Babassu oil or cusi oil is a clear light yellow vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the babassu palm ( Attalea speciosa ), which grows in the Amazon region of South America . It is a non-drying oil used in food, cleaners and skin products. This oil has properties similar to coconut oil and is used in much the same context. It is being used as a substitute for coconut oil. Babassu oil is about 70% lipids, in the following proportions: [1]
| Fatty acid | percentage |
|---|---|
| Lauric | 50.0% |
| myristic | 20.0% |
| palmitic | 11.0% |
| Oleic | 10.0% |
| stearic | 3.5% |
Lauric and myristic acids have melting points, close to human body temperature , so can be applied to the skin as a solid that melts on contact. This heat transfer can produce a cooling sensation. It is an effective emollient .
During February 2008, a mixture of babassu oil and coconut oil Was Partially used to power one engine of a Boeing 747 , in a biofuel trial sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Airways . [2]
References
- Jump up^ “Soap Making Oil Properties” . Saratoga Scents . Retrieved 2006-10-09 .
- Jump up^ First biofuel flight, BBC News, 02/24/08