Babassu is a plant, palm species with edible seeds, from which is extracted an oil widely used in the manufacture of beauty products, fuels and local cuisine.
Plant of large size, can reach about 20 meters in height. Among its components, it is also possible to take advantage of its bud, extracting palm heart, its straw for making crafts, as well as its fruit while green, widely used as charcoal to smoke rubber.
According to the pharmacist Jamar Tejada, this palm is of Brazilian origin, being found from the Amazon region to Bahia and Mato Grosso, but there are records of this plant also in Suriname and Bolivia.
This palm tree can also be known as monkey coconut, bauaçu, auaçu, baguaçu, aguaçu, uauaçu, palm coconut, coco-naiá, coco-pindoba, bagauacuí or white straw.
8 Amazing Benefits Of Babassu Oil
According to the professional, babassu oil is a multipurpose product, having a large amount of nutrients essential for overall body health, with a less greasy characteristic, being widely used in skin and hair applications, and commonly used in the manufacture of soap. , replacing animal and mineral fats. Check out some of the benefits of using this oil:
Also read: 10 Foods That Can Prevent Cancer
1. Balances the intestinal flora
As this oil is an excellent source of lauric acid (about 50% of its composition), it helps balance the intestinal flora by preventing problems such as diarrhea and constipation.
2. Assists the immune system
"This product also helps boost immunity as it stimulates the formation of lymphocytes, our defense cells, in the bone marrow," says Jamar.
3. Moisturizes and treats the scalp
This oil has moisturizing and moisturizing properties, being beneficial to the health of hair, as well as moisturizing and cleansing the scalp. Lauric acid, an abundant component in this product, also helps treat scalp irritations and is an adjunct in the treatment of dandruff and seborrhea.
4. Help with nail care
According to Benesse Clinic beautician Tatiana Galhanone, a good practice for strengthening nails and softening cuticles is to apply this oil regularly to both fingers and toes.
5. Speeds up the healing process
As this oil is a source of vitamin E, it assists in the process of cellular regeneration. "So it can help with skin healing, chapped lips, burns and superficial cuts," says the beautician.
Read also: 16 Amazing Benefits of Marigold Oil and How to Use It in Everyday Life
6. Moisturizes the skin
Possessing moisturizing and emollient properties, this oil is able to hydrate without increasing greasiness, being widely used in the cosmetics industry in the preparation of soaps, bath oils and conditioners.
7. Supporting acne treatment
According to the pharmacist, because this product is rich in phytosterols and vitamin E, it has great antioxidant action, effectively acting on inflammation, including reducing the redness caused by pimples.
8. Has antioxidant action
Being rich in vitamin E, its antioxidant action fights free radicals, being a good weapon for the prevention of cancer and other degenerative diseases.
Ways to use Babassu Oil
Regarding the ways of use of this oil, Jamar reveals that in the field of cosmetology, its concentrations vary between 0.5 and 5% in creamy lotions, 0.5 and 8% in bar soaps and 0.1 and 1% in products. capillaries.
"When ingested the ideal amount varies between 10 and 20 ml per day, but always start with a smaller amount to understand if the body will tolerate it positively," recommends the professional. It is noteworthy that the ideal is to seek guidance from a qualified professional, doctor, pharmacist or nutritionist for the correct indication and guidance.
Read also: 40 smart ways to use coconut oil in your daily life
Also according to the professional, one of its most commonly used forms, which has good quality, is refined babassu oil, which has no taste or smell. "When it is refined, it withstands higher cooking temperatures and is a good substitute for ordinary cooking oil," he teaches. It is possible to find this type of product in natural product houses.
Other Uses of Babassu Oil
The professional also reveals that this product can be used in pets, provided that with the indication of a veterinarian, seeking better dental hygiene, hormonal balance, improved digestion and increased immunity.
As an unusual use, when applying babassu oil to wooden furniture, it is possible to prolong the useful life of these, due to the fungicidal characteristics of lauric acid.
Side Effects and Contraindications
According to Jamar, there are no reports of side effects or contraindications of this product, and should be introduced, in the case of oral consumption, performed gradually, preventing it from excessively stimulating the intestine.
Product rich in lauric acid and vitamin E, babassu oil has great benefits if used on skin, hair and nails, and is a good option for culinary use, replacing the common cooking oil. Try it!
Q & A and EXTREME Deep Conditiong (April 2024)
- 1,230
