Top 05 best organic oils produced in Benin
Benin is one of the big producers of organic vegetable oils in Africa. These oils are used to treat various skin diseases, care for your beauty, cook local specialties. An overview of the 5 best organic oils produced in Benin.
1. Palm kernel oil
As its name indicates, palm kernel oil is extracted from the kernel of the fruit of the palm tree. It is not to be confused with palm oil, which comes from the flesh of that fruit.
Processing
Palm kernel oil is obtained through several essential steps. Its production starts with removing the tissue present on the palm nuts. In Beninese tradition, its processing comes after the production of palm oil, that is to say after making proper use of the tissue of those nuts.
The palm kernels are then obtained from them, notably by the shelling method. It is these kernels that are used to produce palm kernel oil – white in color – through a cold pressing process using a stainless steel press.
The production of palm kernel oil is very widespread in the departments of southern and central Benin.
Benefits
Saturated and very stable, palm kernel oil is known for its advantages for the skin and for the whole human body. It indeed makes the skin shiny and very supple. It soothes several skin conditions, namely itching, and is an anti-aging benefit because of its antioxidant characteristics.
Palm kernel oil also nourishes and refreshes the hair. It promotes its growth and its beauty.
Furthermore, thanks to its vitamin K content, palm kernel oil is a good food supplement widely used in the process of improving bone health.
Read also: The top 7 organic oils for facial care
2. Coconut oil
It is hard to talk about the best organic vegetable oils produced in Benin without mentioning coconut oil. Even if its production is generally carried out by women in the regions of southern Benin, its virtues serve everyone.
Processing
The extraction of coconut oil is done with a cold process, which preserves its properties as well as its aroma. Note that mature coconuts are favored in processing, since they contain more flesh. They are the main ingredient essential to the production of coconut oil.
After harvest, the coconut is stripped of its flesh, which is then grated and soaked in pure water before being cold-pressed. This process makes it possible to obtain the coconut milk from which the oil is extracted. It is a creamy, white-colored liquid.
Benefits
The coconut oil made in Benin is used both in cosmetics and in cooking. Just like palm kernel oil, it nourishes and moisturizes the skin as well as the hair. Massage after a shower, use in a hot bath, treatment of skin conditions, hair care… its uses are many.
In cooking, coconut oil is known for effectively complementing a ketogenic diet. Rich in triglyceride acids, it lets the body build an important reserve of energy for its functioning.
To find out more about the benefits of cold-pressed coconut oil, please read: Cold-pressed coconut oil: properties, benefits and cosmetic uses
3. Cottonseed oil
The production of organic cotton oil is no longer a secret in Benin, the country being an important producer in the sector in West Africa. Indeed, the processing of cotton into an organic substance follows a very rigorous process.
Processing
From the outset, it should be noted that there are several strategies for extracting cotton oil, including the pressing and solvent methods. However, the best-known method remains the one based on pressing.
The cottonseeds are poured into a dedicated machine, thus making it possible to press them until the oil is produced. Once obtained, it undergoes a refining process through the following steps:
- Degumming;
- Neutralization;
- Bleaching;
- Deodorization;
- Dewaxing.
The production of cotton oil (yellowish, red or dark) is carried out in cotton processing plants, notably in the south of Benin, although the north is an important supplier.
Benefits
Rich in linoleic acid (omega 6) and in sterols, organic cotton oil concentrates various properties. Like palm kernel or coconut oils, it makes it possible to soften dry, sensitive and mature skin.
Elle maintient a better hydration of the skin and promotes a regeneration of the hydrolipidic barrier.
In addition, there are ranges specially intended for the preparation of a wide variety of culinary specialties.
4. Baobab oil
Another of the best organic oils produced in Benin is baobab oil. Light yellow in color, this natural, organic oil is most often obtained by cold pressing.
Processing
The processing of baobab oil is similar to that of coconut oil, since it is obtained from the seeds of baobab fruits. The process is very simple: after harvest, the fruits are crushed to release the seeds, which are then pressed so as to produce the desired liquid (the oil).
The processing of baobab oil is a tradition known just about everywhere in Benin. Furthermore, the plant in question is generally found in savannas, coastal areas and arid areas.
Benefits
Baobab oil is the prototype of a complete care oil. It suits almost every part of the human body, namely: the skin, the hair, the nails. Antioxidant, painkilling and anti-inflammatory, it makes it possible to heal all the conditions the skin is exposed to.
Used on the face, the lips, the nails, the hair, this organic oil promotes a perfect harmony of the human body.
It can be used in food, since it is made up of a good dose of vitamin E. This last use is less well known.
Read also: How to use baobab oil to care for your skin?
5. Neem oil
A thick oil of brownish color, neem oil is known for its nature that is both ecological and organic. It has been produced in Benin for several years by many companies.
Its extraction is done by pressing. As for its benefits, they are essential in various fields: plantations and cosmetics among others.
Processing
Organic neem oil actually comes from its fruits. These are stripped of their flesh, which gives access to the seeds, which are then crushed.
To be able to extract the oil from them, two pressing methods are possible: water pressing or cold pressing. Note that the second method is the most prized because of its effectiveness.
Benefits
In Africa and particularly in Benin, as elsewhere in the world, neem oil is known as a highly effective product in gardens. In addition to pesticides, it makes it possible to keep insects away and to prevent pests from eating the plants.
Even if it has a high content of omega 6, omega 9 and palmitic and stearic acids, consuming it is not really recommended.
What is more, neem oil can be used in Ayurvedic care to treat the skin as well as the hair. Likewise, it is an interesting complement in several cosmetic recipes.
See also: Neem and its benefits for the skin
Do you want to source natural or organic vegetable oils? Our company, specialized in producing organic oils (neem oil, baobab oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, etc.), will be able to meet all your needs.