On the 16th of February we celebrate National Almond Day, which aims to remind us just how important this natural product is to our health, as well as our beauty regime.
Almonds can be eaten raw or as ingredients in a wide range of recipes and drinks. The oil that comes from these yummy nuts is also used as a natural ingredient in many beauty and aromatherapy products. Almond oil contains a generous amount of monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, potassium, proteins, zinc, as well as several other vitamins and minerals.
Whether you are a regular user of almond oil or are still yet to sample its glory, here we look at some of the greatest benefits it can have on your skin, hair and overall health.
Benefits for Skin
Almond oil’s rich vitamin content and moisturising properties make it a perfect cure for dehydrated skin. It has a very lightweight consistency, and therefore, it is less greasy compared to other oils. For this reason, it is used as an ingredient in many face creams and serums as it won’t clog up the skin or give a shiny appearance.
Owing to its hydrating properties, almond oil is a time-tested emollient remedy for all kinds of skin problems like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It can help to soothe irritation and relax the skin when it is inflamed or itchy. In addition, those who have issues with eczema may consider visiting sites like https://soteriskin.com/products/scalp-serum to get the best treatment.
If you suffer from rough or chapped lips, like many of us do in the winter months, you can dab on a small amount of almond oil to re-hydrate the lips and give them an instant moisture-surge.
For sunshine-lovers, almond oil can also act as a natural sunscreen. It has an SPF 5, and not only helps to prevent sunburn (in conjunction with other preventatives), but also can reverse the effects of sun damage to the skin.
Benefits for Hair
Regular use of almond oil on the hair can help to improve overall condition and texture. A rich source of magnesium, almond oil prevents hair from falling out, while antioxidants, vitamins, and essential minerals restore and rejuvenate the hair follicles.
Due to the presence of essential fatty acids and vitamin E, almond oil can help with severely dehydrated hair and hair damaged by the sun. Its light texture makes it a perfect alternative to glossy hair serums and leave-in conditioners.
Almond oil can effectively aid in the treatment of dandruff by removing dead cells as well as nourishing the hair and keeping the scalp clean.
Benefits for Overall Health
High in flavour and rich in essential vitamins and minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamins E and D) almond oil is increasingly popular as part of a healthy-living lifestyle and diet. To preserve its delicate taste, almond oil is generally used as a finishing oil on salads, fish and soup, but it is also used in baking cakes, cookies and muffins, too.
Almond oil is loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids. These fats boost the health of our hearts and help to prevent cardiovascular disease. If taken regularly, almond oil can help to keep Type 2 Diabetes at bay as well as restoring liver health and regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Regular consumption of almond oil could help to make your immune system stronger and help to fight-off those common infections and bugs.
It is a great source of omega-3 and contains a good measure of potassium, known to nourish the nervous system. Just a few drops of almond oil in your milk each night and you could notice and increase in your memory and mental balance as a result!
