What Are the Benefits of Eating Almond Oil?

Almonds are a type of nut that grows on trees, which were originally cultivated from the Middle East. Oil derived from almonds is used in cooking as well as in herbal medicine to treat a number of conditions.

Properties

• Almond oil contains fatty acids, substances derived from long chains of hydrogen and carbon atoms with a tail that consists of carboxyl, a type of acid made from carbon, two oxygen atoms and a hydrogen atom.

Function

• Fatty acids are known to contribute to the health of your heart and circulatory system, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition, almond oil is known to loosen stools and work as a laxative.

Uses

• In herbal medicine, almond oil is used to treat constipation as well as several types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, uterus, bladder, mouth and spleen, according to RxList.

Expert Insight

• A 2001 study conducted at the University of California-Davis found that eating whole almonds reduced the risk of developing colon cancer, but there haven't been any similar studies to date to prove the effectiveness of almond oil at preventing or treating cancer.

Considerations

• It is unknown whether almond oil is safe when taken as a dietary supplement or medication, RxList cautions. Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, avoid using almond oil as a medicine if you are pregnant or nursing.