Argan, avocado and walnuts: discover all the benefits of oils for your health
Just like proteins and carbohydrates, fats are necessary for our diet, the important thing is to know which and how many to eat. For example, the fats contained in some oils can bring numerous benefits to our body.
- · How can I use them?
- Pumpkin seed oil
- · Walnut oil
- · Argan oil
- Avocado oil
- · Coconut oil
Studies have shown that certain types of oils can help reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and prevent a whole host of inflammatory diseases. But that's not all, some oils, such as argan and coconut oils are famous for their hair and skin benefits.
See also
Aromatherapy: the incredible properties of essential oils for your well-being
First of all it is good to know that the best fats for our well-being and our health are monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and saturated essential fatty acids.
Monounsaturated fats can be found in many delicious plant-based oils such as avocado. While antioxidants and healthy fats can be found in pumpkin, walnut, almond and hazelnut oils.
Bad fats are found in palm oil, soybean oil and even margarine! This is because they are hydrogenated (or partially hydrogenated) oils, which are extra-saturated and consequently can raise bad cholesterol and lead to lower cholesterol. good, thus also increasing the risk of heart disease.So, even though they may seem harmless, it is best to stay well away.
How can I use them?
It all depends on which oils you have available! Here are some examples:
- To dress the salad
- Add a few drops to soup or vegetables
- Argan oil perfect for the skin
- Avocado oil for cooking
- Coconut oil is ideal for cooking, especially at high temperatures
Seen? They are not just great for cooking!
A little tip: make sure you keep your oils at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Inside a wall unit or on a high shelf in the kitchen, for example, they are the ideal solutions for storing them.
From rich hazelnut oil to buttery avocado oil, here's everything you need to know.
Pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin is not only excellent baked in the oven or as the protagonist of hot risottos, pumpkin oil is actually an excellent nutrient with a high content of zinc, natural phytoestrogens, antioxidants, healthy fats and fibers.
Pumpkin seed oil is a great source of magnesium, essential for some vital physiological functions, including the creation of ATP, the synthesis of RNA and DNA, for the heart, the proper formation of bones and teeth, the relaxation of blood vessels and proper bowel function.
The high zinc content is another great advantage. In fact it is important for immunity, cell health, sleep, mood, sense of taste and smell, eyes and skin health. , for insulin regulation and male sexual function. Impressive how many things it can do for our health, right?
Research has also shown that people with a diet rich in pumpkin seeds are less likely to develop gastric, breast, lung and colorectal cancer.
And most impressive is that pumpkin seeds and their oils are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts to serotonin, which is then converted to melatonin thus helping you sleep better.
Use pumpkin seed oil as a condiment, to garnish soups, vegetables or as a substitute for butter. It's delicious, you'll love it.
Walnut oil
Walnut oil is definitely one of the oils that can bring the most benefits to our health.
Numerous medical studies have shown that this oil is an "important source of antioxidants, such as ellagic acid which appears to inhibit the proliferation of cancerous cells." In addition, the high content of omega-3 oils provides protection for the heart, while phytochemicals protect us from various diseases and keep skin, bones and our immune system healthy.
Despite being an excellent choice for cooking, walnut oil is also famous for its therapeutic benefits for the skin. In fact it is often used as a base and in combination with other essential oils.
Its emollient, soothing and refreshing qualities are ideal for moisturizing, fighting wrinkles and protecting the skin from infections. Perfect for a localized application to combat certain skin diseases such as psoriasis or dry skin.
This oil has such a mild flavor that it goes great with any recipe, use it for cooking or as a condiment.
Argan oil
Argan oil is one of those toccasionana which we often hear about. And, while most of us use it as a beauty product for skin and hair, its benefits extend to our health as well.
This oil in fact facilitates digestion by increasing the concentration of pepsin in the gastric juice. It also contains flavonoids, which act as a natural anti-inflammatory, both internally and externally. Argan oil is also of great help for arthritic and rheumatic conditions, as well as being useful for lowering cholesterol levels, stimulating circulation and strengthening the natural immunity of our body.
But where does this oil come from? Argan oil is produced from the seeds of the same plant and is one of the rarest and most expensive oils in the world. Berber women, who hail from the northern region of Morocco, have been using Argan oil for centuries to protect and nourish the skin. , hair and nails.
The active substances, called triterpenoids, offer incredible skin protection benefits: they help healing, have anti-inflammatory, sun-protective and even disinfectant power.
The high levels of vitamin E and fatty acids make this oil perfect whatever your age! Its powerful anti-aging properties are given by its high levels of tocopherois, antioxidants that help neutralize free radical damage, essential for skin exposed to polluted environments.
If you are looking for something natural and useful then this is your oil. Apply a few drops on your face and neck before going to sleep: your skin will be soft, hydrated and radiant!
But don't forget to use it in the kitchen too: ideal over salads or to dress dishes. Its flavor goes well with both sweet and savory dishes!
Avocado oil
Don't be swayed by the fact that avocado is defined fat. This super-nutritious fruit is a source of energy for our health and beauty.
Avocado oil contains a balanced proportion of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids, together with vitamin E, have powerful antioxidant properties that can protect our blood vessels, reduce free radicals, cholesterol deposits and the risk of damage to blood vessels.
The bond between the antioxidants and the lining of the blood vessels will make their walls stronger and more flexible so that they respond better to changes in blood pressure.
Avocado is also known for its cancer prevention properties, as the alpha linolenic acid contained in the fruit can suppress the growth of cancer cells in the breast and colon.
But the consumption of avocado oil is not only beneficial to our health, it is also a key element for our beauty. Lecithin, a fatty substance present in avocado, acts as an emulsifier and lubricant for the skin, nails and hair. Perfect for protecting hair follicles and the surface of the skin, useful for combating stress caused by wind and climate changes.
In addition, avocado oil is also a great product for fighting the signs of aging. Vitamins A and D promote the production of collagen, which can effectively slow down the aging process of the skin. Use it in a mask or together with your oil. night and you will immediately notice the difference!
In the kitchen you can use it for frying in a pan or as a condiment for grilled foods. Avocado oil is light, delicate and full-flavored, great for side dishes or sauces.
Coconut oil
We all know that losing weight is not an easy task. Yet, by using the right oils, it is possible to help our body burn fat.
Coconut oil is famous for helping our body burn fat quickly. Medium-chain fatty acids help create a healthy digestive system and, in turn, allow for better digestion and better absorption of substances. This process helps to speed up our metabolism, thus increasing the consumption of fats, which is why it is a perfect substitute for butter and margarine.
Coconut oil is also known to be a strong aphrodisiac due to its ability to stimulate hormone production. Use it as a body oil, mixed with spices such as cayenne pepper: it will facilitate the circulation of the blood and stimulate the organs, while its aromatic scent will enhance the senses.
This oil is also useful for protecting the skin from blemishes and preventing premature aging. There are actually so many benefits of this oil that it can be used for just about anything!
Some people claim that it is the most dietary oil in the world.
