Plant-Powered Beauty

We’ve categorized all the ingredients that we use in our plant-powered recipes into eleven charts. We hope that these simple reference charts will provide you with not only the essential go-to facts about each ingredient, so you can get to know them more intimately, but also the confidence to mix and match other recommended ingredients to create your own unique twists for many of the recipes we share.

2.herbal infusions (oils, usually olive or sunflower, in which medicinal herbs like calendula and comfrey have been soaked)

7.exfoliants (including sugars and various salts that contain a rich array of minerals)

In addition to their ability to safely dilute and solubilize the molecules of essential oils so they may be “carried” into our skin, these vegetable oils can also provide a nice source of vitamins (A, D, and E, to name a few) and a rich array of essential fatty acids, which are needed for our skin to stay healthy and hydrated.

CARRIER OILS

ALMOND OIL /PRUNUS DULCIS
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
ALL SKIN TYPES PARTS USED: seeds ABSORPTION RATE: medium COLOR: light yellow VISCOSITY: medium SHELF LIFE: 1 year SAFETY CONCERNS: avoid if allergic to nuts	thought to be native to Central Asia; now cultivated in the US	cold-pressed	Raw nut is removed from the shell. It is cleaned, sorted, and possibly soaked in water, or a salt water solution, to remove impurities, then sun dried, or mechanically dried. The hulls then are removed, and the nuts are ground into a fine powder and pressed, yielding a “crude” unrefined oil. Refining: filtering to remove any sediment. Deodorizing: to remove aromatic components.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
trace amounts of fat-soluble vitamins A and E	palmitic acid: 6–8% stearic acid: 0.5–2% oleic acid: 64–82% linoleic acid: 8–28%	trace amounts of sterols and polyphenols, can offer a nice aroma when it’s not deodorized, smooth feel, rich in oleic acid	emollient, skin softening, boosts immune function of skin, anti-inflammatory, healing, improves skin tone

APRICOT KERNEL /PRUNUS ARMENIACA L.
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
ALL SKIN TYPES PARTS USED: kernels ABSORPTION RATE: fast COLOR: pale to deep gold VISCOSITY: light to medium SHELF LIFE: 1 year SAFETY CONCERNS: none	native to Iran and Manchuria; now cultivated extensively in the US and Europe	cold-pressed	Kernel is removed from the fruit, and it is cleaned, sorted, and soaked in water, or a salt water solution, to remove impurities, then sun dried, or mechanically dried. The hulls then are removed, and the nuts are ground into a fine powder and pressed, yielding a “crude” unrefined oil. Refining: filtering to remove any sediment. Deodorizing: to remove aromatic components.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
rich in vitamin E	palmitic acid: 4–9% palmitoleic acid: 0.5–1% stearic acid: 0.5–1% oleic acid: 58–75% linoleic acid: 25–30% alpha-linolenic acid: 0.3%	great alternative for those with nut allergies; excellent for blending with other rich oils; light to touch, easily absorbed, very light feel that is richly moisturizing; similar chemical makeup to almond oil but more stable, adds great texture to facial serums	anti-inflammatory antibacterial, antioxidant, emollient, wound healing, scar softening

CARRIER OILS (CONTINUED)

ARGAN /ARGANIA SPINOSA
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
ALL SKIN TYPES PARTS USED: kernels ABSORPTION RATE: medium to fast COLOR: light gold VISCOSITY: light to medium SHELF LIFE: 1–2 years SAFETY CONCERNS: none	North Africa, Morocco	cold-pressed	The kernel is removed from the argan nut, which has a very hard shell and is hand pounded to open. The kernel is then mashed and squeezed to express the oil. When filtering, the oil sits so the sediment sinks to bottom and then the oil is strained and filtered.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
vitamin E content exists in the crude unprocessed argan oil, also present is naturally occurring squalene	palmitic acid: 10–15% stearic acid: 5–6.5% oleic acid: 44.8–55% linoleic acid: 28–36%	the presence of squalene makes it a great skin cell regenerator and wound healer	emollient, essential fatty acids, wound healing, anti-inflammatory antibacterial; best used for mature, aging, damaged skin, juvenile acne dry skin, and to promote healthy scar tissue

AVOCADO /PERSEA AMERICANA MILL.
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
DRY/MATURE/ SENSITIVE SKIN PARTS USED: whole fruit ABSORPTION RATE: medium COLOR: deep green VISCOSITY: medium SHELF LIFE: 1 year SAFETY CONCERNS: none	native to the Americas, primarily Central and South	fresh flesh of the fruit mashed using pressure and centrifuge extraction	Fresh and ripe avocados are cleaned, sorted, peeled, and pitted, and the flesh is put through a masher. Next the freshly ground pulp is put into a centrifuge that spins the mash so quickly that water and oil separate out of the mash and flow into a separate vat. The oil floats on the top of the water and is separated off. Filtering comes next to remove any remaining pulp or botanical material. Sometimes manufacturers may add a little stabilizer to keep the rich green color, or some unethically may add green coloring.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
fruit contains vitamins K, C, and E and helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K	palmitic acid: 7–32% palmitoleic acid: 2–13% stearic acid: 0.5–1.5% oleic acid: 36–80% linoleic acid: 6–18% alpha-linolenic acid: 0.5%	great for softening and protecting the skin; healing and soothing for dry damaged skin, and promotes skin regeneration; adds a nice softness to the skin and blends well with other oils; very nutritive because of high content of minerals; great for weakened, depleted skin	anti-inflammatory antioxidant, wound healing, supports immune function of skin, regenerative, softening

CARRIER OILS (CONTINUED)

BAOBAB /ADANSONIA DIGITATA
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
ALL SKIN TYPES PARTS USED: seeds ABSORPTION RATE: fast COLOR: clear to slightly golden VISCOSITY: light to medium SHELF LIFE: 2–4 years SAFETY CONCERNS: none	Africa	cold-pressed	Seeds are cleaned, separated, hulled, mashed, and squeezed. They are then filtered to allow sediment to sink to the bottom to be strained out.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
vitamins E, A, and trace of D	palmitic acid: 24.2–46% stearic acid: 2–9% oleic acid: 21–39% linoleic acid: 12–30.7% linolenic acid: 0.5–3%	anti-inflammatory and emollient, healing to damaged skin	supports collagen and elasticin, rich in EFA, fights free-radical damage, wound healing

BORAGE /BORAGQ OFFICINALIS
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
ALL SKIN TYPES PARTS USED: seeds ABSORPTION RATE: medium COLOR: clear VISCOSITY: medium SHELF LIFE: 6–9 months SAFETY CONCERNS: none	native to Mediterranean region; now present in temperate climates around the world	cold-pressed	Seeds are cleaned, separated, hulled, mashed, and squeezed. They are then filtered to remove any sediment.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
trace amounts present	palmitic acid: 9–13% oleic acid: 14–20% linoleic acid: 34–45% gamma-linolenic acid: 25% eicosenoic acid: 3–5% erucic acid: 1–4% linolenic acid: 18–25% stearic acid: 3–5%	has a unique sterol content that means it has molecules that help cells communicate and stay strong; richest known plant source for gamma-linolenic acid	premature aging, regenerative skincare, dry or inflamed skin conditions, powerful anti-inflammatory

CASTOR SEED /RICINUS COMMUNIS
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
DRY/COMBINATION SKIN PARTS USED: seeds ABSORPTION RATE: slow COLOR: clear VISCOSITY: thick SHELF LIFE: 1–2 years SAFETY CONCERNS: none	native to southeastern Mediterranean area, East Africa, and India	cold-pressed	Seeds are cleaned, sorted, and hulled, then put under pressure. They are then filtered to remove any sediment.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
n/a	ricinoleic acid: 87–89.5% palmitic acid: 1–2% linoleic acid: 3–4.2% eicosanoic acid: 0.3% linolenic acid: 0.3% stearic acid: 1% oleic acid: 3–7%	nice collection of sterols that help strengthen cell membranes	anti-inflammatory emollient, provides shine, humectant, pain relieving

CARRIER OILS (CONTINUED)

COCONUT /COCOS NUCIFERA
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
DRY/DAMAGED SKIN PARTS USED: raw fresh coconut meat ABSORPTION RATE: occlusive, slow COLOR: solid white VISCOSITY: thick SHELF LIFE: 2–3 years SAFETY CONCERNS: none	native to the Indo-Pacific region but has since spread prolifically around the world; today, the tree/palm is mainly domesticated	two main processes of extraction: dry and wet. The dry method generally uses solvents; the wet process uses centrifuge and pressing	For extracted raw virgin coconut oil, meat can be milled, dried, mixed with water, treated with enzymes, screw pressed, and processed with the milk and the water. Coconut oil can also be sold as RBD, which means refined bleached deodorized, as well as what is called fractionated. See notes on page 103 for more of an explanation. We advise using a naturally deodorized coconut, or a raw virgin one, that is richly scented with coconut aromatic components.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
vitamins A, D, and K; helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins more readily	caprylic acid: 6–10% capric acid: 5–10% lauric acid: 39–54% myristic acid: 15–23% palmitic acid: 6–11% stearic acid: 1–4% oleic acid: 4–11% linoleic acid: 1–2%	rich in lauric acid, a powerful antimicrobial and antiviral agent that supports our own immunity and strengthens the health of skin	emollient, antimicrobial, antioxidant, fighting free radical damage, anti-inflammatory, skin softening and strengthening, supports immunity, antiaging

EVENING PRIMROSE /OENOTHERA BIENNIS
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
DRY/COMBINATION SKIN PARTS USED: seeds ABSORPTION RATE: fast COLOR: clear VISCOSITY: light to medium SHELF LIFE: 6–9 months SAFETY CONCERNS: none	thought to have originated in Mexico and Central America	cold-pressed	cold-pressed from hulled seeds, low temperature, and low pressure since its oil is very volatile

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
very trace amounts of vitamin E, which is why it has a very short shelf life; very high in sterols, which is why it’s great for cell regeneration	palmitic acid: 5.5–7% oleic acid: 14–18% linoleic acid: 70–75% gamma-linolenic acid: 9–10%	softening and deeply soothing to irritated and inflamed skin; also offering a dewy glow-like feel that gives the experience of protection and healing	regenerative skincare, mature aging skin, psoriasis and eczema, anti-inflammatory, very healing

CARRIER OILS (CONTINUED)

	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
HEMP SEED /CANNABIS SATIVA
ALL SKIN TYPES PARTS USED: seeds ABSORPTION RATE: medium COLOR: emerald green VISCOSITY: light to medium SHELF LIFE: 6-9 months SAFETY CONCERNS: none	native to Central Asia; now widely cultivated	cold-pressed	Seeds are dried and then soaked so hull can separate, then seeds are dried again and mashed, pressed, and filtered to separate sediment.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
high in sterols content, low in vitamin E content; particularly rich in a constituent known as wax sterols that match the chemistry of our own skin	palmitic acid: 5–12% palmitoleic acid: 0.5% oleic acid: 10–16% linolenic acid: 14–30% stearic acid: 1–4.5% alpha-linolenic acid: 25–65%	anti-inflammatory soothes discomfort, supports skins barrier function	dry skin, eczema, reduces water loss in skin, pain relieving, anti-inflammatory acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, regenerative, great for oily skin and to balance over production of sebum

JOJOBA /SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
ALL SKIN TYPES PARTS USED: seeds ABSORPTION RATE: fast COLOR: golden VISCOSITY: medium SHELF LIFE: 2–3 years SAFETY CONCERNS: none	Israel, southwestern US, desert regions	expeller-pressed	Seeds are often hand harvested, or mechanically gathered. It’s best to harvest seeds that have ripened and fallen off the tree. Seeds are cleaned, sorted, hulled, and expeller-pressed; filtered to remove any sediment.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
vitamins E and B complexes, along with some minerals; high in wax esters, or sterols, which resemble in chemical structure our own sterol content in our skin	palmitic acid: 0–2% oleic acid: 10–15% eicosenoic (gadoleic) acid: 66–71% docosenoic (erucic) acid: 14–20%	a great choice for improving the overall function of the skin, boosting its immunity, and balancing its pH; extremely stable	antibacterial; emollient; wound healing; antioxidant; balancing, softening; soothing to irritations

OLIVE /OLEA EUROPAEA
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
ALL SKIN TYPES PARTS USED: whole fruit ABSORPTION RATE: medium COLOR: yellow to dark green VISCOSITY: light to medium SHELF LIFE: 1–2 years SAFETY CONCERNS: none	originated in the Mediterranean Basin and ancient Persia	cold-pressed and centrifuged	Ripe fruits are collected either by shaking the branches or hand picking, then they are washed, sorted, and pitted. Then the flesh is ground, macerated, and pressed; the centrifuge process separates the water content from the oil.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
fat-soluble vitamins E and K	oleic acid: 60–85% linoleic acid: 9–14% linolenic acid: 1%	high in sterols, polyphenols, lignans, and squalene	emollient, wound healing, cleansing, anti-inflammatory fights free radical damage

CARRIER OILS (CONTINUED)

POMEGRANATE /PUNICA GRANATUM
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
VERY DRY/MATURE SKIN PARTS USED: seeds ABSORPTION RATE: slow to medium COLOR: clear VISCOSITY: medium SHELF LIFE: 1–2 years SAFETY CONCERNS: none	originated in the Mediterranean basin and ancient Persia	cold-pressed	Tiny seeds are cold-pressed using nominal pressure, resulting in cooler processing temperatures; filtered to remove any sediment.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
vitamins A and E	stearic acid: 1.7 % palmitic acid: 2.47% oleic acid: 4.63% linoleic acid: 9.78% linolenic acid: <1.0% punicic acid: 66.7–80%	unique in its content of punicic acid	anti-inflammatory, cell regenerator, tissue reparative, wound healing, supports collagen and elasticin production

RED RASPBERRY SEED /RUBUS IDAEUS
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
ALL SKIN TYPES PARTS USED: seeds ABSORPTION RATE: slow to medium COLOR: bright gold to reddish VISCOSITY: medium SHELF LIFE: 1–2 years SAFETY CONCERNS: none	US, Russia, and Eastern Europe	cold-pressed	Tiny seeds are cold-pressed using nominal pressure, resulting in cooler processing temperatures; filtered to remove any sediment.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
rich in tocopherols, vitamin E, and trace beta-carotene	palmitic acid: .9% stearic acid: 2% oleic acid: 11.7% linoleic acid: 52.1% linolenic acid: 22.2%	excellent free radical scavenger, reduces oxidative stress of the skin; low in saturated fat	rich source of polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant activity, including tocopherols and tocotrienols; tocopherols contribute to the oil’s superior free radical ion-scavenging capability and lipid support

ROSEHIP SEED /ROSA CANINA OR ROSA RUBIGINOSA
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
DRY/COMBINATION SKIN PARTS USED: seeds ABSORPTION RATE: medium COLOR: pink to light orange VISCOSITY: thick SHELF LIFE: 6–9 months refrigerated SAFETY CONCERNS: none	many regions in the world	cold-pressed	cold-pressed, low temperatures as the oil is very volatile and delicate; filtered to remove sediment

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
rich in vitamin E and beta-carotene	palmitic acid: 3.33–4.97% stearic acid: trace – 0.11% oleic acid: 12.36–14% linoleic acid: 46–48.84% linolenic acid: 26–30%	tissue regeneration	regenerative skincare, premature aging, reduces hyperpigmentation, reduces appearance of age spots, softens scar tissue, tissue regenerative, wound healing

CARRIER OILS (CONTINUED)

SEA BUCKTHORN /HIPPOPHAE RHAMNQIDES
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
DRY/COMBINATION SKIN PARTS USED: berries/ seeds ABSORPTION RATE: slow COLOR: deep orange VISCOSITY: thick SHELF LIFE: 1 year SAFETY CONCERNS: none	cold climates like Scandinavia and Canada	cold-pressed and CO₂ extraction	Sea buckthorn can be extracted from either the fruit and the seeds combined or just the seeds. The fruit has a more complex collection of EFAs than the seed oil alone. This oil is also CO₂ extracted from fruit and seeds and renders a very dark burnt-orange oil. Then it is filtered to remove sediment.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
high in vitamin E, beta-carotene, and sterols	palmitic acid: 6–31% stearic acid: 2–4% linoleic acid: 35–40.9% alpha-linolenic acid: 20–35% palmitoleic acid: < 0.5% oleic acid: 15–28.86%	cell regenerative, soothing to damaged skin	soothes inflamed skin conditions and sun damage, wound healing, extreme dryness, mature skin, antioxidant, emollient

SESAME /SESAMUM INDICUM
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
DRY/COMBINATION SKIN PARTS USED: raw hulled seeds ABSORPTION RATE: medium to fast COLOR: light yellow to gold VISCOSITY: light SHELF LIFE: 1 year SAFETY CONCERNS: none	Middle East, Asia	cold-pressed	Seeds are hulled and then ground and pressed under pressure. They are filtered to remove sediment.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
high in antioxidants and vitamin E	palmitic acid 8–11% oleic acid: 37–42% linoleic acid: 30–47% stearic acid: 4–6%	excellent all-purpose oil for skin soothing and healing	emollient, warming, good for dry skin, great for hair and nails

CARRIER OILS (CONTINUED)

SUNFLOWER /HELIANTHUS ANNUUS
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
DRY/COMBINATION SKIN PARTS USED: raw hulled seeds ABSORPTION RATE: medium to fast COLOR: clear to light yellow VISCOSITY: light SHELF LIFE: 1–2 years SAFETY CONCERNS: none	US, Europe, and Asia	cold-pressed	This special process gently extracts oils, using nominal pressure, resulting in cooler processing temperatures than extrusion processes and without using any distillation, harsh chemicals, or synthetic “stripping.” Then it is filtered to remove any sediment.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
vitamin E	palmitic acid: 2–10% stearic acid: 1–10% oleic acid: 14–65% linoleic acid: 20–75% linolenic acid: <1.5% palmitoleic acid: <1% arachidic acid: <1%”	excellent all-purpose oil for skin soothing and healing; stable	emollient, anti-inflammatory

TAMANU /CALOPHYLLUM INOPHYLLUM
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
DRY/COMBINATION SKIN PARTS USED: nuts ABSORPTION RATE: fast COLOR: deep green VISCOSITY: medium SHELF LIFE: 1–2 years SAFETY CONCERNS: none	Polynesia	cold-pressed	The nuts are hulled, mashed, pressed, and filtered to remove any sediment.

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
trace of vitamins but has sterols: delta-tocotrienol (236 mg/ kg), stigmasterol (35.8–45.7%), and beta-sitosterol (47.7–43.7%)	palmitic acid: 11–13.7% oleic acid: 39.1–50% linoleic acid: 21.7–31.1% stearic acid: 13.4–14.3%	antimicrobial, wound healing	wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, promotes healthy scar tissue formation, good for dry/scaly skin conditions

TOMATO SEED /SQLANUM LYCOPERSICUM
	WHERE IT IS SOURCED	METHOD OF EXTRACTION	HOW IT IS PROCESSED
ALL SKIN TYPES PARTS USED: seeds ABSORPTION RATE: fast COLOR: light red VISCOSITY: light SHELF LIFE: 1–2 years SAFETY CONCERNS: none	all climates worldwide	cold-pressed	This special process gently extracts oils using nominal pressure, resulting in cooler processing temperatures than extrusion processes and without using any distillation, harsh chemicals, or synthetic “stripping.”

VITAMIN CONTENT	ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID CONTENT	HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES	THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
trace of lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin along with phytosterols and dissolved minerals	palmitic acid: 12.9% stearic acid: 5.6% oleic acid: 20.8% linoleic acid: 48.9% linolenic acid: 1.89%	antioxidant, nutritive, protective against oxidative stress of the skin, stable	antioxidant, wound healing, protective, nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and good choice to protect against free radical damage