Walnut oil

Walnut oil is a vegetable oil that is obtained by cold pressing or extraction from the seeds (kernels) of walnuts. This oil is widely known for its nutritional properties and is used both in cooking and in cosmetology.

Nutritional properties:

Walnut oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are considered important for maintaining cardiovascular health. It also contains vitamins such as vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant, as well as minerals including zinc, magnesium and iron.

Use in cooking:

1. Cooking: Walnut oil has a rich, nutty flavor and aroma, making it an excellent addition to salads, dressings and marinades. It pairs especially well with vinegar or lemon juice in homemade dressings.
2. High price and sensitivity to high temperatures: Due to its high cost and tendency to oxidize when heated, walnut oil is not recommended for frying. It is better to use it as an additive to ready-made dishes or for dressing salads.

Application in cosmetology:

1. Skin care: Due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties, walnut oil is used as a component in creams and face masks. It can help improve dry skin, promote skin repair and prevent premature aging.
2. Hair care: Oil can also be used to care for hair, especially if it is dry, damaged or brittle. It helps moisturize the hair and restore its structure.

Storage:

Walnut oil should be stored in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator, to minimize oxidation and prolong shelf life. Because it can quickly go rancid if not stored properly, it is recommended to use it within a few months after opening.

Indications Walnut oil

1. Nutrition: Walnut oil can be used in cooking as a healthy alternative to other vegetable oils. It is added to salads, baked goods, sauces and other dishes.
2. Skin care: Walnut oil has moisturizing and nourishing properties, so it can be used to care for the skin of the face and body. It helps soften dry skin and reduce inflammation.
3. Improved hair health: Walnut oil contains vitamins and nutrients that can help strengthen and improve hair health. It can be used as a hair mask or an additive to shampoo.
4. Improved Digestion: Some studies indicate that walnut oil may help improve digestion due to its content of beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants.
5. Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Some studies have linked regular consumption of walnut oil to improved cardiovascular health due to its polyunsaturated fatty acid content.

Release form

Walnut oil is usually available in liquid form, like liquid oil, and is packaged in bottles or vials of varying sizes.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Antioxidant properties: Walnut oil is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These substances help protect the body's cells from oxidative stress, preventing damage to cell membranes and DNA.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties: Some components of walnut oil, such as omega-3 fatty acids and flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the body.
3. Antimicrobial properties: Walnut oil may have antimicrobial properties due to the content of phytoncides and other biologically active substances that help suppress the growth and development of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
4. Cardioprotective properties: Research shows that walnut oil may lower blood cholesterol levels, improve vascular function, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
5. Anti-carcinogenic properties: Some studies suggest that regular consumption of walnut oil may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of walnut oil, like many other natural products, are not characterized by standard parameters such as absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, like those of medications. Walnut oil typically contains many bioactive components, such as fatty acids (eg, oleic, linoleic), vitamins (eg, vitamin E), antioxidants and other substances that may have positive health effects.

Since walnut oil is usually consumed as food, its absorption and metabolism depend on the individual physiological characteristics of the human body. For example, fatty acids from walnut oil can be hydrolyzed in the small intestine and absorbed into the bloodstream, and then used by cells to synthesize cell membranes and other biological structures.

Special studies may be required to obtain accurate information on the pharmacokinetics of walnut oil, but are not as common as drug pharmacokinetic studies.

Dosing and administration

Walnut oil can be used as a dietary supplement or external treatment.

1. Internal use: Usually taken orally, 1-2 tablespoons (about 15-30 ml) per day, preferably with food. However, the dosage may vary depending on individual needs and doctor's recommendations.
2. External use: Walnut oil can be used for cosmetic purposes for skin or hair care. To do this, it is applied to the skin or hair in small quantities and massaged.

Use Walnut oil during pregnancy

Walnut oil is generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy as long as it is consumed in moderation as part of a normal diet. However, it is always best to consult a physician or doctor about any dietary changes during pregnancy. Remember that too much of any product, including walnut oil, can have a negative impact on your health and the health of your baby.

Contraindications

1. Allergy: Some people may be allergic to walnuts. If you have an allergy to nuts or any other products of the nut family (such as almonds, cashews, etc.), you should avoid consuming walnut oil.
2. High Calorie Content: Walnut oil is very high in calories due to its high fat content, so people watching their weight or suffering from obesity should consume it in moderation.
3. Problems with Digestion of Fats: Some people may have trouble digesting large amounts of fat, which can lead to indigestion, which is discomfort in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.
4. Drug Interactions: Walnut oil may interact with some medications, especially those that involve the processing of fats in the body. Therefore, people taking medications should discuss possible risks with their doctor.
5. Platelet Levels: In cases of thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) or other platelet disorders, consuming large amounts of walnut oil may be undesirable due to its potential effect on blood clotting.

Side effects Walnut oil

1. Allergic Reaction: People with allergies to nuts or nut oils may have an allergic reaction to walnut oil. This may manifest itself as itching, hives, swelling or even anaphylactic shock.
2. Digestive Disorders: Some people may experience digestive problems when consuming walnut oil, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. These reactions may be caused by individual sensitivity or excess oil consumption.
3. Drug Interactions: Walnut oil may interact with some medications, especially anticoagulants (drugs that reduce blood clotting), so people taking such medications should be careful when using it.
4. High Calorie Content: Walnut oil is high in calories and fat, so consuming it in large quantities can lead to excess weight or other metabolic problems.

Overdose

1. Gastric upsets: Consumption of large quantities of walnut oil may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort.
2. Weight gain: Walnut oil is high in calories and fat, so consuming it in excess can lead to weight gain.
3. Risk of allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to walnuts, which may include itching, hives, swelling of the throat or face, difficulty breathing, and anaphylactic shock.
4. Digestive problems: Excess walnut oil may cause fatty gastritis or gallstones in some people.
5. Other Undesirable Effects: Other undesirable effects, such as increased blood cholesterol levels or liver dysfunction, are possible with prolonged and excessive consumption of walnut oil.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Anticoagulants: Walnut oil may enhance the effect of anticoagulants such as warfarin due to its vitamin K content, which may reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants. Patients taking anticoagulants should be careful when consuming walnut oil.
2. Insulin and hypoglycemic drugs: Walnut oil may reduce blood sugar levels. Therefore, care must be taken when combining with insulin and hypoglycemic drugs to avoid hypoglycemia.
3. Cholesterol-lowering medications: Walnut oil may interact with cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins, which may increase their effect.
4. Blood Pressure Medications: Walnut oil may have hypotensive effects and interact with blood pressure medications, which may result in unwanted side effects such as hypotension.
5. Drugs to slow blood clots: Walnut oil may increase the effect of drugs to slow blood clots, such as aspirin.