Walnut oil is a thing? It sure is! You may not know what aisle it's in but walnut oil has always been on the shelves. It's a little more expensive than most oils, but for good reason. Like olive oil or coconut oil, this nutty oil is better than any plain Jane cooking oil, olive oil, canola oil or vegetable oil you can pick up for cheap. It's even good as a salad dressing or vinaigrette condiment. Walnut oil also has a lot of health benefits. Let's check out where you can use this nutty oil.
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1. Walnut oil is great for your skin health.
One tablespoon of oil contains omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Healthline reports that walnut oil "may stimulate skin growth, fight inflammatory skin disorders, and promote wound healing." You can use this as a source of vitamin B and vitamin E. It's super versatile.
2. It's low in cholesterol.
Any time you are on the hunt for oil, you should be looking for ones that help lower bad cholesterol levels. High in polyunsaturated fats, walnut oil is a great addition to your diet, making it easy to get used to the nutty taste. Including it in your everyday diet will help reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease or heart disease. Bad cholesterol (LDL) might also be reduced.
3. It will decrease inflammation.
Walnut oil is rich in polyphenols, which "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 this oil can fight inflammation and increase cell antioxidant activity," Healthline says.
4. It can lower high blood pressure.
If you're lowering your cholesterol, the ripple effect will be your high blood pressure decreasing. There's no guarantee, but you might enjoy the nutty flavor anyway. Roasted walnut oil is a great treat, though high heat and high temperatures can cause its unrefined, expeller-pressed variety to smoke, so be careful. Refined oil typically has a higher smoke point than its unrefined cousin, though it won't be as good in Mediterranean dishes such as salads.
5. It improves your blood sugar control.
"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," Healthline added. It's high in antioxidants, meaning one of the health benefits of walnut oil is an easy fight against oxidative stress.
6. It's good for your hair.
High in potassium, walnut oil accelerates hair growth. "Walnut oil can be great for fighting dandruff as well. It helps keep the scalp clean by removing all the dirt from it. Apply it regularly to get maximum benefits. It prevents the scalp from getting flaky, hence preventing dandruff," the team at Oliva di Vita says. You hair hasn't been its healthiest until now!
7. Walnut oil helps with insomnia.
"Walnut oil helps you fight insomnia and ensures you a good night's sleep. It contains melatonin which promotes sleep and regulates it too. It is good for people with irregular sleeping patterns," Oliva added.
There you have it, you are on track to becoming a new person. These tree nuts have a pretty good shelf life too, so even if you don't want to use it all the time, you don't have to. If you're a fan of other types of nut oil like hazelnut or grapeseed, you might love using walnut oil. Give it a try!
