Babassu oil is the light yellow oil which is extracted from the babassu palm seeds. Babassu is a tall, feathery palm which produces up to 2000 fruits. This tree grows mostly in South America, Brazil. The nuts which are naturally fallen down are collected by the women of Brazil known as ‘ babassu breakers’ which they break them with the use of axe. The meat of the nut is pressed until the clear light yellow oil is obtained. Babassu oil is similar to the coconut oil in its properties and uses. It consists of 70% lipids. The oil is mostly used for cooking and making soaps. It is also used for the cosmetic products. Babassu oil is solid at room temperature. It is used as an alternative to coconut oil. Babassu oil contains five acids: lauric 50 percent; myristic 20 percent; palmitic 11 percent; oleic 10 percent; and stearic 3.5 percent.
Health benefits of Babassu Essential oil
Babassu oil is a mild moisturizer and non-comedogenic which is a better choice for acne prone skin. It melts in contact with the skin and blends well feeling non-greasy. It is a skin emollient for dry and oily skin. It restores the hair elasticity and prevents dryness. It improves the overall skin health. It is light and penetrating oil. It also provides antifungal, antiviral and antimicrobial protection.
The benefits of babassu oil are listed below:
- Skin emollient
This oil is non-greasy so it makes a best skin emollient for the dry and oily skin. As it is light in weight, it is absorbed by the skin faster by making the skin soft and smooth. It moisturizes the skin by keeping it hydrated. The babassu oil is an excellent choice for oily skin because it is non-comedogenic which means it does not clog the pores. The use of this oil helps to improve their skin condition.
According research conducted by World Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Emulsions obtained from kernels of Babassu is most effective that provided necessary moisturizing and emollient properties to the rough skin caused by weather and environmental conditions in comparison to other oil concentrations under study.
- Great cooking medium
This oil consists of stearic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid which are good for health. The babassu oil is used as a substitute for coconut oil.
- Anti-inflammatory properties
The babassu oil has the antioxidants such as Vitamin E and phytosterols which helps to reduce inflammation very effectively. It is also used to treat skin conditions such as eczema. The babassu oil helps to reduce the redness and inflammation caused by acne or rosacea, bug bites, stings, plant rashes, eczema, chapped, burned and irritated skin.
- Destroys Free Radicals
The babassu oil has the ability to destroy the free radicals which help to prevent the skin conditions caused by free radicals.
- Good for hair
The application of babassu oil on the hair will help to treat split ends. It also helps to treat the damaged and brittle hair by restoring the lost elasticity, making hair glossy and shiny.
- Gives you baby soft lips
Babassu oil makes the lips very soft if it applied with shea butter. It helps to treat the chapped lips.
- Treats Dry scalp
The babassu oil has the acids which help to prevent the dry scalp. This oil works a wonder for those who have non-bacterial dandruff problem. It treats the dandruff by preventing the scalp from being dry. The hair can be washed by mixing oil with shampoo or conditioner.
- Promote healthy nails and cuticles
The babassu oil has Vitamin E which makes the nails healthy and strong. It also helps to make the nail cuticles soft.
- Helps prevent body odor
The babassu oil can treat the body odor problem. To make a homemade deodorant, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 6 table spoons of arrowroot powder and 10-15 drops of essential oils or Babassu oil.
- Improves pet health
Babassu oil can also improve the pet’s health. The babbasu oil if consumed, it improves digestion, dental hygiene, hormonal balance, joint strength and weight management. It also helps to treat dandruff, wounds and irritations, clean their ears.
- Rejuvenate wooden surface
The babassu can be used to extend the life of cutting boards and wooden utensils and prevent the occurrence of microbial growth. Homemade furniture polish can be made by babassu oil and few drops of lemon essential oil.
Storage
The oil should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat. It can be refrigerated after it is opened. Babassu skin and hair products are not meant for consumption.
Beauty oil using Babassu oil
Whipped Babassu Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cups Babassu Oil
- 5 Black Currant oil
- 1 teaspoon Vitamin e oil optional
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients into a bowl and whip together on high speed until light and frothy.
- Pour it into a clean jar and store in the fridge if you live in a warm climate.
- Note: If the Babassu oil is melted first then it will not whip.
Recipe with Babassu Oil
Vegetable Curry with Babassu
Ingredients
- 2 onions
- 3 cloves garlic
- 350 ml vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons Babassu oil
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
- sea salt
- Black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and chop the garlic and onions. Wash and drain the vegetable and cut into bite sized pieces.
- Heat the Babassu oil in a large pan and gently fry the onion and garlic and then add the spices to bring out their flavor. Add the vegetables, one at a time, starting with the things like carrots that take longer to cook.
- Cook for a few minutes without browning. Sprinkle with a bit of sea salt and then add the stock. Add the
Add water if necessary and cover with a lid.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes, until vegetables are just tender.
- Taste and add more salt if necessary and if you want a stronger curry taste, add the lemon juice.
- Serve on rice, millet or couscous.
- Note: If you don’t have Babassu Oil you can use Coconut Oil instead.
Reference:
http://www.wjpsonline.org/view_issue.php?title=Evaluation-of-Babassu-oil-as-skin-moisturizer
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