Generality
What is almond oil?
Almond oil is extracted by pressing the seeds produced by the homonymous plant (the almond tree).
Food grade almond oil is called " sweet almond oil " (or simply almond oil) and is obtained mainly from the seeds of Prunus dulcis ; other non-food products are instead produced with bitter almonds (even of different plants compared to P. amygdalus, such as apricot or peach).
If not otherwise specified, the wording "almond oil" means that of sweet almonds.
Note : "almond" is a term commonly used also to indicate all the seeds of the same type, or the achenes from the characteristic form.
Description
At the sight, almond oil is recognized for its clear appearance and pale yellow color; the viscosity is more or less the same (slightly lower) than that of extra virgin olive oil.
The smell and taste of sweet almond oil are delicate and distinctly recall the main ingredient.
Oleum amygdalae
The amygdalae oleum (ancient Latin name) is a fixed oil (glyceryl oleate) with a smell and taste vaguely reminiscent of hazelnut. It is almost insoluble in alcohol, but easily soluble in chloroform or ether.
Extraction
Almonds are oily fruits that contain up to 50% of lipids estimated on the dry substance (water free).
Oily extraction from almonds has a yield that averages between 40 and 60% of the total weight.
Almond oil is obtained by cold pressing, since it rancid easily, especially when exposed to light and heat.
Cosmetic Uses
Almond oil in cosmetics and dermatology
Sweet almond oil is mainly used in cosmetics and dermatology as an emollient - protective of the skin, in preparations with a moisturizing, anti-itching action and against burns.
Spread on the skin, thanks to its particular acidic composition, almond oil integrates very well with the hydro-lipid film, preventing the evaporation of the cutaneous water. It therefore has moisturizing properties, ideal for dry skin and - in the form of a pack to leave on about twenty minutes before shampooing - for dry hair.
Its elasticising properties make sweet almond oil an excellent ally against stretch marks, including those that are pregnant; for this purpose, it must be applied - with aims that are not so curative, but rather preventive - on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, hips and breast.
From the earliest days of life, sweet almond oil is particularly suitable as a massage oil.
To learn more: sweet almond oil in cosmetics
Almond oil online
A 100% pure sweet almond oil is available online. The product is pressed, extracted from the ripe fruit of almonds and refined.
Rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, sweet almond oil can be used to massage the body, as a facial cleanser and as a make-up remover, to nourish and soften hair and to make eyelashes and eyebrows thicker and healthier.
Finally it can be used as a salad dressing, for cooking, frying and preparing sauces.
Alternatively, you can opt for a sweet almond vegetable oil, obtained from the seeds by cold pressing.
Sweet almond is an excellent emollient, known for its ability to soften and nourish the skin. Rich in protein and vitamin D, almond oil is versatile and extremely nutritious, particularly when used regularly. It contains linoleic acid and is indicated to relieve skin dryness and irritation.
If stored correctly, in a cool place away from direct sunlight, it can be used for six months / a year.
Nutritional Properties
Almond oil as a food
Almond oil contains:
- 32% of oleic acid, the famous monounsaturated omega 9 extra virgin olive oil
- 13% linoleic acid, omega 6 polyunsaturated essential type (precursor of all other omega 6)
- 5% saturated fatty acids.
Alpha-linolenic acid is not present, an essential omega-3 polyunsaturated that, although in smaller quantities (ratio 1: 4), should compensate for the levels of omega-6.
Also thanks to artificial addition, almond oil is a rich source of vitamin E, and provides (for 100 ml) 261% of the daily value.
| Sweet Almond Oil | ||
| Nutritional Values per 100 g | ||
| Power | 885 kcal | |
| Grassi | 50 g | |
| Saturated | 5 g | |
| Monounsaturated | 31.6 g | |
| polyunsaturated | 15 g | |
| Omega 3 | 0 g | |
| Omega 6 | 12.6 g | |
| Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin E | 39.2 mg | 261% |
| Vitamin K | 7.0 μg | 7% |
| Minerals | ||
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% |
Almond Butter
Easy to prepare at home, it is an excellent alternative to the more well-known peanut butter: you can spread it on bread, use it to prepare desserts or to cream risotto.
Almond Butter
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For internal use, almond oil is sometimes recommended as a remedy for functional constipation in infants (1-2 teaspoons) and produces a mild laxative effect even in adults.
Popular tradition recommends almond oil also for the treatment of bronchitis, cough, heartburn and kidney, bladder and biliary disorders.
In summer, almond oil should be placed in the refrigerator and stored in dark glass bottles to ensure fat integrity.
| Typical acidic composition (%) of sweet almond oil | |
| Oleic acid | 62-86 |
| Linoleic acid | 20-30 |
| Palmitic acid | 4-9 |
| Stearic acid | <3 |
| A-linolenic acid | <0.4 |
| Palmitoleic acid | <0.6 |
| Arachidic acid | <0.2 |
Other uses of almond oil
Almond oil can also be used as a conditioner for the wood of some musical instruments such as the oboe and the clarinet.
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