Walnut oil, extracted from the nuts of the Juglans regia tree, is a versatile and nutrient-rich oil that offers a vast array of benefits for skin, hair, and overall health. With its distinct nutty flavor and numerous therapeutic properties, walnut oil has been used for centuries in various cultures. The primary components of walnut oil encompass fatty acids, phenols, sterols, squalene, melatonin, vitamins, and minerals. Walnut oil has demonstrated a diverse range of health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic activities bly indicating that it is a valuable resource with numerous health-enhancing properties. [1]
Charaka has referenced the inclusion of Akshotaka in the formulation of Sathavar Sneha Ashaya, alongside other ingredients like Tila, Priyala, and Abhishuka. Furthermore, Charaka’s description of Akshotaka highlights its warm potency, heavy and unctuous qualities, sweet taste, and its effects on increasing Kapha and Pitta, pacifying Vata, promoting strength, and enhancing muscle and semen production. [8]
Acharya Sushruta’s writings describe Akshota within the category of Taila Varga. Akshotak Taila, as mentioned, is characterized by a sweet aftertaste (Madhura Vipaka), cooling potency (Sheeta Veerya), and its ability to alleviate Vata and Pitta imbalances. Sushruta also elaborates on Akshotaka’s properties, including its role in promoting urinary excretion (Mutra Utsarga) and supporting digestive fire (Agni Avsadaka). [8]
In this article, we will learn about the 15 amazing walnut oil benefits and how it can be used in your daily routine for improved well-being.
Top Benefits of Walnut Oil for Skin, Hair and Health
- Helps with Sunburn:
Walnut oil benefits as it can help alleviate sunburn. Its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties can soothe sun-damaged skin, reduce redness, and prevent peeling. [3]
- Moisturizes and Nourishes Skin:
Walnut oil is high in essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3, which help to moisturize and nourish the skin. When applied topically, the oil penetrates deep into the skin, providing hydration and preventing dryness, flakiness, skin ulcers, and itching, adding to the walnut oil benefits. [3]
- Anti-Aging Properties:
Walnut oil benefits the skin because it is loaded with plentiful antioxidants such as vitamins A and E, which combat the free radicals responsible for premature aging. Regular application of walnut oil can help reduce the aging symptoms and signs, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. [5]
- Promotes Healthy Complexion:
The oil’s high amounts of essential fatty acids and, in particular, linoleic and linolenic acids content can improve skin health, enhancing the complexion and further adding to the walnut oil benefits. It helps reduce blemishes, redness, and irritation, leaving the skin more radiant and youthful. [5]
- Treats Skin Conditions:
Walnut oil benefits also include its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be effective in soothing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, reducing redness, itchiness, and irritation. [7]
- Prevents Dandruff:
One of the main walnut oil benefits for hair is due to its antifungal properties that make it an effective remedy for dandruff and dry scalp. Regular application can help soothe and hydrate the scalp, reducing dandruff flakes and blisters. [3]
- Heart Health:
The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in walnut oil are heart-healthy. They can lower the possibilities of heart disease by causing a drop in the bad cholesterol levels and improving overall cardiovascular health. [1]
- Weight Management:
Including walnut oil in the diet can add to walnut oil benefits as it can aid in weight management. It contains vital fatty acids that help in controlling appetite, and they do not increase the risk of obesity when replacing other foods in the diet. [6]
- Brain Function:
The fatty acids in walnut oil are essential for brain health and cognitive function. Regular consumption can enhance memory and concentration and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, thus adding to the walnut oil benefits for the brain. [1]
- Nutritional Value:
Walnut oil’s chemical makeup consists of a range of bioactive compounds such as phenols, sterols, squalene, melatonin, vitamins, and minerals. These bioactive constituents are of considerable significance due to their ability to promote health. They provide a range of benefits for your health, including antioxidative, antitumor, and cholesterol-lowering properties. [1]
- Antidiabetic
Walnut oil has a significant role in the prevention of diabetes owing to its abundant unsaturated fatty acid content. [2]
- Digestive Health:
Walnut oil is gentle on the digestive system and can aid in preventing constipation. The amount of oleic acid present in walnut oil can be used to promote healthy digestion and alleviate digestive issues. [5]
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
The anti-inflammatory properties of walnut oil can help lower the rate of inflammation in the body, which is linked to various chronic diseases. It may offer relief from conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. [3]
- Anti-cancer Properties:
Numerous bioactive compounds are found in walnut oil that are known for their robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help combat cellular stressors potentially linked to cancer. These dietary agents comprise omega-3 fatty acids, tocopherol, phytosterols, folate, and polyphenols. [4]
- Improves PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is frequently linked to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and heightened inflammation. Intake of walnut oil can result in the reduction in LDL cholesterol while also enhancing insulin responsiveness and elevating sex hormone-binding globulin levels. [6]
FAQs
1. Do the walnut oil benefits include an anti-stress activity?
Yes, a diet rich in walnut oil can help the body fight stress much more effectively and thus reduce stress-induced blood pressure. [7]
2. Are there any side effects of walnut oil?
While walnut oil offers numerous benefits, it is essential to use it in moderation. Excessive consumption can lead to an overdose of omega-3 fatty acids, which may cause digestive issues. Apart from this, if you have a nut allergy, it is crucial to avoid walnut oil to prevent any adverse reactions.
3. What is the prescribed dose of walnut oil?
The dosage is not a uniform measure applicable to all individuals. It varies depending on factors like one’s constitution (Prakriti), time (Kala), location (Desha), body composition (Sara), and overall health (Samhanana). Therefore, for experimental purposes, a standard dosage is often employed. It is essential to have a precise understanding of the correct dosage to achieve the desired outcomes, as an excessive dose may lead to adverse effects. In contrast, an insufficient dose may prove ineffective. Traditional experts have emphasized the importance of considering factors such as the individual’s Doshic balance (Doshas), digestive capacity (Agni), strength (Bala), age (Vaya), health conditions (Vyadhi), the nature of the substance (Dravya), and the state of the gastrointestinal tract (Koshtha) when determining the appropriate dosage. [8]
Conclusion
Walnut oil is a multi-purpose product that can enhance your skin, hair, and overall health. Its natural properties, including its richness in essential nutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats, make it a valuable addition to your daily routine. Whether you use it topically or incorporate it into your diet, walnut oil benefits can work wonders for your well-being.
Disclaimer:
This article is written from a health and wellness perspective and is not medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a certified medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.
References:
- Research progress on Walnut oil: Bioactive compounds, health benefits, extraction methods, and medicinal uses
- Nutritional Composition and Health Benefits of Walnut and its Products
- Institutional Repository of the Technical University of Moldova
- A Review on the Potential Human Health Benefits of the Black Walnut: A Comparison with the English Walnuts and Other Tree Nuts
- Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of walnut oil
- Nutritional and health benefits of walnuts
- Walnut: Not a Hard Nut to Crack
- AKSHOTAKA HERB USED IN ANCIENT INDIAN MEDICINE- LITERARY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW
