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Better known regionally, the oil extracted from the northeastern semiarid can be used in cooking or cosmetics

properties

Licuri oil is extracted from the almond of the plant of the same name, of the species Syagrus coronata. Belonging to the Arecaceae family, it is a palm tree native to the dry and arid regions of the caatinga, in northeastern Brazil. Its culture is extremely important for the socioeconomic development of the communities in the region - as there are soil and climate limitations for agriculture, the exploitation of licuri can be a good source of income generation.

The fruit is a great nutritional source. According to a survey by the Ministry of Education, it contains nutrients such as copper, iron, manganese, zinc, calcium and magnesium. With such properties, the oil can guarantee the proper functioning of the nervous and immune system, prevent osteoporosis and strengthen bones, in addition to preventing atherosclerosis, heart problems, rheumatoid arthritis, infections, hypoglycemia, inflammation, lupus, etc. It can also act against diabetes thanks to the presence of manganese, which helps in insulin release and glucose metabolism. It also helps in the synthesis of essential fatty acids for the body and in the release of thyroid hormones and sex hormones. Iron is essential for children's diets, as its deficiency can cause learning disorders, decreased energy production and alterations in the digestive system. In addition, iron prevents anemia and aids mental development.

Exploitation is not simply the fruit for food, which is widely consumed in producing communities. Licuri is a highly used plant and can provide various types of activities to extractive communities: the leaves can be used to make handicrafts; the wax from the leaves is used in the production of carbon paper, shoe grease, furniture and car paint; the bark of the trunk can become fuel for kilns in ceramics factories or even for domestic use; from almonds, it is possible to extract the oil and milk from licuri, consume in natura and also use the leftovers for animal feed and the production of cereal bars as a food supplement for children, due to its high protein content (about 11%).

Despite the nutritive potential and all these other applications of the liculizer, the most valuable by-product for producers is the oil extracted from the almond. Almond contains around 40% to 50% of oil, extracted by solvent or cold pressing (the latter process having better yield).

In the cosmetic industry

Researchers from the Federal Technological Education Center of Bahia (Cefet-BA) verified a high content of medium chain saturated fatty acids in the oil, compounds with good characteristics for the cosmetic industry. The extract is already considered the best Brazilian oil for soap production. However, other properties of the oil are rarely explored and there are few studies that value its possible cosmetic applications.

Its fatty acid composition is similar to that of coconut oil, and the two therefore have similar benefits. With emollient property, the oil promotes good spreadability and high penetration into the skin for emulsions, and also acts to prevent wounds and improve dermal elasticity; it has low acidity and high stability, ensuring wide applicability. It can be used in the preparation of emulsions and cosmetic formulations, such as aerosols, creams, lotions, lipsticks, among others, or it can be used directly on the skin or hair.

According to the study published in Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, from USP, emulsions with a concentration of 10% to 20% of oil and 10% to 15% of surfactants - used as conciliators of immiscible phases (example: water/oil) for preparing emulsions, among others - promote significant hydration due to to the water-holding characteristic, and are highly stable. Therefore, its actions on the skin are moisturizing and smoothing, in addition to having antioxidants that act against free radicals, preventing premature aging of the skin and reducing wrinkles.

In the treatment of hair - which can be straight or curly - the oil nourishes and hydrates the threads and scalp, in addition to giving shine and eliminating frizz. It can also act as a fall arrest and dandruff.

Although it is used a lot in cooking, according to the Licuri Almond Oil Extraction and Characterization study for the Brazilian Chemical Society, it is very suitable for use in the biodegradable cosmetics and hygiene products industry or can still be used in the production of biofuels. Researchers from the IFBA, in Bahia, concluded that licuri oil is highly viable for the production of biodiesel, for example.

In health

Licuri oil has several benefits to our health due to the medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) present in it, which are easily digestible saturated fats. The three main fatty acids present in the oil are lauric acid (36%), caprylic acid (24%) and capric acid (14%). These fatty acids can be used as dietary supplements as they help to reduce fat accumulation, promote satiety, release energy and help with the functioning of the metabolism and the thyroid. These properties can aid in the weight loss process.

Lauric acid has antibacterial, antiviral and antiprotozoal action. It prevents organisms such as cytomegalovirus, Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia), Streptococcus (several diseases, including meningitis and streptococcal pharyngitis), giardia (giardiasis), Helicabacter pylori (gastritis and ulcer), Herpes simplex (herpes), etc.

Caprylic acid, with its antifungal action, prevents recurrent candidiasis (caused by Candida albicans) and acts against its symptoms. Furthermore, it also acts against salmonella, mycosis, gastroenteritis and staphylococcus.

Capric acid plays a fundamental role in glucose and lipid metabolism. There are already studies linking capric acid to the treatment of diabetes, such as this one, published in Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Be sure to consult your doctor before using licuri oil and consume only 100% natural oils, free from harmful chemicals for the body or compounds that alter any properties of the oil. Find your 100% natural licuri oil at eCycle store.

Any type of oil can contaminate water and soil and cause environmental hazards, so place the waste in a plastic container and take it to a suitable location. To properly dispose of, see locations here.