to balance out the irritants, bacteria and other microbial entities which contribute to these chronic skin conditions.
What to do:
- Use almond oil on its own or as a base combined with other essential oils.
- Add 5 to 6 drops of any one the following essential oils to 1 Tsp of almond oil: thyme, geranium, rose, juniper or lavender.
- Gently apply the mixture to the affected area.
10. Removing Dark Circles
Also among the most significant sweet almond oil benefits is the removal of dark circles and other dark blotches on your skin. Almond oil’s vitamins and minerals help to restore the vitality of the skin, get rid of any inflammation present and restores decent pigmentation.
What to do:
- Mix 1 tsp of honey with one tsp of almond oil
- Add a few drops of lemon juice
- Apply the mixture under your eyes, being careful not to get it into your eyes.
11. Deep Cleansing Your Skin
Deep cleansing for your skin is also on our list of sweet almond oil benefits. Almond oil quickly penetrates the skin, softens it and dislodges blackheads, dirt and other debris contained in your pores and hair follicles. It is effective at removing makeup as well and is hypoallergenic to boot.
What to do:
- Use a cotton ball dipped in almond oil to clean your face.
- Allow it to sit for 2 to 3 minutes before wiping it off with a clean cotton ball.
- A mixture of 1 Tbsp of almond oil to a ¼ cup of sugar can be used to make an exfoliating scrub as well.
12. Weight Loss Aid
Research backs up the claim that includes weight loss aid as being included among sweet almond oil benefits. Studies show that individuals who include almonds or almond oil in their diets show a greater weight loss than those on the same diet without consuming almonds. It is the result of the medium chain fatty acids found in almond oil which makes the difference.
What to do:
- Add one tsp or more, according to taste, of sweet almond oil to your smoothies and homemade energy drinks.
- Taking 1 Tbsp of straight, almond oil before meals can also curb your appetite.
13. Diabetes Prevention
Among the most critical of sweet almond oil benefits is its ability to help prevent diabetes. Almond oil helps to encourage insulin production and reduced blood sugar levels. It also contributes to regulate appetite in individuals with diabetes. In fact, consuming almond oil with a meal can reduce the overall glycemic level of the entire meal.
What to do:
- Mix 2 Tbsp of sweet almond oil with 1 Tbsp of red wine vinegar.
- Add 1 Tbsp each of finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, and tarragon.
- Also, add ¼ cup of chopped almonds.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Apply over salads or as a dip for bread.
14. Improved Colon Health
Colon and rectal health can also be improved as another of the most encouraging among the many sweet almond oil benefits. Rich in antioxidants, almond oil can help prevent colorectal cancer as well as contribute to keeping you regular. It can also bring relief to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and is a mild laxative to help relieve constipation.
What to do:
- Consume almond oil as a regular part of your daily diet to help maintain colon health
- Relieve constipation by taking 2 Tbsp every 2 to 4 hours until you obtain relief.
15. Remedy for Ear Infection
Wrapping up our list of sweet almond oil benefits is its use as a treatment for ear infections. Almond oil is a safe solution for children as well as adults and does not irritate any micro-abrasions which might be present in the ear canal. The minerals in almond oil help to reduce inflammation and bring pain relief and its vitamins promote healing.
What to do:
- Add 3 to 4 drops of almond oil to 1 tsp of warm water.
- Apply the drops into the ear with a dropper and allow the oil and water to flow down into the ear canal.
- Repeat several times a day to bring relief of earache pain.
Conclusion
The numerous sweet almond oil benefits should be enough to encourage you to place it on the front shelf of your pantry where you can get to it easily and often. Utilizing it as an aid for preventing and treating health issues or only make use of its unique, nutty flavor as a part of healthy cooking. Be sure to tell us some of your favorite recipes and uses for sweet almond oil in the comments section below.
Images from depositphotos.com.