Specialty Oils & Their Remarkable Health Benefits, Plus Try Our Different Marinade and Dressing Recipes

Mother Nature has blessed us with many nourishing plants, seeds, and food items that offer many more benefits than just enhancing our taste palette with their savory taste. You see, these food items, such as walnuts or pumpkins, pack up dynamic concentrations of essential nutrients that work to enhance our health, fight off ailments and their risk factors, and beautify our skin.
Specialty oils, such as walnut or hazelnut, boast remarkable nutrient profiles and health-enhancing properties that make them indispensable for a healthy, well-balanced, and nourishing diet.
Here, let’s take a look at these specialty oils and their remarkable health benefits:
Walnut Oil
Packed with rich concentrations of omega-3 fatty acid ALA, ellagitannins, polyphenol compounds, and unsaturated fatty acids, walnut oil is a superfood that can enhance cardiovascular health, regulate blood sugar levels and nourish the body to fight off ailments. It enjoys immense popularity for its ability to fight off fungal infections, such as jock itch or athlete's foot, with topical application.
It can also eliminate dark circles, treat psoriasis, and reverse the signs of aging, making it a great beauty and skincare ingredient. Its dietary benefits exceed its beauty benefits, as it is may be capable of curing digestive ailments and inflammatory diseases.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
For centuries, pumpkin seed oil has remained synonymous with the health of the heart, and the urinary tract. Modern research reveals that pumpkin seed oil is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, including oleic and linoleic acids, and a wide range of essential vitamins. It is unsaturated fat, which makes it immensely healthy for the heart and brain. When consumed regularly, it aids in regulating cholesterol levels and fighting off inflammatory diseases.
Research reveals that pumpkin seed oil is effective at undermining cholesterol spikes, hormone-induced headaches, and aids in reversing the signs of severe hair loss.
Black Cumin Oil
Black cumin oil packs up rich concentrations of antioxidants, which make it highly effective at allowing healthy weight loss, reducing blood sugar levels, and cholesterol spikes. This is primarily why it is considered a versatile superfood for diabetic and cardiovascular patients.
It also aids in eliminating inflammation in the airways, and for centuries, it has been prevalently used in treating asthma and the symptoms of bronchitis. It also may aid in relieving stomach aches and cramps and restoring the health of the digestive system by eliminating bloating, gas, and the symptoms of ulcers.
Hazelnut Oil
Hazelnut oil derives its popularity amongst health and wellness circles from its ability to hydrate the body and the skin. It features a remarkable profile of nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Hazelnut oil is particularly rich in vitamin E and fatty acid, which make it a powerful ingredient to add to your beauty arsenal.
When applied to the skin, topically or in face masks, it can boost hydration in the outermost layer of the skin. It keeps the skin hydrated, while its rich concentrations of vitamin E enhance skin elasticity, fight off the signs of aging and restore youthfulness, firmness, and suppleness. You can add it to your face masks and mix it up with different nourishing ingredients to enhance its effectiveness.
When added to the diet, this oil may aid in reducing blood fat levels, inflammation and regulates blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Wheat Germ Oil
A potent source of antioxidants and essential vitamins, wheat germ oil is immensely healthy for the body and the skin. For centuries, it has remained popular for its ability to speed the healing process for scars, and it is highly effective at eliminating acne scars and other bruises. It boosts potent anti-aging properties, and when used as a face cleanser, it can restore firmness and youthfulness.
Wheat germ oil is also famous for its ability to fight off inflammation, regulate and lower cholesterol levels, and boost cardiovascular health. It also acts as a rejuvenating hair oil to fight off hair fall, and leave behind healthy, shiny, and silky strands.
Try these easy dressings, vinaigrettes, or marinades to incorporate these nutrient-packed oils into your diet:
Marinade/Dressing |
Protein/Use |
Oil (2 Tablespoons) |
Spices/Herbs (1 teaspoon of each) |
Add-Ins (1 -2 tablespoons of each) |
Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette |
Salad or Marinate for Vegetables |
Walnut Oil |
Thyme, Basil, Oregano, Salt & Pepper |
Honey, Balsamic Vinegar |
Simple & Tasty Pumpkin Seed Oil Marinade |
Pork or Chicken |
Pumpkin Seed Oil |
Red pepper flakes, Salt and pepper |
Shallots, Apple cider vinegar |
Island-Style Marinade |
Meat or Chicken |
Black Cumin Seed Oil |
Herbs de Provence |
Garlic, Soy Sauce, Red Wine Vinegar, Lemon Juice |
Hazelnut Vinaigrette |
Salad |
Hazelnut Oil |
Thyme, Salt & Pepper |
Shallots, Red Wine Vinegar, Honey |
Wheat Germ & Tahini Dressing |
Salad |
Wheat Germ Oil |
Powdered Turmeric, Cayenne Powder, Salt & Pepper |
Lemon Juice, Tahini |