Magic Trio: Batana Oil | Soursop Oil | Moringa Oil
Yes, because here we also like and often opt for holistic options to tackle issues and improve overall health and beauty, I decided to create this little article.
One night mindlessly scrolling on Instagram I came across a video talking about the benefits of the Batana, soursop, and moringa oils. Out of the three, I only knew about Moringa but not the pill, so naturally I started my research process.
After reading a large number of articles and reviews I decided to give them a try. My favorite part is that they complement each other, and that other than some topical allergy reactions I didn’t find information about deaths or major diseases related to the consumption or usage of these oils.
IN A NUTSHELL
BATANA OIL
Batana Oil also referred to as American Palm Oil, is extracted from the American palm tree and has been employed for generations in Honduras to maintain healthy skin and hair. This cold-pressed oil, derived from the tree's nut, is known for its antioxidant properties, making it a beneficial additive to body care products that helps nourish and guard the skin against damage caused by environmental toxins.
Batana Oil is a powerful blend of natural compounds, including Tocopherols & Tocotrienols (Vitamin E) for shielding skin from UV rays & pollutants, Omega-6 Linoleic Acid for its anti-inflammatory effects, as well as phytosterols & carotenoids for stimulating collagen production & reducing the signs of aging. Nourishing, anti-inflammatory, & anti-aging, this oil provides exceptional skincare and haircare benefits.
This oil is a powerful emollient that nourishes hair and scalp, especially for those damaged by exposure to UV light, pollution, or hair dyes, leaving it feeling silky and strong.
“The benefits of using Batana oil for hair include its deeply nourishing and moisturizing properties, which can help improve hair strength and elasticity,” explains Dr. Shokeen. “It is also known for its ability to reduce frizz, enhance shine, and support scalp health.”
The oil may help with hair growth, but the evidence is limited, explains Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. Like other hair oils, the main benefits of Batana oil for the hair come from its ability to improve the look of the hair as well as potentially help with length retention via a reduction in breakage. It may also help protect the skin and hair from sun damage as it contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, Dr. Lal adds.
Dr. Lal explains that Batana oil is suitable for all hair types. The oil is a bit heavier and richer in texture than other popular hair oils and does a great job at penetrating thicker strands, and natural, curly hair types. However, for those with fine hair, using a smaller amount of the oil and washing it out soon after application may be helpful to avoid weighing down strands.
Batana can be applied to hair and scalp daily as a moisturizer. It is best used as an oil/deep conditioning treatment. Warm a small amount in the palm of your hand. Gently massage onto scalp and/or hair. Place a plastic cap over your head and allow oil to penetrate for at least 20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water. Shampoo and condition.
BE AWARE
“While side effects are rare, some individuals may experience scalp irritation or allergic dermatitis,” says Dr. Shokeen. “Additionally, individuals with nut allergies should exercise caution when using Batana oil.”
SOURSOP OIL
Soursop is a member of the Annonaceae family, also known as the custard apple family. The fruits, which grow on trees, are large and oval-shaped. The green exterior, which has spines on it, covers a white, fibrous flesh. They grow up to 8 inches and can weigh up to 10 pounds. Soursop’s flavor can best be described as a cross between mango and pineapple.
Soursop is high in vitamin C, an antioxidant known to boost immune health. The vitamin strengthens your immune system, improving its ability to defend against pathogens. It also promotes the destruction of free radicals, which can help to protect your skin and cells from environmental oxidative damage. One whole soursop fruit contains 215% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.
Soursop (the fruit and the leaves) contains many other antioxidants, including phytosterols, tannins, and flavonoids. Antioxidants play a role in your overall health and may help to protect against a variety of health conditions.
While most research is limited to test-tube studies, soursop may be beneficial in helping to fight and prevent cancer. One study found that a soursop extract could reduce the size of breast cancer tumors and kill cancer cells. A second study found that an extract could stop the formation of leukemia cells.
Soursop oil also acts as an emollient, keeping skin soft and moisturized. Emollients are a type of moisturizer that helps the skin retain moisture, so it's no wonder that soursop oil is effective in this regard. Soursop oil helps to keep your skin soft and moisturized, which can help with dryness and flaking as well as reduce irritation and inflammation associated with certain conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
In addition to helping improve dryness and flaking, emollients also strengthen the skin by helping it retain its natural oils (sebum). They also help keep your complexion smooth and flexible by strengthening the epidermis—the outer layer of your skin—which allows for better elasticity.
BENEFITS
Works as an anti-aging skin moisturizer.
Rich in Vitamins A and C
High in saponins and antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, that combat free radicals responsible for aging our skin.
Full of Omega 3, 6, and 9 essential fatty acids that help with smoothing wrinkles & fine lines!
Helps with acne, blemishes, wounds, and boils.
Assists with Dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis, and dry skin.
Boosts your immune system and nourishes your skin, encouraging it to heal and prevent infections
Can help to heal the skin and promote cell regeneration.
Promotes the skin's glow and helps treat hyper-pigmented areas.
Contains linoleic & oleic acids & unsaturated fatty acids which help to moisturize the skin naturally
Provides natural SPF protection & anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s a universal oil that can be used for your face, hair & body! It’s such a miraculous oil that has so many amazing healing properties.
BE AWARE
While Soursop can offer significant health benefits, it does have some potential drawbacks. Studies have shown that the fruit and tea made from the leaves may cause symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Studies also indicate that it may interact with high blood pressure medication or medications for diabetes. The compounds in the fruit may strengthen the effects of such medications, causing dangerous drops in your blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
You should also avoid eating soursop seeds. They have toxic compounds and may cause harmful side effects. Be sure to remove them before eating the fruit.
MORINGA OIL
Moringa oil is derived from the seeds of Moringa oleifera, a small tree native to the Himalayan mountains. Virtually all parts of the moringa tree, including its seeds, roots, bark, flowers, and leaves, can be used for nutritional, industrial, or medicinal purposes.
Moringa seeds have a high oil content and contain many nutritional compounds, including monounsaturated fats, protein, sterols, and tocopherols. Moringa oil is produced through a variety of industrial processes, including solvent extraction and cold-pressing.
Moringa oil has been used as a medicinal folk cure and as a topical, cosmetic ingredient since ancient times. Today, moringa oil is manufactured for a wide range of personal and industrial uses.
Cooking oil. Moringa oil is high in protein and oleic acid, a monounsaturated, healthy fat. When used for cooking, it’s an economical, nutritious alternative to more expensive oils. It’s becoming a widespread nutritional staple in food-insecure areas where moringa trees are grown.
Topical cleanser and moisturizer. Moringa oil’s oleic acid makes it beneficial when used topically as a cleansing agent and as a moisturizer for skin and hair.
Cholesterol management. Edible moringa oil contains sterols, which have been shown trusted Source to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
Antioxidant. Beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol found in moringa oil, may have antioxidant and antidiabetic benefits, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Anti-inflammatory. Moringa oil contains several bioactive compounds which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, both when ingested and used topically. This may make moringa oil beneficial for acne breakouts. These compounds include tocopherols, catechins, quercetin, ferulic acid, and zeatin.
Moringa oil can be found as:
Cooking oil to be used in frying and baking.
Essential oil to be used topically on skin and hair. Always dilute any essential oil with a carrier oil before using.
An ingredient in skin and hair care products, such as soap, liquid cleanser, hydrating toner, massage oil, shampoo, and hair conditioner.
BENEFITS
Helps Reduce Premature Aging
Some evidence suggests that oleic acid reduces premature aging by smoothening fine lines and wrinkles.
For example, one study published in 2014 in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology tested the effects of moringa leaf extract on the skin. The researchers asked 11 men to apply either a cream containing moringa leaf extract or a base cream. The men used both creams twice daily for three months.
The researchers found that compared to the base, the moringa leaf extract improved skin texture and reduced the appearance of wrinkles.
Moisturizes the Skin and Hair
One feature of moringa oil that can benefit the skin and hair: oleic acid, a fatty acid in many plant and vegetable oils.
"The high oleic acid content found in moringa oil suggests it would benefit dry, more mature skin types due to its significant moisturizing properties," said Dr. Hayag.
The oleic acid in moringa oil acts as a barrier to help seal in moisture. So, the oil may be ideal for people with dry skin.1 What's more, moringa oil is gentle and safe enough for all skin types, including those prone to acne breakouts, pointed out Dr. Hayag.
Also, moringa oil may be beneficial for people with dry hair. Similar to its effects on the skin, applying moringa oil to the still-damp hair after washing helps lock in moisture.
Might Treat Infections
Moringa oil might protect against and treat infections. Specifically, the compounds found in moringa seeds prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause illnesses.
Research has found that the moringa plant may be a good alternative therapy for treating infections since it has few side effects.4
Reduces Inflammation
A review published in 2020 in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that the moringa plant helps reduce inflammation. The researchers noted that the moringa plant has some regulatory effects on the immune system.
With autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys healthy cells. As a result, many autoimmune diseases, like atopic dermatitis and multiple sclerosis (MS), cause chronic inflammation.
By helping control the immune system response, moringa oil might reduce inflammation. In fact, the researchers noted that moringa oil may stave off long-term tissue damage.
Helps Manage Diabetes
Moringa oil may help control blood sugar levels. Although, researchers have mainly studied the effects of the moringa plant on blood sugar in animals.
Still, in one review published 2020 in Nutrients, researchers suggested that the moringa plant might lower blood sugar due to its fiber and antioxidant content. The researchers noted that few studies have shown that fiber and antioxidants help the body absorb glucose, also known as sugar.
With diabetes, the body has trouble absorbing glucose due to low to no insulin levels. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood, which raises blood sugar. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can negatively impact health, including nerve and kidney damage.6
May Lower Heart Disease Risk
The unsaturated fatty acids in moringa oil may protect against heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.7 Research has found that the concentration of oleic acid in moringa oil is over 80%, which is more than in olive oil. Unsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid may help lower total cholesterol.1
High total cholesterol is a risk factor for several types of heart disease, like coronary artery disease (CAD). With CAD, plaque collects in the arteries, blocking blood flow to the heart. CAD increases the risk of a heart attack. So, monitoring your cholesterol levels helps mitigate that risk.
Might Protect Against Some Cancers
Some evidence suggests that the moringa plant might have anticancer properties. Usually, the body gets rid of abnormal cells with a process called apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death. However, if apoptosis does not happen, abnormal cells grow out of control, leading to cancer.
In one study published in 2015 in PLoS One, researchers found that the moringa plant helped reduce cancerous cells by as much as 90%. Also, the researchers found that the moringa plant improved the apoptosis of breast and colorectal cancerous cells.8
The moringa plant has several compounds, like eugenol, that induce apoptosis. Still, more research is needed to understand the effects of moringa oil on cancer wholly.
Tips on choosing moringa oil
Moringa oil is sometimes referred to as behen oil, or ben oil, because of its behenic acid content.
Determine if it’s a carrier oil or essential oil. Always look to see if the oil you’re purchasing is a carrier oil or an essential oil. As with any essential oil, moringa essential oil should be mixed with a carrier oil before using topically. Moringa essential oil may not be edible and should not be taken internally.
Choose cold-pressed, food-grade oil for cooking. Some forms of moringa oil are manufactured in large batches via solvent extraction, to be used as fuel or as a machinery lubricant. If you plan to use moringa oil for cooking or topically on the skin, look for an oil that is cold-pressed, organic, and labeled for those purposes.
Check how it’s manufactured. Also, look for a manufacturer that’s transparent about the sourcing and production of its product.
Look at the oil color and clarity. Look for an oil that is pale yellow in color with a slight scent of peanut. Some bottled brands may contain little-to-no moringa oil.