Walnut oil is edible oil pressed from the Persian walnuts or English walnuts (Juglans regia). The smoking point of walnut oil is 204 °C (400 °F). This oil is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. It has a high content of phytonutrients and is a source of phosphorus, selenium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and iron. It also provides a substantial amount of Vitamin B2, B1, B3 along with Niacin and Vitamin E. Though it is edible, it is used less in food preparation in comparison to other oils. It possesses a delicate flavor and scent with light color and nutty taste. It is used for pan frying but should be avoided for high-temperature cooking because the oil loses its nutritive value and flavor after healing by making it slightly bitter. The specific gravity of Walnut oil ranges between 0.924 to 0.927 at a temperature of 15°C. The countries such as France followed by California, Australia, and New Zealand are the producers of Walnut oil. Walnut oil is available in two types such as cold-pressed and refined form.
| Walnut oil Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Walnut oil |
| Origin | A native plant of North America and Persia. |
| Colors | Pale brown-pale yellow |
| Taste | Pleasant but becomes slightly bitter when heated |
| Calories | 1927 Kcal./cup |
| Major nutrients | Total Fat (622.86%) Vitamin K (27.25%) Vitamin E (5.80%) Choline (0.16%) |
| Health benefits | Treat stress, Cardiovascular health, Treat Alzheimer’s, Assist allergy, Cure for dementia |
Nutritional value of Walnut oil
Calories 1927 Kcal. Calories from Fat 1962 Kcal.
| Proximity | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 1927 Kcal | N/D |
| Energy | 8064 kJ | N/D |
| Total Fat (lipid) | 218 g | 622.86% |
| Vitamins | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water-soluble Vitamins | ||
| Choline | 0.9 mg | 0.16% |
| Fat-soluble Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.87 mg | 5.80% |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 32.7 µg | 27.25% |
| Lipids | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 19.838 g | N/D |
| Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid) | 15.26 g | N/D |
| Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid) | 4.36 g | N/D |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 49.704 g | N/D |
| Palmitoleic acid 16:1 (hexadecenoic acid) | 0.218 g | N/D |
| Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid) | 48.396 g | N/D |
| Gadoleic acid 20:1 (eicosenoic acid) | 0.872 g | N/D |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 137.994 g | N/D |
| Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid) | 115.322 g | N/D |
| Linolenic acid 18:3 (Octadecatrienoic acid) | 22.672 g | N/D |
| Phytosterols | 384 mg | N/D |
*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
History
Walnuts are the native plant of North America and Persia. Walnuts were found in Europe in prehistoric deposits from Iron Age. During Middle Ages, walnuts were used to keep the evil eye at bay. It was used to soothe intestines, provide relief from hemorrhoids and diarrhea. It is also useful in treating frostbite, rickets, and glandular disturbances. Walnut bark is used in some cultures to clean teeth and improve oral hygiene. It is used to treat inflammatory conditions such as skin disorders and rheumatoid arthritis.
Nutritional value
The serving size of 218 grams (one cup) of Walnut oil provides 218 g of total fat, 32.7 µg of Vitamin K, 0.87 mg of Vitamin E, and 0.9 mg of choline. The lipids such as 19.838 g of total saturated fat, 15.26 g of palmitic acid, 4.36 g of stearic acid, 49.704 g of total monounsaturated fats, 0.218 g of palmitoleic acid, 48.396 g of oleic acid, 0.872 g of gadoleic acid, 137.994 g of total polyunsaturated fats, 115.322 g of linoleic acid, 22.672 g of linolenic acid and 384 mg of phytosterols could be found in the same serving size of 218 grams.
Health Benefits of Walnut oil
Walnut oil being a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids including therapeutic properties is useful for beautification and medicinal purposes. It enhances the circulation of blood by having anti-bacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, skin toning, and skin regenerative properties. The study shows that walnuts intake is helpful for cardiovascular health. The tannins, phenolic acids, vitamins, and flavonoids help to counteract diabetes, assist heart health, and promote cognitive functions.
Treat stress
Walnut and its oil are helpful for the body to counteract stress due to the presence of polyunsaturated fats that helps to influence blood pressure. The study shows that Omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid in walnuts help to decrease low-density lipoproteins which are bad cholesterol. It also lowers C – reactive protein and inflammation. Walnut oil has the ability to lower blood pressure during stress. (1)
Cardiovascular health
Walnut oil helps to lower the chances of cardiovascular problems by lowering the cholesterol level. The walnut intake assists the HDL cholesterol by transporting and eliminating excess cholesterol from the body. The study shows that walnut oil helps to maintain the functions of blood vessels. It also preserves the endothelial cell functions that are vital in maintaining cardiovascular health. (2)
Treat Alzheimer’s
The study shows that walnuts effectively lower the onset or progression of Alzheimer’s disease and also prevent it. It improves memory, learning skills, lowers anxiety, and assists motor development. The prominent features of Alzheimer’s disease are inflammation and oxidative stress. It contains various minerals and vitamins and is a vital source of alpha-linolenic acid which is an omega-3 fatty acid having brain and heart benefits. (3)
Assist allergy
The supplement of walnut oil if taken by pregnant women helps to lower the chances of allergy in children shown by clinical trials. It develops and makes the immune system mature faster that leads to strong immune function and lower the chances of allergies in baby. During pregnancy, the intake of n-3 PUFAs increases the gestational length as well as the maturation of the central nervous system of the child and also improves mental performance in childhood. It accelerates the development of the immune system to prevent food allergies. (4)
Cure for dementia
The study shows that regular intake of oils rich in Omega-3 helps to lower the chances of development of dementia by 60 percent in comparison to those who do not consume regularly. The research is still going on to find out the exact mechanisms occurring in these foods. (5)
Endothelial functions
Walnuts help to prevent diabetes and heart ailments. The research shows that the consumption of walnuts promotes endothelial functions in overweight people. It shows the beneficial effects on systolic blood pressure. (6)
Promotes hair growth
As we said, walnut oil is a boon for hair due to its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids. Not only does it prevent hair fall, but it also strengthens the hair and promotes the growth of fresh ones. Walnut oil is rich in potassium which accelerates hair growth and also helps in the regeneration of cells.
Fights dandruff
This is one of the peskiest and most difficult hair situations that most find themselves in. No one wants flakes of dry scalp skin on their dresses, after all. If you have dark hair, it becomes all the more visible. There are so many products available in the market, but let’s be honest, washing your hair is a temporary solution. You need to address the root cause from within. Walnut oil is the answer. Include it in your diet and also use it to massage your hair and scalp regularly. It will give just the right nourishment to your hair, thus preventing a flaky scalp and fighting dandruff and other infections.
Fights fungal infections
Walnut oil massages are perfect for preventing and fighting fungal infections. This oil soothes the affected area and provides the right nutrition and nourishment to curb the infection and also stops it from spreading any further.
Prevents premature aging
Walnut oil is a great anti-aging moisturizer as well. Application of walnut oil regularly on the skin takes care of the signs of early and premature aging such as fine lines and crow’s feet. The rich antioxidant content helps as well. Apply walnut oil before hitting the bed every day and notice the difference yourself. The reason we say to apply it at night is because of its heavy and greasy texture. Applying it in the morning would not be too convenient and also, its interaction with the sunscreen or even the sun would negate its good effects.
Treats dry skin
Walnut oil is heavy in texture and extremely nourishing. Thus, it works best on dry skin. It is even good in treating and soothing extreme dry skin conditions such as psoriasis. You can either add it to your bathing water or simply apply it to the affected area.
Improves sleep
Walnut oil is known to treat conditions such as insomnia as it helps promote good sleep. This is because the presence of melatonin is great when it comes to regulating sleep and maintaining a healthy cycle.
Good for male fertility
Walnut oil is known to improve sperm count, thus making it a good agent when it comes to improving fertility in males. Further, it is also known to work on the sperm’s shape and improve its motility. This is important because an improperly-shaped sperm would not be able to enter the ovary, thus reducing the chances of pregnancy. Another way in which walnut oil helps male fertility is by improving blood flow which helps in sustaining erections.
Help reduce migraine attacks
If you suffer from migraines, walnut oil is a godsend for you. Walnut oil is a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that is associated with migraine treatment. Consumption and application of walnut oil help reduce migraine attacks considerably as compared to those who have a magnesium deficiency. The magnesium content in walnut oil also helps strengthen the bones and improve blood vessel health.
Can boost skin health
The nutrients in walnut oil may promote good skin health.
One tablespoon (13.6 grams) of walnut oil contains more than 8 grams, or over 5 times the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI), of an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (rx, rx).
In your body, some ALA is converted into the longer forms of omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which help form the structural components of your skin (rx).
That’s why omega-3s, including those in walnut oil, may stimulate skin growth, fight inflammatory skin disorders, and promote wound healing (rx).
What’s more, walnut oil contains high amounts of omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid (LA), the most predominant fatty acid in the outermost layer of your skin (rx).
In short, consuming walnut oil boosts your intake of essential fatty acids that are vital to skin health.
Walnuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, including the omega-3 ALA and the omega-6 LA, both of which are essential for healthy skin.
May decrease inflammation
Adding walnut oil to your diet may fight chronic inflammation, which has been linked to heart disease, some cancers, and other health issues (rx).
One 6-week study in 23 adults with high cholesterol found that a diet high in ALA, one of the main fatty acids in walnut oil, decreased the production of inflammatory proteins in the body (rx).
Walnuts are also rich in polyphenols called ellagitannins, which your gut bacteria convert into other beneficial compounds (rx).
These compounds may have anti-inflammatory properties and act as antioxidants that fight cell damage caused by molecules called free radicals. This may explain why test-tube studies have found that walnut oil can fight inflammation and increase cell antioxidant activity (rx, rx).
However, it’s unclear to what extent the beneficial compounds in walnuts are preserved during the processing of walnut oil. Some studies suggest that walnut oil contributes no more than 5% of the antioxidant activity of whole walnuts (rx).
Thus, more research on the anti-inflammatory effects of walnut oil is needed.
Walnut oil may reduce inflammation thanks to its content of ALA and ellagitannins.
Helps lower blood pressure
Walnut oil may help lower high blood pressure, one of the main risk factors for heart disease (rx).
Studies suggest that diets rich in whole walnuts can help lower blood pressure, likely because of their high levels of ALA, LA, and polyphenols. Given that walnut oil is also rich in these compounds, it may exert similar effects (rx, rx, rx).
One study in 15 adults with overweight or obesity and moderately high cholesterol levels found that consuming walnut oil significantly improved blood vessel function, which in turn could help lower blood pressure (rx).
However, more studies on walnut oil’s potential effects on blood pressure are needed.
Studies suggest that consuming walnuts and walnut oil may improve blood vessel function and lead to lower blood pressure.
Improves blood sugar control
Consuming walnut oil may improve poor blood sugar control associated with type 2 diabetes.
Over time, unmanaged blood sugar levels can lead to eye and kidney damage, heart disease, and stroke. Eating foods that lower your blood sugar, including walnut oil, can help prevent these complications (rx).
One study in 100 people with type 2 diabetes found that consuming 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of walnut oil daily for 3 months significantly lowered fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels, which measure long-term blood sugar, compared with baseline levels (rx).
The beneficial effects of walnut oil on blood sugar control may be due to its high concentration of antioxidants, which can help fight oxidative stress associated with high blood sugar levels (rx).
Research suggests that consuming walnut oil may help people with type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels.
Improves cholesterol levels
Regularly eating walnuts may help lower high blood levels of triglycerides and total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, which can otherwise increase your risk of heart disease (rx, rx). This may be due to walnuts’ high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant compounds, both of which are also found in walnut oil (rx). One study in 60 adults with high levels of triglycerides found that those who took a daily capsule containing 3 grams of walnut oil for 45 days had significantly lower blood levels of triglycerides, compared with their baseline levels (rx).
Based on these results, adding walnut oil to your diet may help reduce your risk of heart disease, but more research is needed.
Consuming walnut oil may lead to lower levels of triglycerides and total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.
It May have anticancer effects
Certain compounds in walnut oil may help prevent the progression of some cancers.
Specifically, your body converts the ellagitannins in walnuts into ellagic acid and then further into compounds called urolithins (rx, rx).
One test-tube study found that urolithins may help regulate levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) — a risk factor for prostate cancer — and trigger cancer cell death (rx).
Consuming walnuts has also been linked to lower risks of breast and colorectal cancer in animal and observational studies (rx, rx).
However, more extensive research focusing on the effects of walnut oil in humans is needed before conclusions can be drawn about its anticancer effects.
Walnut intake has been linked to a decreased risk of some cancers. This is likely due to its content of compounds called urolithins, which are derived from ellagitannins. However, no studies have investigated the anticancer effects of walnut oil.
Easy to add to your diet
Walnut oil is easy to find and can be used in many ways.
It typically has a light color and delicate, nutty taste. The most high-quality walnut oils are cold-pressed and unrefined, as processing and heat can destroy some nutrients and lead to a bitter taste.
It’s not recommended to use walnut oil for stir-fries or high-heat cooking. Additionally, most walnut oils can only be kept for 1–2 months in a cool, dry place after being opened before going rancid.
The most common use for walnut oil is as an ingredient in salad dressings with vinegar and seasonings. It also tastes delicious drizzled over steamed vegetables.
Cold-pressed, unrefined walnut oil has a delicious, nutty taste. It’s primarily used in salad dressings and other cold dishes.
Traditional uses
- It is used to treat inflammation, acne and eczema.
- It cures constipation, urinary stones, lumbar pains, weak knees, diarrhea, and respiratory problems.
- It is also used to cure peeling, itching scalp and dandruff.
- During the night, massaging with walnut oil on the stomach helps to cure chronic constipation.
- It also prevents hypertension.
- Due to its antioxidant properties, it helps to prevent wrinkles and aging.
- It promotes learning ability, memory as well as thinking.
Precautions
- It should be used in moderate amounts because its excessive use might be harmful.
- It could result in allergic reactions such as skin rashes and itching.
How to Eat
- It is used for dressing salads.
- It is used to enhance the flavor of steaks, fish, toss pasta, and jazz up desserts.
- It helps to enhance the flavor of steaks and fish.
- Due to its nutty flavor, it is used for seasoning pasta dishes.
- It is also used to enhance the flavor of desserts and baked confectionaries.
- It is used to make dipping sauces for cheese and bread.
- The mixture of sherry vinegar, walnut oil, prepared mustard, garlic and salt is a dressing for radicchio and endive salad. The salad could be topped with sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese.
- It is the best alternative to olive oil.
- Drizzle walnut oil to a bowl of fresh sorrel soup.
- It could be tossed with pasta along with steamed fresh green beans, spinach, Gorgonzola, parsley, sautéed mushrooms and garlic.
- Walnut oil could be used to grease molds and ramekins for panna cotta.
- Marinate goat’s cheese with walnut oil, salad, and crusty bread. The remaining oil could be used for dressings.
- Walnut oil could be brushed on poultry, fish and duck before pan-frying or grilling. Or it could be drizzled before serving.
Other Facts
- France is the highest producer of walnut oil.
- China, Mexico, Iran, France, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, New Zealand and Australia are the producers of Walnut oil.
- Walnut oil could be found in the form of supplement capsules as well.
- It is also used in making soaps, cosmetics, and other personal care products.
- It is used in oil painting due to its quick-drying properties.
- It is used to make painting colors.
- This oil is used in wood finish products such as cutting boards and wooden bowls.
- It is also used with various heavy fuel oils.
From Where To Buy
- NOT BLEACHED, DEODORIZED, OR HYDROGENATED: An original time-tested product that has a variety of benefits.
- NATURALLY OCCURRING VITAMIN E AND OCTACOSANOL: Each tablespoon of wheat germ oil may have over 1000 mcg of naturally occurring octacosanol.
- CLASSIFICATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: Halal, Kosher (Triangle K), Non-GMO Project Verified
- GMP Quality Assured: NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined, including our laboratory/testing methods (for stability, potency, and product formulation).
- Packaged in the USA by a family owned and operated company since 1968.
- During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, when provided.
or
- Wheat germ oil is a rich source of vitamin B6 and folic acid of the Vitamin B complex, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus and many other essential nutrients.
- Wheat germ oil contains fatty acid that are longer than that of found in other hair oils like coconut oil. And that is the reason that it nourishes and conditions the hair better than all other oils. Its moisturizing and conditioning properties make it capable of repairing the damaged hair at faster rate and prevent from further hair loss.
- The vitamin B found in wheat germ oil promote the new growth and formation of new tissues, thus it helps to promote new hair growth both in terms of length and the volume of the hair. The key to healthy hair growth is the healthy scalp and healthy root of the hair which is done by the use of what germ oil.
- Wheat germ oil has the highest concentration of vitamin E among all the vegetable oils. Vitamin E is excellent for restoring and maintaining softness in hair and skin.
- Applying wheat germ oil to the inflamed or irritated skin has been a popular practice for generations. Due to the high levels of tocopherols (such as vitamin E) in this oil, it is able to nourish the skin. This makes the oil an effective remedy for psoriasis, eczema, and various other common skin conditions.
References
