Benefits of Walnut Oil

In this article, we’ll be discussing the benefits of walnut oil. This oil, extracted through cold pressing techniques, is one of the most expensive oils around. But what makes this oil so special?

Walnut oil, one of the expensive natural oils on the market, is derived from walnuts, which are scientifically known as Juglans regia. Walnut oil has gained much popularity around the world and is cultivated in many countries including the United States. Both types of walnut oil contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, particularly linoleic, gamma-linolenic and oleic acids. These fats act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They are identified as healthy forms of fat, as a result of their quick energy conversion and other benefits.

It Reduces the Development of Atherosclerotic Plaques

Atherosclerotic plaque is caused by insulin function, bad cholesterol, high fat intake, and inflammatory processes, all in response to a vascular injury. Walnut oil, rich in cholesterol-free monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, lowers the levels of all these deposits.

It Manages Blood Sugar

This applies to people who are diabetic, and those who aren’t. Meals that contain fat decelerate the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, thereby reducing insulin increase. What’s more? Walnut oil has stimulating actions on the pancreas to increase insulin synthesis in cases that the islet cells of the pancreas don’t produce insulin when due.

It Manages Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a severe auto-immune disease that causes accelerated skin turnover that appears as patchy scaly areas of skin. Walnut oil soothes the itching that comes with psoriasis. You may apply walnut oil at night and wash off in the morning for more effectiveness.

It Improves Brain Functions

Walnut oil enhances the flow of blood to the brain. It helps in memory retention and handling of cognitive skills even in old age.

Eliminating Insomnia

Walnut oil is a rich source of melatonin, a neurotransmitter chemical that is responsible for the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle in humans. Melatonin combats the effects of cortisol, a stress hormone, which prevents sleep.

It Prevents Hair Loss

Walnut oil contains some amounts of potassium. When applied topically to the scalp, this oil enhances the flow of blood to hair follicles.
A deficiency in nutrients and oxygen is the major cause of hair loss. Its hydrating property prevents scalp disorders that affect hair growth.

It Prevents Wrinkles

Walnut oil is rich in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant nutrient that nourishes the skin. It also keeps skin hydrated, and reduces cracking and risks of infections getting into the skin to cause structural degradation.

Promotes Bone Health

Walnut oil is a source of vitamin K, one vitamin that ensures proper bone mineralization. Bone mineralization is the deposition of essential minerals into the bone matrix for assured strength and longevity. This results in the prevention of fractures, breaks, and osteoporosis.

It Improves Male Fertility

Walnut oil enables stronger erection and is reliable for sperm count boost, improving their motility, and even overall shape. Abnormally shaped sperm have a lower possibility of penetrating and fusing with the female egg. They also have lower chances of survival as they trip down the cervix.

May Reduce Cancer Risk

Walnut oil has a way of working on genes that may increase one’s risk of developing cancer, to an extent which one level of cancer risk drops.

Fewer Migraine Attacks

Walnut oil has got some magnesium. This mineral prevents and treats migraine attacks. People who consume adequate levels of magnesium experience fewer migraine attacks than those who don’t. And for those who do, it’s not as severe. Magnesium is also beneficial for bone regulation and blood vessel health.

Walnut Facts!

• Walnuts date back to 10,000 BC. They’re one of the oldest around.
• English walnuts, also known as Persian walnuts, was first found in Central Asia and were introduced to California in the 1700s.
• 99% of the commercial supply in the U.S. and 3/4 of the world trade of walnuts come from California.
• The Greeks called walnuts “karyon,” meaning “head,” because the shell looks like a human skull, and the walnut kernel looks like a brain.
• Walnuts have been included in salad recipes since the 17th century.
• Walnuts are only harvested once a year, between September and November.
• There are more than 30 varieties of commercially produced walnuts.
• Due to high amounts of oils in the kernel, walnut becomes rancid after its exposed to air.
• Compounds extracted from the leaves of the walnut tree can improve the function of the liver and the kidney, and reduce blood sugar level.
• Walnut shells are used in the production of glues, grit paper, plastics, and cleaning products.
• Walnut trees are between 40 to 60 feet in height.
• The bark of a walnut tree is smooth and greenish-brown when the tree is young. It, however, gets grey and covered with fissures when the tree grows old.
• Walnut trees have feathery leaves that consist of 5 to 9 alternately arranged leaflets.
• Walnut trees have strong and deep taproots that produce chemicals, specifically called juglones, which prevent the growth of other plants anywhere around the tree.
• The tree’s male flowers are arranged in drooping catkins, while its female flowers are short and spiky. They’re arranged in clusters that consist of 2 to 5 individual flowers.
• The flowers of the walnut tree can be cross or self-pollinated.

• Put the cooked walnut meat in the oil press and press the walnuts to squeeze out the oil. Ensure a bowl is under the oil press to collect the oil. Continue this process until all of the meat has been pressed.
• Use a cheesecloth to filter the walnut oil.

Side Effects of Walnut Oil

There aren`t many side effects of walnut oil, and the ones that exist can be managed after some consultations with a doctor. Usually, when used in moderation, walnut oil does not give issues. We will take a quick look at these side effects.

Blood Sugar

Even as walnut oil can is great for diabetic patients and people at a high risk of diabetes, it can also cause dangerously low levels of blood sugar if it is used with certain drugs. Diabetic patients should use this oil in their meals with caution, and/or medical consultation.

Skin Inflammation

Just as some other powerful concentrated oil, walnut oil may cause skin irritation when used topically for cosmetic or medicinal purposes. It is advised that you only apply a small amount to a patch of skin and wait a few hours to see if there`s a negative reaction, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

Stomach Upset

The internal use of walnut oil has been proven to be absolutely safe, however, it is much potent, and can cause an inflammatory response in the gut. This may cause a stomach upset, cramping, bloating, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. People who experience this may need to stick with the topical applications.

Heart Health

The blood pressure-lowering effects of walnut oil can cause complications with other hypertension medications. So before using this oil, speak with your doctor.