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Properties of Almond Oil

Almond oil contains the same healthy properties as almonds, according to a study reported in "The Journal of Nutrition." Those properties include vitamins A and E, protein, fiber and monounsaturated fats, making almond oil useful for reducing cholesterol, replacing lost moisture in skin and protecting the body's cells. The moisturizing properties of almond oil were well known to the ancient Greeks and Romans.

  1. Cholesterol Reducer

    • Nuts such as almonds are known to lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk. The 2002 "Journal of Nutrition" study sought to determine whether there was any difference in health benefits between eating almonds or ingesting almond oil. The study involved healthy men and women who were given either whole almonds or almond oil over a six week period. At the end of the study, both groups displayed the same positive results of lowered cholesterol.

    Skin Moisturizer

    • Almond oil is an emollient with properties that soften and moisturize the skin. It is a common ingredient in many skin care products. Almond oil relieves the symptoms of dry skin, itching, peeling, irritation, redness, scaling and burning. It also helps maintain a proper moisture balance in skin. Due to its non-greasy properties, almond oil spreads easily and is a preferred oil for massage therapy.

    Ingredients

    • Almond oil contains vitamins, minerals and other substances with known health benefits. It is high in monounsaturated fats, which are believed to be the reason almond oil lowers cholesterol. Vitamins found in the oil include A, B1,B2,B6 and E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes, and assists in the formation of red blood cells.

    Precautions

    • Nut allergies cause severe reactions, so never use almond oil around anyone with this type of allergy. Keep almond oil in a dark cool environment until opened, and then refrigerate. Almond oil has a light color, but it stains clothing and sheets. Use sweet or pure almond oil. Bitter almond oil is toxic in large quantities; avoid its use.

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