Babassu oil
Babassu Oil
Babassu oil (pronunciation: /bəˈbæsuː/), also known as cusi oil, is a clear light yellow vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the babassu palm (Orbignya phalerata), a tree native to the Amazon Rainforest.
Etymology
The term "babassu" comes from the Tupi words ba'basa meaning "fallen fruit stick". The oil is traditionally used in cooking, as a lubricant and a fuel.
Extraction and Uses
Babassu oil is obtained by cold pressing the kernels of the babassu palm. The oil is high in lauric and myristic acids, which have melting points relatively close to human body temperature. This means that babassu oil can be applied to the skin as a solid that slowly melts on contact. It is commonly used in the cosmetic industry for products like soaps, creams, and hair conditioners.
Related Terms
- Lauric acid: A saturated fatty acid found in many vegetable fats, including babassu oil.
- Myristic acid: A common saturated fatty acid that is found in babassu oil.
- Cold pressing: A method of oil extraction that does not involve heat, often used to extract babassu oil.
- Orbignya phalerata: The scientific name for the babassu palm, from which babassu oil is extracted.
Health Benefits
Babassu oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is often used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The oil is also believed to have antimicrobial properties, making it useful in preventing infection.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Babassu oil
- Wikipedia's article - Babassu oil
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