Babassu oil: 8 good reasons to adopt this product in your daily life

Babassu is a plant, a species of palm endowed with edible seeds, from which an oil is extracted, widely used in the manufacture of beauty products, fuels and in local cuisine.

A large plant, it can reach about 20 meters in height. Among its components, it is also possible to take advantage of its bud, extracting palm hearts, its straw for making handicrafts, as well as its fruit while green, widely used as charcoal to smoke rubber.

According to pharmacist Jamar Tejada, this palm tree 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 the region of 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 surprising benefits of babassu oil

According to the professional, babassu oil is a multipurpose product, having a large amount of essential nutrients for the general health of the body, with a less greasy characteristic, being widely used in applications for skin and hair, in addition to being commonly used in the manufacture of soaps. , replacing animal and mineral fats. Here are some of the benefits of using this oil:

1. Balances the intestinal flora

As this oil is an excellent source of lauric acid (about 50% of its composition), it helps to balance the intestinal flora, preventing the occurrence of problems such as diarrhea and constipation.

2. Supports the immune system

“This product also helps to increase immunity, as it stimulates the formation of lymphocytes, our defense cells, in the bone marrow”, reveals Jamar.

3. Moisturizes and treats the scalp

This oil has moisturizing and humectant properties, being beneficial to the health of the hair, in addition to hydrating and cleaning the scalp. Lauric acid, a component in abundance in this product, also helps to treat scalp irritations, being an adjunct in the treatment of dandruff and seborrhea.

4. Helps with nail care

According to beautician Tatiana Galhanone, from Benesse clinic, a good practice for strengthening nails and softening cuticles is to apply this oil regularly, both on toes and hands.

5. Accelerates the healing process

As this oil is a source of vitamin E, it helps in the cell regeneration process. “Thus, it can help in healing the skin, in cracked lips, burns and superficial cuts”, indicates the beautician.

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. Coadjuvant in the treatment of acne

According to the pharmacist, because this product is rich in phytosterols and vitamin E, it has great antioxidant action, effectively acting on inflammation, even 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 using 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 capillaries.

“When ingested, the ideal amount varies between 10 and 20 ml a day, but always start with a smaller amount to see if the body will tolerate it positively”, recommends the professional. It is worth mentioning that the ideal is to seek guidance from a qualified professional, doctor, pharmacist or nutritionist for the correct indication and guidance.

Also according to the professional, one of the 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, making it a good substitute for regular cooking oil,” he teaches. You can find this type of product at natural food stores.

Other uses of babassu oil

The professional also reveals that this product can be used in pets, as long as it is recommended by a veterinarian, seeking better dental hygiene, hormonal balance, improved digestion and increased immunity.

As an unusual use, when applying babassu oil on wooden furniture, it is possible to prolong their useful life, 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 its introduction, in the case of oral consumption, should be carried out gradually, preventing it from excessively stimulating the intestines.

Product rich in lauric acid and vitamin E, babassu oil has great benefits if used on the skin, hair and nails, in addition to being a good option for culinary use, replacing common cooking oil. Try it!

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.