The beneficial properties of apricot kernel oil have been known for hundreds of years. This typical summer fruit is a source of valuable nutrients. The ecological solution is to use not only the flesh, but also its seeds.
Apricot kernel oil is becoming more and more popular. The latest results of scientific research indicate that it is a source of, inter alia, B vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols. Find out why you should have it in your kitchen and bathroom.
In this article, Niketrainers.com.co will tell you:
What is apricot kernel oil?
Apricots are yellow-orange summer fruits. They began to be cultivated more than 4,000 years ago in Asia, and today Greece, Kyrgyzstan, Korea, Italy and Turkey are famous for their production. Both the flesh and kernels of apricots are a source of valuable nutrients. They are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Apricot kernel oil is cold pressed, has a light yellow color and a very delicate marzipan flavor, which is why it works well in the kitchen. It isas popular as soybeanoil andpumpkin seed oil. Essential oils obtained from apricots are a typical ingredient of body oils, scrubs and perfumes.
Where can you buy apricot kernel oil? You can get it primarily in health food stores and in some pharmacies (stationary and online).
Composition of apricot kernel oil
Apricot kernel oil consists mainly of unsaturated fatty acids (EFA), i.e. oleic acid (omega-9 group) and linoleic acid (omega-6 group). Are you wondering why they are so important to your health? This is called healthy fats that support the functioning of many internal organs, as well as the condition of the epidermis and hair. EFAs have many health-promoting properties, including:
- strengthen resistance to viral, bacterial and fungal infections;
- they are the building blocks of cells;
- protect against heartburn;
- lower blood pressure
- regulate the correct level of cholesterol in the blood – they reduce the concentration of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the level of good cholesterol (HDL);
- eliminate indigestion;
- they strengthen the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
The composition of apricot kernel oil also includes phytosterols. These are plant sterols that lower the LDL cholesterol fraction. Thanks to them, it is possible to counteract diseases such asatherosclerosisand heart attack.
This product also contains vitamins E, A and B17. Vitamin E is a common ingredient in anti-wrinkle creams because it neutralizes free radicals that accelerate cell aging. Moreover, it is involved in the processes of vision and regulates the mechanisms of fertility. Vitamin A is also known to be a powerful antioxidant. It helps to maintain the proper condition of hair, skin and nails, protects eyesight against the so-called night blindness, and also ensures the physiological state of cell membranes.
Apricot kernel oil and cancer
Due to the presence of amygdalin in apricot kernel oil, i.e. vitamin B17 (also found in common quince and bird cherry), it is believed that this product may have anti-cancer properties.It has not yet been confirmed by scientific research, but it is worth noting that the excess of this compound can cause severe poisoning. After getting into the bloodstream, amygdalin breaks down into harmful components (including prussic acid, hydrogen cyanide and benzoic aldehyde). Therefore, consumption of apricot kernels and oil should be done in moderation.
What to use apricot kernel oil for?
Are you wondering how to use apricot kernel oil? Start using it in the kitchen. However, remember that it must not be heated, because all valuable nutrients are destroyed under the influence of too high temperature. It is worth using it cold. You can add it in a small amount to salads, salads, vegetable dipping sauces, and also to bread (instead of butter). This way you will take care of your body from the inside.
You can also add apricot kernel oil to your favorite cream. In this way, you will strengthen its moisturizing and protective properties.As an addition to a hair conditioner, it strengthens the condition of the scalp and reduces dandruff. In addition, it nourishes the bulbs andrelieves itchy skin. It isrecommended primarily for dry skinand equally dry hair. Apricot kernel oil is also a remedy for redness and irritation caused by sunlight. A paste made of ground apricot kernels is very popular and is used as a body scrub. Regularly used, it significantly smoothes the skin and helps to get rid of callous (dead) epidermis. Importantly, apricot kernel oil used externally is also safe for children.
How much apricot kernel oil can you drink? A daily dose of 2 tablespoons must not be exceeded. Due to the presence of amygdalin, this product is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. If apricot kernel oil is applied externally, then there are no