In a nutshell

Nutritious nut oils are food for the skin. Some contain agents that nurture and heal, helping to lock in the skin’s moisture or add shine and fullness to hair. Depending on the type of nut, many can offer natural healing properties for dermatological conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Humans have been using nut oils in a variety of applications for thousands of years. An early Greek physician said walnuts combined with onion, salt and honey could heal bites from dogs or men. It’s said that King Tutankhamun went to the afterlife with a handful of almonds. In Roman times, newly married couples were liberally sprinkled with nuts (and dried fruits) and the bride would remove her veil as part of a ceremony.

Nowadays, nuts are nibbled raw, added to sweet and savoury dishes and used as oils in a range of natural health and cosmetic products. The beauty of many nut oils is you probably already have some on your pantry shelf.

Macadamia oil

With its delicious buttery texture, you’ve probably used macadamia oil in dressings and cooking. It’s high in mono-unsaturated fats, which are known to lower blood cholesterol. Did you