Kukui nut oil offers a range of benefits, including enhancing skin health, promoting hair growth, aiding digestion, fighting fungal infections, supporting heart and thyroid health, boosting the immune system, and assisting in weight loss. Traditionally, it’s been used in folk medicine to treat conditions like ulcers, headaches, fevers, diarrhea, and high cholesterol.
Kukui nuts, originating from the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, are incredibly versatile and healthy. They have been utilized for cooking, skincare, and medicinal purposes for centuries. These nuts are loaded with omega-3 fats, protein, antioxidants, plant sterols, magnesium, copper, and vitamins A and D.
What sets kukui nut oil apart is its high content of essential fatty acids, particularly its well-balanced ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids. While both fatty acids are beneficial, many diets contain too much Omega-6, which can lead to inflammation. Kukui nut oil has an ideal Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio of about 1.7:1, making it an excellent choice for maintaining balance.
There are two main types of kukui nut oil available: cold-pressed and refined. Cold-pressed organic oil retains most of the health-promoting nutrients and is thus pricier. Refined oil, however, is low in nutrients and more commonly used for beauty and art purposes.
Kukui nut oil is effective for treating fungal infections like candida, jock itch, and athlete’s foot. You can apply cold-pressed kukui nut oil directly to the skin or mix it with other antifungal substances like garlic. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil can enhance its effectiveness. Regular use can help prevent recurring infections and combat acne.
The oil is rich in vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, E, and niacin, which, along with its phytonutrients and fatty acids, improve skin texture and quality. The presence of unsaturated fatty acids like omega-3 ALA and omega-6 LA is essential for healthy skin, addressing various skin concerns and suitable for all skin types.
Abundant in antioxidants, kukui nut oil is especially good at fighting free radicals that damage cells and accelerate aging. Its vitamin B content helps prevent premature aging, while vitamin E ensures firmer, youthful skin.
Kukui nut oil also contains polyphenols called ellagitannins, which your gut converts into beneficial compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
For conditions like psoriasis and eczema, kukui nut oil can soothe inflammation and relieve discomfort. It can be applied directly to the skin or added to bathwater for relief.
Adding kukui nut oil to your diet can support the digestive system, acting as a mild laxative to promote regular bowel movements. It helps with insomnia too, as it’s rich in melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body’s internal clock, promoting relaxation and better sleep.
The oil is renowned for its benefits to hair and scalp health, helping with dandruff, enhancing hair shine, and soothing irritated scalps. Its antifungal properties make it beneficial for dealing with scalp conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The Omega-3s in the oil combat cell damage, promoting hair growth.
In certain countries like Malaysia, kukui nuts are used to treat fevers, headaches, joint pains, flu, ulcers, and gonorrhea by making a pulp from the kernels or boiling the leaves for medicinal purposes.
Though not as well-known as coconut, olive, or almond oil, kukui nut oil is gaining popularity in beauty care for its numerous benefits.
Remember, kukui nut oil has a shelf life of about 6-12 months. To prevent it from turning rancid, store it in a cool, dark place or refrigerate it after opening.
