10 benefits of pequi oil that will surprise you

The pequi is a typical plant of the Brazilian cerrado that has a green bark and, inside, an edible yellow pulp. The extraction of its pulp and seeds gives rise to an oil with incredible properties.

Pequi oil is rich in vitamin A and its use is well known for hair hydration. Check out 10 benefits of pequi oil and how to include it in your daily life:

10 benefits of pequi oil for health and beauty

“A complete oil”, says nutritionist Ana Paula Alegretti, with benefits for the skin, hair, and even vascular health and cancer prevention. Its benefits go beyond what we can imagine, shall we know?

1. Makes hair more beautiful

It moisturizes the scalp, reduces frizz, reduces damage caused by the sun, regenerates the hair fiber and eliminates the dry aspect of the hair. In addition, it leaves hair shiny and silky.

2. Take care and treat the skin

With its high moisturizing power, pequi oil fights skin infections such as eczema and other dry skin problems. It also has fatty acids that help keep the skin nourished and hydrated.

3. Regulates blood pressure

Because it contains several nutrients, such as potassium, it is able to control high blood pressure, relieving the stress of blood vessels, causing them to relax and making the blood circulate better.

4. Helps in healing

Pequi oil works in the recovery of skin tissue, so it can be used to promote better skin healing. In addition, it can act in the treatment of stretch marks.

5. It has anti-inflammatory power

A research carried out by the University of Brasília (UnB), with a group of athletes, revealed that pequi oil has an inflammation-fighting effect (1). It was found that general inflammation of joints and muscles was reduced after training. Which can be explained by the high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds found in pequi.

6. Treats asthma

Exactly for its anti-inflammatory power, pequi oil can also be used as a natural solution for asthma. Ana Paula recommends for patients suffering from this disease to ingest 3 to 5 drops during meals, twice a day.

7. It is antioxidant

Rich in Vitamin A and high in carotenoids, pequi oil acts as an antioxidant, which improves the eye system and helps to rejuvenate the skin and fight premature aging.

8. Aid in digestion

The high levels of fiber found in pequi support digestive health and fight constipation, flatulence, colic and diarrhea.

9. Contributes to cancer prevention

By fighting free radicals, pequi oil can be used in cancer prevention, or even for chemotherapy patients, according to the study carried out by the University of Brasília. In this research, pequi oil was studied as a neutralizer of the effects of chemotherapy medication, and the result was satisfactory.

10. Reduces bad cholesterol

Pequi oil has a large amount of fatty acids, as we have already mentioned. According to nutritionist Ana Paula, when consumed frequently it “helps reduce bad cholesterol and helps with heart health”.

How to use pequi oil

There are several ways to use pequi oil, which can be in capsules, to ingest, or the oily extract, to apply to the hair and skin. Here are some ways to use this powerful oil:

use in hair

Like the fruit, the oil has a very strong smell. Therefore, it is recommended that it be mixed with another product, such as a hair mask, because this way the cosmetic disguises the smell. Mix 2 tablespoons of pequi oil with any moisturizing mask of your choice. After washing your hair well, apply the mixture and let it act for half an hour. Then just rinse completely with cold water and finish as you prefer.

use on skin

The oil can be applied directly to the skin, both on the body and face. It is especially suitable for naturally dry skin or skin that has become dry due to external aggressions. It can also be used as a massage oil, providing muscle relaxation and intense hydration. You can also apply the oil before bed to treat your skin while you sleep. Be careful as this product cannot be exposed to the sun.

Use in capsules

The pequi oil capsules can be taken with the main meals, with the daily recommendation of two capsules, as indicated by nutritionist Ana Paula. The oil that makes up the capsules is cold extracted from the pequi pulp. It is a source of lycopene, carotenoid, omega-9, palmitic acid and vitamins A, B1, B2 and B5.

How to make your homemade pequi oil

Pequi oil can also be extracted by hand, if you want to make your own oil at home, check out how easy it is:

Ingredients

• 15 to 20 pequi pits
• Enough water to cover them

Preparation mode

Place the seeds in the water and heat until the oil is released from the pulp. Let it cool and put it in the fridge. When the oil is separated from the water, remove it and then put the oil back on low heat. Finally, pass the oil through a sterilized cloth strainer and store it in a glass container. Ready!

Despite being typical of the Cerrado, this oil can be found in natural products or cosmetics stores, in liquid form or in capsules, as we have already presented.

According to the nutritionist, as it is a purely natural oil, there are no contraindications for its use. Amazing, isn’t it? It is worth investing in a natural product that brings so many benefits to our health at once.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.