An Analysis of Emu Oil - continued
For the most part, these oils are common massage oils. These oils are also more stable (i.e. longer shelf life) than the previous oils. Once again Emu oil is toward the bottom of this list, but Oleic is the largest single component at 40-47%.
If you look on your sunflower and safflower oil in the market you may notice that they contains a versions of the oil labeled 'High Oleic.' This means that it is highbred seed oil that you are buying, and has a longer shelf life. It may change the nutritional benefits of the oil too.
As we have examined the emollients in refined Emu oil we have found Oleic, Linolenic, and Alpha Linolenic Acids. As you have seen these are not unusual components of many vegetable oils. Now, I haven't found anything yet to explain why Emu Oil would be superior to other quality oils. We do know that these fats are good things to apply to the skin especially Alpha Linolenic and Linolenic; however, many other sources contain much higher levels. That doesn't mean there isn't something that hasn't been analyzed yet. Let�s continue our examination:
Another fatty acid found in Emu Oil, in a fairly large percentage is Palmitic Acid. It is found in low to medium levels in almost every vegetable oil and carrier oil.
A short list of Palmitic (C16:0):
Palm(seed) Oil (44%)
Emu Oil (20%)
Avocado Oil (12-22%)
Wheat Germ Oil (9-19%)
Macadamia Seed Oil (7-10%)
Grape Seed Oil (5-10%)
Sweet Almond Oil (5-8%)
The final major component of Emu oil is Stearic. Stearic is a white waxy fatty acid. Other Oils high in Stearic (C 18:1) include:
Shea Butter (40-50%)
Emu Oil (9%)
Grape Seed (2-5%)
Stearic acid (fats) may be another of the beneficial components for the skin as evident by it�s large percentage in Shea Butter. Shea Butter is often used for skin problems, but that is the topic for another article. Also, many candle makers may recognize as they often use Palm Stearic. Emu oil contains a respectable level of this fat at 10%.
What�s the left? I finally found a source that would reveal the rest of what�s in Emu Oil: a trace of myristic (C14:0) at only 0.3%) And palmitoleic (C16:1) at a level of 3.1%. Other oils high in Palmitoleic are:
Macadamia Seed (16-23%)
Avocado (4-2%)
Emu Oil (3.1%)