This rich, nutty oil is beneficial to skin and hair because of its 30% - 54% linoleic acid content, the derivatives of which synthesized by the body form part of the composition of cell membranes. So as a result, mongongo oil regenerates, hydrates and restructures as well as protects the skin from the drying and ageing effects of UV due to the presence of eleostearic acid.
The oil is also high in linoleic acid (49%) bringing its total polyunsaturated fatty acid level up to around 73%. The kernel contains calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, and high concentrations of vitamin E (almost entirely as g-tocopherol). Due to the very high g-tocopherol content, the oil is very stable, and does not become rancid in the African heat.
The kernel contains calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, and high concentrations of vitamin E (almost entirely as g-tocopherol). Due to the very high g-tocopherol content, the oil is very stable, and does not become rancid in the African heat, which is good news for those wanting to restrict their use of preservatives or for organic products.
This is an oil I would not blend with a similar oil, but use as a main ingredient in an oilt treatment formulation or butter. More to come as I experiment with this one.
