lovesouthernsocial.com

In addition to the health benefits, macadamia oil has beneficial properties for hair and skin

Image: Phillip Larking in Unsplash

Macadamia is a tall tree, native to Australia and very prevalent in Hawaii. Its fruit, also called macadamia nut, is a thin nut wrapped in a rigid shell. Macadamia contains several minerals and components that are beneficial to our body, such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, vitamins and proteins - its composition may vary according to where the tree grows.

About 75% of the fruit's composition is given by natural oils. It is possible to extract oil from macadamia nuts by cold pressing the ground fruit or by solvent extraction. The oil obtained from macadamia nuts is similar in composition to olive oil and is often described as a "good oil" as it contains low levels of saturated fat and high levels of monounsaturated fat.

• Vegetable oils: know the benefits and cosmetic properties

Macadamia oil is edible and has several purposes, but its most common use is related to beauty care, as it is composed of fatty acids - with oleic (omega 9), palmitoleic (omega 7) and palmitic acids present. in greater proportions. This oil is also rich in antioxidant substances.

applications

culinary use

Macadamia oil can be used in food, replacing olive oil in salads. It is rich in omega 7, which can be found in the skin's natural sebum secretion, especially in young skin. Over time, the amount of palmitoleic acid in the skin decreases, leaving it looking tired and dull. When ingested in moderate amounts, macadamia oil replenishes the omega 7, leaving the skin younger and more beautiful.

In addition, eating macadamia oil helps control cholesterol, lowers blood glucose and can control blood pressure. Consult a healthcare professional to find out the ideal amount of macadamia oil to be consumed daily, according to your case.

cosmetic use

Macadamia oil can also be applied directly to the face, moisturizing dry and fragile skin. Palmitoleic acid protects skin lipids against oxidation and is responsible for skin hydration and moisture loss, ensuring a healthy appearance and also has regenerative properties. It is an acid present in human sebum and, therefore, has extreme affinity with the skin and with the natural oils produced on the scalp, managing to effectively penetrate the applied areas, in addition to nourishing and moisturizing without leaving the skin or hair greasy.

• Coconut oil on hair: benefits and how to use

On the skin, the oil acts directly on the most dry and sensitized regions, promoting repair in the skin barrier. When applied to the face, in addition to moisturizing it, it has anti-aging action on the skin, which prevents the formation of wrinkles and reduces inflammation - it can be applied to acneic regions and helps in the treatment of itching.

In hair, the presence of monounsaturated fats in macadamia oil helps protect the scalp against UV rays, wind, pollution, flat irons, dryers and chemicals. Penetrates the hair pores, maintaining the hydration of the hair, promotes a decrease in frizz, gives shine and repairs the natural elasticity of the hair fiber, preventing the strands from breaking and split ends appearing. It is an oil recommended for chemically treated and damaged hair.

Macadamia oil is suitable for all types of hair, especially curly ones, as it controls the volume and frizz of the curls. To apply the oil to your hair, use it neat and without having to mix it with shampoos, creams or other vegetable oils. Apply it separately to dry or wet hair or even as a mask for hair treatments.

Remember to use pure and 100% natural macadamia oil, free from harmful chemicals such as parabens. You can find pure macadamia oil and other natural products at eCycle store.