What is Emu Oil and Does It Really Work?

If you are into healthy living, you probably have heard about emu oil. As you may have guessed, these oils are made from fat from an emu; a flightless bird that is native to Australia and looks similar to the ostrich. According to a publication on The New York Times, a single emu can produce up to 250 ounces of this oil. While the meat and skin can be used, the majority of farmers primarily raise emus for their fat.

Emu oils have gained a lot of attention from holistically minded individuals. While some people say the oils benefit their skin and overall health, others have found that the oils are not different from other oils. The biggest benefit of these oils and the main reason they are used in skin care is because they absorb easily into the skin. They have smaller particles which penetrate deeper into the skin and carries the ingredients with them.

The oil is rich in:

  • Oleic acid (42%)
  • Palmitic acid (21%)
  • Linoleic acids (21%)
  • Antioxidants

These compounds have been found to effectively fight dry skin, inflammation, high cholesterol and a range of other conditions. The oil can be used as a carrier oil or a topical treatment. They can be mixed with lotion or swallowed as a supplement capsule to treat cholesterol and inflammation. Here are the various emu oil uses.

Skin Moisturizer

When used as an occlusive moisturizer, oils work fantastically in improving skin hydration and preventing water loss. Lotion that has emu oil as a base has been found to penetrate better and benefit the skin better than pure emu oil. Furthermore, the oil has fewer side effects for persons with eczema and dermatitis.

Lose weight and Lower Cholesterol

Together with exercise and calorie restriction, taking the oil as a supplement helps reduce obesity. The oil can be used in place of fish oil capsules more so if you react to seafood. While no research has been done, there are lots of evidence on the effectiveness of fatty acids.

Antiaging

Emu oils boost the production of collagen. Collagen is the compound responsible for the elastic, plump and wrinkle-free nature of the skin. The antioxidant properties of the oils further combats aging issues caused by oxidative stress.

Reduce Inflammation

When taken orally, the oils are a great source of fatty acids that lead to improved digestive health. The anti-inflammatory traits of the oil further benefits persons with gastrointestinal illnesses like inflammatory bowel disease. Cell studies have suggested that emu oil can benefit:

  • Absorptive function
  • Intestinal transit
  • Gastric emptying
  • Joint, bowl and overall inflammation

Other emu oil uses include:

  • Improved healing of scars, wounds and sun damage
  • Reduced nipple sensitivity
  • Repels bugs thanks to the terpenes
  • Help with nail and hair growth

If you are searching for the best ingredient to incorporate in your daily routine, emu oil will not disappoint. You just need to find a reliable manufacturer to buy the product from.

Emu Oil