Health And Wellness Through Cold Pressed Walnut Oil

Walnut oil is made by separating the walnut meat from the shell and then crushing walnuts meat to a thick paste, then filtering out the oil from the solids. Refined walnut oil is expeller-pressed.

Walnut (also known as Juglans Regia) is the nut from the Juglan tree. Most of the nuts are botanically defined as seeds rather than fruit. Likewise walnut is also a seed.

There are 2 main types of walnuts grown for their seeds – the Persian or English walnut and the black walnut. The English walnut (J. Regia) originated in Iran (Persia), and the black walnut (J. nigra) is native to eastern North America. English walnuts are more frequently used than black walnuts. Other 2 types are the California black walnut and the Arizona walnut.

Walnuts are usually harvested when they fall to the ground between early September to early November. Walnuts can be separated from the shell and eaten directly or one can use its oil and also one can crush the walnut and add it in the food for consumption. 

Walnut and its oil is used worldwide in many different ways. Many of them use it in cooking, some use this oil for hair care, while others use it as beauty oil. 

The color of walnut shell is light brown to dark chocolate, whereas the meat inside the shell is in pale yellow when the skin is separated. Walnut skin sometimes has a slightly bitter flavor, but the meat itself is mild, earthy, and a little tangy. The color of its oil is pale yellow and has a rich nutty flavor. Coming to the odour of walnut and its oil is nutty, earthy and pine.

Walnut oil is both edible oil and essential oil. Walnut and its oil is used in several different ways and is found to be very effective. When used in correct proportions, this oil is not harmful. However oil of walnut is a bit expensive. 

Chemical Composition Of Walnut Oil:

Oil of walnut is composed largely of polyunsaturated fatty acids (72% of total fats), particularly alpha-linolenic acid (14%) and linoleic acid (58%), oleic acid (13%), and saturated fats (9%) as per a study. 

Nutritional Facts/ Values Of This Oil:

For a serving size of 100 grams of Walnut oil provides:

• Energy: 2,738kJ (654kcal)
• Carbohydrates: 13.71 gm
• Starch: 0.06 gm
• Sugars: 2.61 gm
• Lactose: 0
• Dietary Fiber: 6.7 gm
• Total Fat: 65.21 gm
• Saturated Fat: 6.126
• Monounsaturated fat: 8.933
• Polyunsaturated fat : 47.174
• Protein: 15.23

Benefits Of Walnut Oil: 

• Rich in Omega-3 fatty acid and other unsaturated fatty acids, this oil helps fight hair loss and it also improves diseases related to the brain.
• It also decreases inflammation which leads to heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.
• Walnuts are an excellent source of antioxidants that help fight oxidative damage in your body, including damage due to bad cholesterol, which promotes atherosclerosis.
• Oil of walnut helps in controlling appetite and hunger which leads to natural weight loss. 
• The nutrients in walnuts have the ability to boost skin health. 

How Is Walnut And Its Oil Useful In Healing Chakras And Doshas?

DOSHA: Rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins, nuts are considered an important part of a healthy diet. Tree nuts like walnut, hazelnut, pecans and almonds contain no cholesterol and according to Ayurveda, nuts of all kinds are excellent for pacifying Vata dosha. 

Walnuts are astringent and are fine for the one trying to balance Kapha to eat in moderation. As walnuts look like brains, it is called brain food in Ayurveda. Eating a walnut a day helps sharpen your brain. 

Regular intake of Walnut helps to correct impaired digestion and balances vata properties. 

CHAKRA: Chakra represents physical and spiritual meet. The third eye chakra is located in the center of the forehead between the eyebrows and is supposedly a part of the brain. 

Eating walnuts regularly helps in brain development and keeps the wisdom strong. When you feel you are facing difficulties in memorizing things or you are frequently forgetting things, one should start eating at least 1-2 walnuts a day. 

Walnut in Ayurveda helps in healing, unblocks and keeps the energy flowing in the Ajna chakra which is also called the third eye chakra. 

What Does Research Say About Walnut Or Its Oil:

1. As per few clinical trials done in humans, eating 1-2 walnuts every day keeps your memory sharp and brain healthy.

2. Scientific evidence in a research has shown that consuming walnuts in moderate amounts is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. As per a study walnuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which includes the omega-3 ALA and the omega-6 LA, both of which are essential for keeping your skin healthy.

4. Regular intake of walnuts has been consistently shown to decrease blood lipids and cholesterol levels as per a research. 

How Is Oil Of Walnut Different From Other Oils (Uses):

1. Walnut oil is edible and is generally used less than any other oils in food preparation or cooking, often due to high pricing (expensive). 

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing oils for cooking is its smoke point. Some oils are better suited for salads and dressing while some oils are best for high temperature cooking.

The highest smoke point for walnut oil is 320º F (160°C). It is mainly used for salad dressings and drizzling over foods after cooking. In other words it limits frying with walnut oil. When cooked at high temperature it may taste bitter and will lose its flavor. It is perfect for cold dishes like salads. 

2. As an essential oil, this oil is mostly used in massaging and hair care. 

Massaging oil of walnut on head or even indulging in an aromatherapy session guarantees an improved sleep pattern. On any given day massage with walnut oil helps relieve both mental and physical stress and tension. Walnuts are also considered natural stress-busters.

3. Walnut oil can also be used as beauty oil. As mentioned above, it is rich in omega-3 ALA and omega-6 LA, these unsaturated fatty acids keep your skin healthy. 

When applied to hair, it helps fight hair loss and dandruff. It promotes hair growth. Walnut oil is a great remedy and treats skin infections. It contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents, which effectively kills acne-causing bacteria and other infectious germs that trigger a host of skin infections like rosacea and eczema.

When applied to the face as a beauty oil, walnut oil reduces wrinkles, removes fine lines and brightens the complexion by clearing the dark spots. 

Warning: If you’re allergic to walnuts or nuts, check with your dermatologist before using walnut oil on your skin.

4. Coming to therapeutic use of walnut oil, it treats heart diseases and improves cholesterol levels. This is because it has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant compounds. 

High in calories, oil of walnut is full of vitamins, minerals, fats and fiber that helps physical functioning and improves brain functioning. 

Regular intake of walnuts helps you maintain your appetite and which leads to natural weight loss and cuts belly fat. 

It is a great antioxidant, and helps boost blood vessel functioning. 

Additionally, there are many more positive benefits of walnut and its oil. If stored properly it can last up to 6 to 12 months. It is generally stamped by “best if used by” date, one should check the manufacturing and expiring date before purchasing. Also it needs to be stored in a cool and dry place after it is opened to keep it away from getting rotten.

Conclusion: 

Consuming oil of walnut appears to be very safe and even improve your health in many ways. It can be a great alternative to those aiming to get rid of skin problems as it is rich unsaturated fats. There are many ways to include this oil in your diet. They are extremely stable, convenient to use and loaded with sufficient nutrients, minerals and vitamins. 

Disclaimer:  The information furnished above is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health condition or concern, consult a nutritionist or your alternative health care provider. Always consult a medical doctor/ nutritionist before modifying your diet. If you are suffering from a medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention.