Babassu oil orcusi oil is a clear light yellowvegetable oil extracted from the seeds of thebabassu palm (Attalea speciosa) which grows in theAmazon region ofSouth America.[1] It is anon-drying oil used in food, cleaners and skin products. This oil has properties similar tococonut oil and is increasingly being used as a substitute for coconut oil.[2] Babassu oil is about 70% lipids, in the following proportions:[3]
| Fatty acid | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Lauric | 50.0% |
| Myristic | 20.0% |
| Palmitic | 11.0% |
| Oleic | 10.0% |
| Stearic | 3.5% |
Lauric andmyristic acids havemelting points relatively close to humanbody temperature, so babassu oil can be applied to the skin as a solid that melts on contact. Thisheat transfer can produce a cooling sensation. It is an effectiveemollient.
InMaranhão, the women who produce babassu oil are known asquebradeiras de coco do babaçu, '(babassu coconut breakers)' and have been studied by academics for their role in conserving biodiversity.[4]
During February 2008, a mixture of babassu oil and coconut oil was used to partially power one engine of aBoeing 747, in abiofuel trial sponsored byVirgin Atlantic.[5]
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