Marula oil facts for kids
Marula oil is a special oil. It comes from the nuts inside the fruits of the Marula tree. These trees are found in parts of Africa. There are actually two kinds of marula oil. One comes from the seeds, and the other from the nut's hard shell. People have used marula oil for a long time. It's used in cosmetics (like lotions), for cooking, and even to keep meat fresh. It can also make leather soft.
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What's Inside Marula Oil?
Marula oil has many good things in it. It contains a lot of monounsaturated fats. These fats help the oil stay fresh for a long time.
Here are some of the fats found in marula oil:
- Oleic acid (70–78%)
- Linoleic acid (4.0–7.0%)
- Alpha-linolenic acid (0.1–0.7%)
- Palmitic acid (9–12%)
- Stearic acid (5.0–8.0%)
- Arachidonic acid (0.3–0.7%)
Marula oil also has other helpful things. These include Tocopherols (like Vitamin E), sterols, and flavonoids. These ingredients are good for your skin and overall health.
How Marula Oil Looks and Feels
Marula oil is usually clear and has a light yellow color. It smells a bit nutty. It feels smooth and light. Its specific gravity, which tells you how dense it is, is about 0.91 to 0.92 at 15 degrees Celsius.
Traditional Uses of Marula Oil
People in Africa have used marula oil for many years. It has been important in their daily lives.
Marula Oil for Skin Care
The Tsonga people in South Africa and Mozambique use marula oil. They use it as a lotion to keep their skin soft. They also use it as a massage oil for babies. In the past, women in Namibia even used marula oil to clean themselves instead of water.
Marula Oil in Food
Marula oil is also a popular food ingredient. People in places like Mozambique, Owambo in Namibia, and Zvishavane in Zimbabwe use it in their meals. It is a big part of the diet for Bushmen and Bantu communities.
The Venda people use the oil to preserve meat. This helps the meat stay good for up to a year. Many local people see marula oil as a special treat. They add it to both old and new recipes.
