Walnut oil: benefits and harms

Walnut is a small fruit in a hard shell. It grows on the tree of the same name, which is considered one of the oldest plants on our planet. Researchers find the first mention of it in ancient times. Walnut is a storehouse of various vitamins. Therefore, the use of products derived from it is very common.

The core of such a plant contains a diverse spectrum of micro and macro elements, making this food product unique. The most useful properties are fraught with cold-pressed butter from the walnut kernel.

Composition and calorie content

The rich composition of vegetable oil is widely used in medicine, cooking and cosmetology.

The calorie content of the ether obtained from walnut is high, with a maximum fat content, and is about 45% of the daily dose needed by a person per day. 100 g of ready-to-eat product contains 880.2 kcal. Protein - about 0.6 g, fat - 99 g, and carbohydrates - less than 0.4 g.

The chemical composition of walnut oil is very diverse:

Vitamins, mg (per 100 g)

1. B6 pyridoxine hydrochloride (0.54). Helps the proper metabolism. Several times reduces the risk of clogging of blood vessels and arteries.
2. B9 folic acid (0.008). It takes part in the formation of compounds of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Normalizes the processes in the digestive tract. Prevents miscarriages. Participates in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus. Increases immunity. Synthesizes the hormone of joy, improving the psychological state.
3. B4 choline (0.21). Improves mental abilities, memory, attention. Participates in the restoration of liver cells and the formation of nerve endings. Reduces the risk of diabetes, cholecystitis and pancreatitis. Increases sperm motility.
4. K phylloquinone (0.015). Fat-soluble vitamin, responsible for the metabolic processes of the body. Participates in the synthesis of proteins, while guaranteeing the necessary coagulation of human blood. Phylloquinone in walnut oil promotes the absorption of vitamin D and calcium. Helps relieve cramping.
5. E alpha tocopherol (0.71). Helps the body cells to maintain their shape, prevents thrombosis. Maintains stable proper functioning of the heart muscle, improves potency, normalizes the cycle in women. Tocopherol in walnut oil is a natural oxidant that protects human arteries and fights tumor formations.
6. Vitamin A (0.0021). Retinoid, responsible for the human nervous system, vision and skin, teeth and joints. Vitamin A in walnut oil helps to increase defenses and strengthen the body of both an adult and a child.

Minerals, mg

1. Zinc (3.1). Participates in the renewal of skin cells, helps heal wounds, burns, cuts, improves immunity.
2. Calcium (98.8). It improves the health of teeth and bones, reduces the amount of cholesterol, strengthens the cells of the whole body.
3. Phosphorus (345.9). Provides healthy growth and further proper development of human teeth and bones.
4. Potassium (440). It is involved in maintaining intracellular pressure, providing a balance with sodium.Helps the proper development and functioning of the kidneys, heart, and brain.
5. Magnesium (159). It relieves headaches, stabilizes brain functions, reduces the risk of heart and vascular diseases.

Fatty acids, mg

1. Omega-6 or lenoleic acid (52.9). Responsible for the proper functioning of the cells of the human body. Improves cell membrane membranes, increasing the body's resistance to adverse environmental factors. Facilitates the removal of toxins. Improves heart and lung function, hair and nail growth.
2. Omega-3 or linolenic acid (10.4). Normalizes the balance of fats, participating in the process of cholesterol metabolism. Prevention of atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks.
3. Omega-9 or oleic acid (22.64). The main source of energy. Increases vascular elasticity. Helps in the assimilation of various vitamins.
4. Stearic acid (2). It has protective and skin regenerating properties.
5. Palmitic acid (0.1). Improves the synthesis of elastin, collagen and hyalouranic acid, contributing to the renewal and healing of skin tissues.

Also in the composition is coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) - a natural antioxidant and immunomodulator that slows down the aging process of the body. Phytosterol lowers cholesterol.

Useful properties of walnut oil

Even in ancient times, walnuts and products made from it were considered very useful for most human systems and organs. Herodotus claimed that he gives a lot of strength, both physical and mental.

Walnut oil is rare. It is one of the most unique vegetable oils with unique healing properties. Its use is widespread in different countries and all kinds of spheres of human life.

For women

The use of walnut oil has a beneficial effect on the body of both a young woman and an elderly lady. This is due primarily to the anti-aging properties of the product and the presence of antioxidants in its composition.

1. According to the results of studies, it is stated that women who had walnut oil in their diets looked several years younger than their calendar age. They are less likely to get sick and become depressed.
2. In addition, the components of the oil (folic acid, vitamins K and B4) are involved in the process of proper formation of the neural tube of the fetus and the development of its circulatory system.
3. Vitamins K, E, B9, calcium, magnesium and potassium increase lactation and prevent the development of breast cancer.
4. Phylloquinone allows you to recover from childbirth by improving blood coagulation, preventing large losses.
5. Iron and vitamin B9 as part of vegetable oil are prophylactic components of iron deficiency anemia.
6. The complex of vitamin and mineral components of the product improves the woman’s skin, strengthens and heals her hair.

For men

It is equally important to consume oil saturated with fatty acids, and men. Even Avicenna discovered the life-giving force of this product for representatives of a strong half of humanity. This is due to the presence in the product of zinc, magnesium and potassium, which are part of the hormone testosterone. This hormone is responsible for both potency and the acceleration of sperm movement. In addition, the healing and anti-inflammatory components of the product reduce the risk of infections of the urogenital area in men, improve potency.

Walnut oil reduces the body's toxic reactions with tobacco and alcohol.

During pregnancy

Although the components of walnut oil can relieve spasms, have anti-inflammatory effects, improve metabolic processes in the body of a pregnant woman, it is recommended to use it only in the first trimester. It is during this period that the product can help in the formation of the nervous and circulatory systems of the unborn child, and also reduce the risk of miscarriage.

In the 2nd and 3rd trimester, oil is recommended to be consumed only a few drops per day. Plus, you should pay attention to the high calorie content of the product. This is highly undesirable for a pregnant woman.

When breastfeeding

Walnut oil is several times able to increase lactation. Therefore, it is always recommended for nursing mothers. But you should be careful in taking this supplement, since it is highly allergenic. In this case, allergies can occur after a few weeks (cumulative). It is not recommended to use vegetable oil and mothers of babies with colic in the intestine and increased gas formation.

In the absence of any reactions to the life-giving product, the oil that enters the newborn’s body through breast milk will strengthen its immunity, optimize the circulatory system, increase hemoglobin and improve mood.

It is possible to apply oil while breastfeeding externally, rubbing the nipples into the cracks.

For kids

1. Vegetable oil from Voloshsky nut is recommended for children with weak immunity, brittle hair and teeth, and underdeveloped vision.
2. The use of this product is recommended by pediatric gastroenterologists for the prevention and treatment of constipation, colitis and dysbiosis of various etiologies.
3. Pediatricians prescribe the drug to children with poor blood coagulation.

When losing weight

Despite the high calorific value, walnut oil is used to reduce weight. Squeezing from walnut kernels contains all the necessary elements to improve metabolic processes in the body.

Inside, oil is recommended to be taken as a dietary supplement for 1 tbsp. 20 minutes before meals 2 times a day. Thus, metabolic, fat-burning processes in the body are activated, the intestine absorbs all the vitamins and minerals of the product. It gives strength and gives life energy to a person on a diet.

Also, oil can be added to various dishes in the form of dressing. Allowable amount - up to 2 tbsp. per day.

Oil from walnut kernels is often used externally, for example, for anti-cellulite massage.

Walnut oil in medicine

Walnut oil is widely used in medicine.

Abdominal organs, digestive tract:

• restores liver cells;
• promotes the healing of stomach and intestinal ulcers;
• improves bile secretion;
• cleanses the bile ducts;
• reduces the acidity of the stomach.

Heart, blood vessels and blood:

• reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks in humans;
• strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
• increases blood coagulability;
• lowers cholesterol;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• participates in the process of blood formation.

Nervous system and brain:

• improves memory and attention;
• normalizes sleep processes;
• increases the elasticity of cerebral vessels;
• soothing;
• increases efficiency.

Pelvic organs and kidneys:

• strengthens the walls of the renal pelvis;
• removes excess fluid;
• reduces cramping during menstruation;
• improves sperm speed;
• strengthens the prostate.

The chemical composition of walnut oil also helps fight cancer, is indispensable in the treatment of tuberculosis. The regenerating properties of the product have found application in burn centers and dermatology.

Wound Healing Recipe

In a deep bowl, mix 1 tbsp. liquid honey (if sugar is used, it must first be melted in a water bath) and 3 tbsp. vegetable oil. Moisten a cotton pad in the mixture and simply attach to the damaged area. Honey will disinfect the wound, and oil will help quick healing.

Recipe for increased health, memory and attention

Mix equal amounts of walnut oil, hazelnut oil and sesame seeds, add thick honey. Stir the mixture. You should get a thick mass of sweet taste. Take 1 tsp before bedtime.

Recipe for strengthening and elasticity of blood vessels

3 tbsp. Walnut ether + 3 tbsp. immortelle tinctures + 3 tablespoons decoction of dandelion root. Take a solution of 1 tsp. 3 times a day.

With diabetes

The use of drugs based on walnut oil and a pure agent in the treatment of endocrine diseases, including diabetes, is common.The high content of omega acids and vitamin E make this product necessary for people suffering from this disease. The content of zinc and magnesium in it allows you to normalize the level of sugar in human blood. The glycemic index of walnut oil is 14, which allows it to be used both in nutrition and in the treatment of ailment.

It is recommended to take oil for 1 tbsp. before bedtime.

With pancreatitis

Unlike walnuts themselves, which are prohibited for use in chronic and acute pancreatitis, oil from this fruit is recommended for the treatment of the disease.

• it improves metabolism, accelerates the release of bile, making ducts elastic;
• oil relieves inflammation of the pancreas;
• vitamins, minerals and coenzyme allow the patient to recover faster.

With this disease, doctors recommend consuming oil 3 times a day half an hour before meals.

For the treatment of pancreatitis, it is necessary to prepare the following solution: 1 tbsp. walnut oil, 2 tbsp decoction of chamomile pharmacy, 1 tbsp. from a decoction of peppermint. Heat the solution in a water bath without boiling. Cool and take on an empty stomach in the morning and before bedtime.

For constipation

This is an indispensable tool to deal with a delicate problem. Walnut oil envelops the intestinal walls, making them elastic and resilient, which improves its peristalsis. Therefore, it is recommended to use it for 1 tsp. on an empty stomach in the morning, 1 hour before meals, until the process is restored.

Walnut oil in cosmetology

One of the most common in cosmetology is walnut oil. This is due to its high content of non-fatty acids and coenzyme Q10, which have healing and anti-aging effects.

For face

Moisturizing, nourishing and toning the skin occurs after applying masks, which are based on walnut oil. It helps moisturize the face, while saturating it with vitamins, which are well absorbed inside.

1. Recipe 1. After evening washing, it is necessary to apply a few drops of oil on a dry face with a cotton pad, rub it into the skin with light, massaging movements. Leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a towel. This procedure will not only improve the complexion, but also moisturize it and heal small wounds.
2. Recipe 2. In 1 tbsp. oil add 5 tbsp. strong broth of chamomile, 5 tablespoons decoction of oak bark and 1 drop of lemon juice. Moisten cotton pads with the resulting and carefully filtered solution and spread them over the face, paying attention to the area around the eyes. Leave the mask for 10-15 minutes. After that, wash with cold water and pat your face with a towel. The procedure is done before bedtime once a week. Such a mask smoothes expression wrinkles, evens out skin color, heals microcracks and eliminates age spots.
3. Recipe 3. Grate two medium cucumbers in a deep bowl, add 2 tsp to the mixture. peanut butter and mix everything thoroughly. Spread the gruel on the face in the form of a mask for 20 minutes. After time, remove the mixture from the face with cotton pads. Do not flush. Such a mask will replace a nourishing night cream. You can apply it up to 3 times a week.
4. Recipe 4. 3 tbsp dilute honey 3 tbsp. walnut oil. Steam your face. Apply a thin layer of the mixture on the face with a wooden spatula. Leave on for 30-40 minutes. Rinse with warm running water. Blot with a soft towel. Such a mask deeply moisturizes the skin, relieves inflammation, improves its color and elasticity. The anti-aging effect will be visible after the first use of the mask. Use once every 2 weeks.
5. Recipe 5. 1 tsp ginger gruel, 1 tbsp ether from walnut and 3 tablespoons mix cucumber juice in a non-metal container. Use the solution as a moisturizing tonic, apply with light movements, as if wiping the skin of the face. You can use this recipe once a month.

For hair

Masks with walnut oil help strengthen and repair damaged hair. They are best suited for very dry and brittle hair. Oil masks relieve inflammation of the scalp and hair follicles, heal wounds and relieve dandruff.Moreover, fatty acids give strength and shine to any type of hair.

1. Recipe 1. Before each shampoo, intensively rub walnut oil into the skin in a circular motion, leaving such a mask for 10-15 minutes, wrapping your head in a towel, creating a greenhouse effect. After that, rinse the oil with warm water and wash your hair as usual. You may need to repeat the washing procedure a second time. Such a mask activates hair growth, healing and moisturizing the scalp, thereby eliminating dandruff.
2. Recipe 2. In a deep cup add 1 tbsp. walnut oil and 5 tbsp cucumber juice, add honey. Heat the resulting mixture in a water bath without bringing to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon to the solution. shampoo. Apply to hair, wrap head with cling film and a towel, leave for 30 minutes. Wash off the mask and wash your hair in the usual way. Such nutrition for hair and scalp will have a beneficial effect on strengthening hair follicles, relieve itching and inflammation of problem areas, and also protect hair from drying out.
3. Recipe 3. Mix oil with shampoo. Wash your hair with this mixture daily for a week. This procedure will strengthen the hair, create a protective film, get rid of split ends and save from ultraviolet rays. In addition, the curls will become more docile and shiny.

For Tan

To tan evenly and stay until autumn, beauticians recommend the use of walnut oil before sunbathing. When using oil in a solarium or on the beach, the secretion of melanin is activated, due to which the skin becomes darker, acquiring a bronze tint. In addition, such a cream protects the skin from overheating and burning, moisturizes it, nourishes vitamins and minerals.

1. A tan recipe. To get a bright tan of 5 tbsp during the holidays walnut ether add 1 drop of tea tree oil, 1 drop of lavender oil and tea rose oil. To apply such a tanning cream is necessary without the use of cotton or gauze disks. So the drug will lie evenly without oversaturated the skin.
2. Recipe after tanning. To soothe and cool the skin after sunbathing, walnut oil must be mixed with 2 drops of orange juice, cool and then apply. After 30 minutes, take a contrast shower without using soap or gels.

Cooking use

Walnut oil is used in the culinary traditions of the countries where the plant grows. This is the Balkan Peninsula, the Mediterranean. Eastern and Caucasian cuisines also use it very often:

• in salads and cold snacks;
• dressings and cold sauces for pasta or pizza;
• marinades for poultry and fish;
• pies and cakes.

Among the most famous dishes using walnut ether are Caucasian mamalyga, French vinaigrette, Italian pizza with arugula and walnut oil, Neapolitan walnut paste, Georgian salad with green beans.

Do not forget that the nutty taste in oil is quite pronounced, so when adding it to dishes, it is worth observing the proportions so that the taste of the main product does not disappear.

Is it possible to fry walnut oil

It is important to note that when heated, walnut oil acquires a bitter aftertaste, while the nutritional properties of the product deteriorate. Therefore, its use for frying is not common.

Some cooks still use a mixture for frying meat and fish, which includes walnut oil.

Harm and contraindications

Walnut oil has bright healing properties, but there are still contraindications to its use. Neglecting them can cause serious harm to your body.

1. Individual intolerance.Nuts of any kind can cause allergies. Therefore, it is worth taking oil with caution, and best of all, gradually, following the reaction of the body.
2. Acute diseases are also a contraindication to the use of such a remedy, since a weakened body does not always adequately respond to high-calorie foods. This is especially true of peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage.
3. Severe poisoning, nausea and vomiting are a contraindication to the use of oil.
4. It is worthwhile to refuse to take walnut oil for people with high blood coagulability, since phylloquinone in the composition of the drug increases this function of the circulatory system.
5. An elevated temperature of unknown etiology is the reason for the refusal to use the drug until its occurrence is clarified.

Particular attention should be paid to the therapeutic use of oil in preschool children. An unformed child's body can unpredictably respond to the medicinal properties of the product. Therefore, before using it, consult a pediatrician.

How to choose and store walnut oil

To choose the right walnut oil, you need to check it according to several criteria.

• Color - from light yellow to amber, transparent.
• The smell is bright nutty.
• The consistency is thick, viscous.
• Sludge - light natural.
• Composition - 100% squeeze from walnut kernels.

When choosing a product, you should pay attention to its price. 100 ml of a useful substance costs about 500 rubles. If the price is underestimated, the likelihood that the product is diluted increases.

Oil can be stored at a temperature not exceeding 20 degrees. The container in which it is located should be glass. It is best to store it in a dark place. The shelf life of industrial unrefined walnut oil in a closed form is up to 6 months. Self-prepared oil is stored for no more than 3 months.

How to take walnut oil

The use of walnut oil is diverse.

Inside

1. The intake of this vegetable fat can be carried out directly through dishes by adding it to salads, soups or snacks.
2. For preventive and therapeutic purposes, a medicinal product should be taken after consultation with a doctor.
3. Most often, adults are prescribed 1 tsp. half an hour before meals 2 times a day.
4. To normalize digestion, the oil is applied in the morning on an empty stomach, 1 tbsp.
5. To cleanse the liver, kidneys and other organs and systems, 1 tablespoon is prescribed. oil before going to bed.

Caution is prescribed for children. Since nuts and their derivatives are highly allergenic products, it is worth starting the intake with 1 drop after breakfast. Gradually, you need to increase the dose to 3 drops 2-3 times a day (in the absence of an allergic reaction).

Children under 5 years can take up to 5 drops at bedtime, from 5 to 10 - 10 drops, over 10 years - 1 tsp. at bedtime.

Outdoor application

Rub the oil into damaged, dry skin with light movements, do not rinse.

Like many drugs, walnut oil should be taken in courses, intermittently.

One of the most common treatment regimens for this product looks like this.

Monthly intake:

• 1 week - 1 tbsp each on an empty stomach in the morning.
• 2 weeks - 1 tsp. 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
• 3 weeks - 1 tsp each 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
• 4 weeks - 1 tbsp. 2 hours before bedtime.

This is followed by a 1 month break, after which you can repeat the course again. It is possible to use no more than 4 courses per year.

How to make walnut oil

Walnut oil is a rather rare product, and also very expensive. But you can cook it in various ways.

In production

Cold pressed
Most walnut oil producers use a press.At the same time, walnut kernels are peeled and no longer processed. There is a squeezing of them. Thus, unrefined cold-pressed oil is obtained. It is the most useful, since it does not heat up and does not lose its beneficial properties.

In Mediterranean countries, where hazel is grown in whole gardens, eco-friendly walnut oil is produced using special wooden mortar presses. Such a production helps to obtain the highest class oil, since each drop of a unique product is in contact only with a tree.

In modern mass production, metal presses are used, therefore, during squeezing, some oxidation of the product occurs, which reduces its storage time.

Hot spin
In some cases, to give the caramel nut taste to the oil, the kernels are fried and only then put under the press, squeezing a useful and nutritious product. This method is called hot pressing and is rarely used.

Home production

At home, you can also make several varieties of walnut oil.

The most common of them is the preliminary grinding of the kernels in a meat grinder, and then in a blender to a fine substance. A few tablespoons of vegetable oil are added to the resulting mass, wrapped in 3 layers of gauze and squeezed homemade nutty potion. The resulting oil is stored for no more than 3 months in a dark place.

Some housewives make butter nut butter. The kernels crushed in a blender are mixed with butter. Beat the resulting mass for about 15 minutes at medium speed, obtaining a lush, pasty product. It is added to tartlet fillings, meat sauces, as well as creams for cakes.

Interesting facts about walnuts

Walnut is unique not only for its nutritional component, but also for historical facts and legends.

Voloshsky nutlet
Many walnut botanists call Voloshsky. The history of such a nickname comes down to the Romance peoples who called the Volokh. Some sources claim that the oldest finds of this plant were found precisely in the possessions of the Volokhs. Hence the name Voloshsky nut.

Not a nut
Many people are mistaken, considering a walnut to be a nut. In fact, it is a strong spherical bone (drupes) with several partitions and a core inside.

Not from greece
One of the erroneous allegations is that the name "walnut" occurred precisely because of the historical homeland of this plant - Greece. This is completely wrong. Historians point to Persian origin, although archaeologists have noted that traces of walnuts were found in both India and China.

The Greeks themselves called the bones a Persian nut, and the Persians, believing in their magical power, called the kernels the king nut. But the name "Greek" nut originates in Italy, when it was the Greeks who brought this fruit to a Mediterranean country.

In Russia, the word "Greek" did not take root. He was reduced to a convenient "Greek." This name of the nut began to spread.

The legend of Caria
Many researchers associate the name "walnut" with the legends of Greece. There is a belief that the walnut tree is the beloved of the god Dionysus, the daughter of King Laconia, who died. Loving and heartbroken Dionysus turned her into a tree. Since then, the word "hazel" the ancient Greeks began to call "nut" or "hazel". This tree was considered a sacred protector.

Amazing properties
In ancient times, more than 8000 years ago (the approximate date of the origin of the walnut), ancient people learned about the unique properties of this plant. In ancient Persia, the nut was called "royal." Only kings could eat it. Thanks to beneficial effects on the brain, he relieved headaches, added strength, helped to recover quickly after an illness, and concentrated.The servants were by no means allowed to eat such a product, so that they would not become smarter and not make a coup.

Sacred Plant
Currently, residents of the Caucasus consider walnut a sacred tree. In cities and villages you can see trees that are more than 400 years old.

It is believed that walnut is the oldest cultivated plant.

Thus, it can be stated with certainty that walnut kernel oil has a whole range of healing properties. Its use in various areas of human life is justified by nutritional and regenerative characteristics. But do not forget that any food supplement can cause great harm if it is used incorrectly. Before using the product, consult a specialist.

Walnut Oil Photo