If you see pistachio oil in the store, be sure to buy a bottle. This is a valuable natural product with a unique composition, known and revered in traditional medicine since the time of Avicenna.
We will talk about the calorie content of pistachio oil, beneficial properties and contraindications, as well as its use for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
Product manufacturing
Heat-loving pistachio grows in Asia and Central America. The plant is a bush or small tree that blooms in April, and in the fall gives a crop of delicious nutritious nuts. In Iran, the pistachio fruit is called a “smiling nut” because of a slightly cracked shell that really resembles a smile.
Interestingly, the crop is harvested in the dark. Pistachio leaves, heated by the sun, secrete essential oils, which make you very dizzy. 65% of the favorite kernels of nuts consist of healthy fatty oil, which is extracted by cold pressing.
It turns out a thick liquid of dark green color. It is refined, that is, it is purified from impurities, and a light yellow pistachio oil is obtained. The useful properties of the product after such processing are fully preserved.
Let's find out what was so unusual in the famous pistachio nut oil.
Unique composition
The finished product belongs to the category of high-quality fatty oils. It contains a unique complex of amino acids that are extremely important for the human body. Some components of pistachio oil should be considered in more detail:
- threonine - an essential amino acid necessary to maintain immunity, the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which improves liver function;
- isoleucine - an important component involved in energy metabolism (decomposition of complex substances);
- lysine - a lack of this substance provokes the development of immunodeficiency states, fatigue, weakness, nervousness, anemia, pathologies of the reproductive system;
- tyrosine - an amino acid that improves the functioning of the endocrine system, reduces appetite, and prevents the deposition of fats;
- glycine - regulates metabolism, is a natural antidepressant, improves mental performance.
And this is only the beginning of the list of amino acids in pistachio oil, most of which belong to the group of essential, that is, are not synthesized by the human body.
Vitamins A, E, Group B and various minerals (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, etc.) were also found in the oil.
Now it does not hurt to find out why regular, but moderate use of pistachio oil is useful.
Beneficial features
No wonder the pistachios were very respected by the ancient Persians. Its healing properties were not yet known, but they considered this nut a symbol of wealth.
Pistachios learned to receive oil already at the time of the healer Avicenna, at the turn of the 1st-2nd centuries AD e. The famous Ibn Sina prescribed to use the product for the treatment of heart, liver and indigestion.
Based on the analysis of the composition of pistachio oil, the beneficial properties of the product have been scientifically proven. Therefore, it can be used to achieve a good therapeutic effect in the following conditions:
- recovery from severe illness;
- normalization of blood pressure and heart function;
- reduced risk of thrombosis;
- strengthening immunity;
- improvement of liver function;
- increased mental activity;
- stimulation of the digestive tract;
- elimination of bleeding gums;
- increased sperm production.
Agree, the list is impressive. Experts advise taking pistachio oil for 1-2 tsp. per day. You can in the morning, before breakfast, or at lunch, along with a salad.
However, it should be borne in mind that this product, despite the mass of healing properties, can harm the body.
Contraindications
Pregnant women are advised to postpone the use of pistachio oil precisely because of its amino acid-rich composition.
It is also worth considering that in a small concentration the product contains the amino acid tryptophan. An excess of this substance causes a decrease in blood pressure critical for the body, drowsiness, and indigestion.
For people with a hereditary disease phenylketonuria, the use of pistachio oil is strictly contraindicated. The product contains the amino acid phenylalanine, which, accumulating in the patient’s body, causes disturbances in the activity of the nervous system.
But healthy people do not need to abuse healthy oil. Still, it is quite high in calories (885 kcal / 100 g), and if you overdo it, the extra pounds will not take long.
But for external use, pistachio oil is ideal, and it can be used in unlimited quantities. How many do not mind.
For face
In home cosmetology, this valuable product has been successfully used for a long time. Time-tested and proven in practice, the amazing properties of pistachio oil, such as hydration, nutrition and restoration of skin cells. It is also worth mentioning the anti-inflammatory and photoprotective effects of this unique product.
Let's look at the most popular recipes for using pistachio oil:
- A few drops added to the anti-aging cream stimulate blood circulation in the deep layers of the skin, contributing to smoothing and increasing elasticity.
- With aging skin, applications from pistachio oil with the addition of 1-2 drops of pink or orange oil help well. An impregnated napkin is kept on the face for 15-20 minutes.
- Rubbing the skin with pistachio oil removes peeling and traces of fatigue, smoothes its surface, improves complexion, and protects against UV radiation.
The product can also be used by adding to nourishing masks, scrubs and facial cleansers. In reviews of pistachio oil, it is noted that it helps to get rid of age spots.
For body
The softening and regenerating properties of pistachio oil are actively used for massage. It is convenient for the master to knead and rub the patient's body due to the excellent sliding qualities of the product. At the same time, intense nutrition and softening of the skin occur, which is especially noticeable in problem areas, in areas of the body that are prone to cellulite.
A few more drops of pistachio oil will not hurt to use when taking a bath. And of course, add it to body scrubs and balms.
For hair
Excessively dry, brittle, split ends respond well to treatment using this valuable product. In 100 ml of shampoo or conditioner, 7-10 drops of oil are added. After washing, the hair becomes softer and more obedient, easier to comb, less fall out.
You can also mix pistachio and jojoba oil in a 1: 1 ratio and use the composition to massage the scalp.
For nails
Pistachio oil will also help maintain the beauty of nails. It can be used as an independent tool, rubbing into the nail plate, cuticle and skin around the fingers for 10 minutes 2 times a week.
You can also prepare a nutritious aroma composition. To do this, take 1 tbsp. l product and add 3 drops of lemon oil, eucalyptus and lavender. You will notice the effect after a few procedures. Nails will become strong and shiny, less brittle and more resistant to delamination.
In cooking
Due to its nutritional value, undoubted benefits and a pleasant nutty taste, pistachio oil is extremely popular in cooking.
In their pure form, they are seasoned with salads, and they also prepare savory sauces, in particular pesto, mousses and mayonnaises. Like most natural products, after heat treatment, pistachio oil loses its beneficial properties. But given the price of this oil, it is unlikely that anyone would dream of frying cutlets on it.
To call pistachio oil a budget language does not turn. For example, a French-made La Tourangelle product with a volume of 250 ml costs about a thousand rubles.
German pistachio oil LAMOTTE in a bottle of 50 ml will cost 124 rubles.
Despite the rather high price, it makes sense to purchase a bottle and check the valuable qualities of the product from your own experience.
And finally, I want to note: stocking up with pistachio oil is not worth it. It is stored no more than a year and faster than other oils it becomes rancid.