Walnut is the most common nut in the world. There is a great diversity of varieties of walnuts: marbot, corne, grandjean, etc. In France, our region offers us the choice: Périgord walnuts and Grenoble walnuts. It is a food rich in nutrients, but particularly recognized for its good lipids. We can therefore extract an oil: walnut oil. The latter, well known, is mainly used in cooking and goes perfectly with many dishes. In cosmetics, it is rarer, wrongly, because it is a true anti-inflammatory oil. Its composition is mainly dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). It is therefore undeniably the perfect vegetable oil to provide us with our omega-3 and 6, so essential to our health. Furthermore, many people point to a coincidence between the shape of walnut kernels and the human brain. A good indicator of its benefits on cognitive functions.

This article was updated on 09/08/2023
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Main properties

  • hypocholesterolemic, anti-atherogenic, hypotriglyceridemic :

    walnut oil is mainly composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids. What's more, it is recognized as one of the vegetable oils with the best omega 6/omega 3 ratio. An indicator of its ability to rebalance the lipid balance.

  • anti-inflammatory :

    walnut oil contains an interesting content of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory.

  • laxative :

    this oil slightly accelerates the transit and elimination of stools through its ability to lubricate the food bolus. It can be used to limit constipation.

  • antihelmintic, purgative :

    walnut oil is said to be effective against intestinal parasites, particularly against tapeworm.

  • emollient :

    walnut oil promotes tissue relaxation due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids.

  • neuroprotective :

    this oil has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, giving it a special place in protecting neurons and the brain from aging.

Characteristics and composition

Cosmetic features
  • Skin type: dry, irritated, mature, acne-prone, sensitive, inflamed.
  • Hair type: dry.
Organoleptic characteristics
  • Appearance: thin oily liquid
  • Yellow color
  • Odor: nutty note.
  • Touch: dry.
  • Taste: reminiscent of nuts.
Characteristics for formulation
  • Unsaponifiable and active ingredients: vitamin E, beta-sitosterol, sterols, hydrocarbons, triterpenes.
  • Comedogenicity index: 2 (=low comedogenic)
  • Average saponification index: 194
  • Oxidation stability: sensitive
  • High temperature stability: sensitive
  • Inci name: juglans regia seed oil
Fatty acid composition
  • palmitic acid (AGS): 6 to 8%
  • stearic acid (SFA): 1 to 3%
  • oleic acid (omega 9 MUFA): 14 to 23%
  • linoleic acid (omega 6 PUFA): 54 to 65%
  • alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3 PUFA): 9 to 15%
Physical characteristics
  • Density at 20°C: 0.923 to 0.925
  • Peroxide value: 15
  • Acid number: 4,000
  • Refractive index at 20°C: 1.472 to 1.475
  • Iodine index: 132 to 162
Botanical characteristics
  • Botanical family: Juglandaceae
  • Country of origin: China, mainland France, United States, Iran, Turkey.
  • Distilled part: kernels
  • Obtaining process: first cold pressing
  • Latin name: Juglans regia L.

Precautions for use

The people allergic to nuts should seek medical advice before use.

Authorized ways of use

Dermal Dermal
Oral route Oral route

Authorized users

Adults and Teenagers Adults and Teenagers
Children under 6 years old Children under 6 years old
Pregnant & breastfeeding women Pregnant & breastfeeding women
Babies under 3 years old Babies under 3 years old

Storage

Store preferably in a cool place, away from light and heat.

Nutritional benefits

Walnut oil is one of the oils most used in seasoning, raw. Beyond its fragrance which enhances our meals, it surprises with its incredible lipid profile. Not only is walnut oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as omega 3, 6 and 9, but also its omega-6/omega-3 ratio is well balanced. This last point is essential, many vegetable oils have an unbalanced ratio. Finally, we still note a contribution in selenium, beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin K1 which perfect it even more. The whole gives it numerous properties: lipid rebalancing, blood sugar stabilizer, anti-inflammatory, etc... In short, an essential vegetable oil, to be used regularly within a varied and balanced diet.

  • Usage tips :

    orally, 2 to 3 tablespoons of walnut oil are enough to cover the recommended daily intake of omega-3 and 6. Walnut oil is not intended to be heated due to its omega-3 content, these active ingredients are sensitive to heat. Therefore, we prefer to eat it raw as a seasoning or by adding a drizzle of oil at the end of cooking. Its taste goes wonderfully with squash, fish, fresh cheeses or endives.

  • Other complementary vegetable oils:

    Vegetable oils of Rapeseed, Hemp, of Linen or even Cameline are oils known for their richness in omega-3. They have an interesting omega 6 / omega 3 ratio. Which makes them vegetable oils of choice in nutrition. They fight against the current omega-3 VS omega-6 imbalance in our diet.

In case of Type 2 diabetes

Efficiency: ++++

Walnut oil shows a positive effect on the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of people with type 2 diabetes. In fact, the HbA1C reflects the blood sugar levels of recent months. A decrease in its value reflects correct blood sugar (glucose content in the blood), and therefore balanced diabetes.

  • Application advice :

    orally, regular consumption of one to two spoons of walnut oil as a seasoning shows a significant effect on blood sugar levels.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    the essential oil of Geranium Rosat can be used to support the action of walnut oil against diabetes.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    vegetable oils Borage, Sesame or Prickly Pear Seed are also recommended in cases of type 2 diabetes.

Against the Neurological disorders

Efficiency: ++++

Lipids are essential for the functioning of neuronal cells. More specifically, stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid, contained in walnut oil contributes to brain development.

  • Application advice :

    orally, consume 2 tablespoons of walnut oil per day, as a seasoning or at the end of cooking.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    essential oils of Small Grain of Bigarade, Fine Lavender or Roman chamomile can be used in addition to walnut oil, to limit nervous spasms.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    tHE shea Butter also contains nerve regenerating properties, thanks to its stearic acid composition.

In case of Cholesterol, Cardiovascular pathology

Efficiency: +++

The entire composition of walnut oil is ideal for preventing cardiovascular diseases. She is rich in omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 who maintain a good lipid profile. Without forgetting his excellent omega-6/omega-3 ratio, undeniably essential to restore the imbalance which increases cardiovascular risks.

  • Application advice :

    orally, consume two tablespoons of walnut oil per day, as a seasoning.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    essential oils of Rosemary in Verbenone orItalian helichrysum reinforce the action of walnut oil.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    vegetable oils Hemp can also be used for this problem, all three have an excellent lipid profile.

In case of Wrinkles, Mature skin

Efficiency: ++

Walnut oil brings suppleness to thin and lacking elasticity skin. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, the latter promote the relaxation of the tissues. In addition, its contribution to selenium and vitamin E gives it a slight, non-negligible antioxidant activity.

  • Application advice :

    through the skin, use a few drops as a massage, twice a day, until the oil penetrates the skin.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    to slow down skin aging, it is justified to combine it with essential oils of Celery or Carrot. These are perfect regenerators.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    tHE rosehip vegetable oils and of Borage are also ideal for mature skin.

In case of Dry skin, Irritated skin, Sensitive skin

Efficiency: +

Thanks to its large composition in polyunsaturated fatty acids, Walnut oil forms a protective film on the skin, allowing sebum to properly hydrate and protect the skin. In addition, its content of omega 3 makes it a perfect skin anti-inflammatory.

  • Application advice :

    through the skin, apply a few drops of walnut oil with a gentle massage, morning and evening.

  • Complementary essential oil(s) :

    the essential oil of Palmarosa is moisturizing and skin regenerating, they will combine wonderfully to protect the skin.

  • Other suitable vegetable oils :

    tHE calendula oily macerate or thesweet almond oil can be combined with walnut oil to make a soothing serum for the skin.

Virgin VS roasted walnut oil

Less known than its sister, roasted walnut oil interests many budding gourmets. The kernels are slowly roasted, before being cold pressed and reduced to oil. So you will have understood, it is a gourmet oil. Its flavors are enhanced and its aromas sublimated. More stable and slightly more amber than walnut oil, it enhances and flavors many dishes by itself. On the other hand, roasted walnut oil is not really compatible with cosmetic use. Roasting destroys the omega-3 which previously justified its skin use.

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Bibliography

Publication: Martínez, ML, Labuckas, DO, Lamarque, AL, & Maestri, DM (2010, August). Walnut (Juglans regia L.): genetic resources, chemistry, by-products. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.4059

Publication: BONHOMME, M. (2019, January). Botanical study of three species of walnut trees, Juglans regia, Juglans cinerea and Juglans nigra, of their chemical composition, their therapeutic interest and their use in pharmacies. http://thesesante.ups-tlse.fr/2546/1/2019TOU32003.pdf

Publication: Zibaeenezhad MJ, Rezaiezadeh M, Mowla A, Ayatollahi SM, Panjehshahin MR. Antihypertriglyceridemic effect of walnut oil. Angiology. 2003 Jul-Aug;54(4):411-4. doi:10.1177/000331970305400404. PMID: 12934760.

Publication: Zibaeenezhad, M., Aghasadeghi, K., Hakimi, H., Yarmohammadi, H., & Nikaein, F. (2016). The Effect of Walnut Oil Consumption on Blood Sugar in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. https://doi.org/10.5812/ijem.34889

Publication: Rahimi, P., Kabiri, N., Asgary, S., & Setorki, M. (2011, December). Anti-diabetic effects of walnut oil on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJPP11.480

Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.

Work : Pobeda, M. (2014b). The benefits of vegetable oils (Pocket) (French Edition). Marabout.

Work : Clergaud, c., & clergeaud, l. (2012). vegetable oils: health and beauty oils. amyris editions.

Work : Chesman, S. (2017). The short guide to vegetable oils. Blood of the Earth Editions.

Website : Nut. (nd). Fresh fruits and vegetables — Interfel. https://www.lesfruitsetlegumesfrais.com/fruits-legumes/fruits-a-coque/noix

Website : ANSES. (nd-a). Ciqual. Ciqual Table of nutritional composition of foods. https://ciqual.anses.fr/

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