benefits of apricots

Apricot seed oil gets very quickly absorbed into the skin, which is the best property of any massage oil. This also increases the benefits of massage to reduce stress, pain and inflammation. This oil is very mild and non irritating, and can even be used for children and for infants.

Typically produced in large quantities, apricot oil is readily available at natural health stores and pharmacies both in store and online. Prices vary, depending upon factors such as how the oil is extracted from the apricot kernel and whether it s food grade or not. If you have a personal or family history of nut allergies, apricot oil provides a texture and color similar to that of the comparably priced sweet almond oil without its propensity for producing allergic reactions. As a rule, apricot seed oil tends to have a longer shelf life than other commonly used oils.

Apricot kernel oil provides an all purpose oil appropriate for all types of cooking. Rich in monounsaturated fat, food grade apricot oil may help lower LDL or bad cholesterol and promote cardiovascular health, especially when used in recipes in place of shortening, butter and other sources of saturated fat.

Apricot oil is one of the oils that has a lipid content similar to that of your skin. When the skin s lipid content becomes too low, dry and irritated skin results; topical application of apricot oil helps soothe and heal this rough, damaged skin. The oil s fine texture allows more rapid skin penetration, which promotes more prompt healing and nourishment of sore or chapped skin without residue.

Apricot oil provides a prime option for use as a carrier oil in aromatherapy. When using apricot oil topically, you can blend it with multiple different essential oils, including lavender, chamomile, rose, lilac, jasmine and ylang ylang to create a pleasing yet mild massage oil. Balch recommends 25 drops of essential oil per 2 oz. of apricot oil for use in massages for adults.

Apricot kernel seed oil provides lubrication for the skin. As a light and gentle lubricant, which is appropriate for sensitive skin types, apricot kernel oil is frequently used in massage. In Face Creams, Hair Rinses, and Body Lotions: Recipes for Natural Beauty, Gill Farrer Halls uses apricot kernel oil as a lubricating ingredient in lip balms. Farrer Halls says that apricot kernel oil is suited for use on the delicate, sensitive skin of your lips.

Apricot oil is a healthy alternative to using butter in the frying pan. Like sunflower oil and avocado oil, apricot kernel oil is suitable for high temperature frying due to its high smoke point. It also has a light and nutty taste that does not overpower the natural flavor of other food. Of course, like any high temperature cooking oil, apricot oil should be used with caution since excess heat from the pan can easily burn your hands.