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Ceramides: What are these compounds and what is their purpose?

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Ceramides are a type of waxy lipid molecule that help to hold skin cells together in the top layer of skin. This helps to keep moisture in the skin and protect it from allergens and other external substances.

 

Ceramides are important for maintaining a healthy appearance and proper functioning of the skin. They are made up of N-acetylsphingosine and a fatty acid and can be found in high concentrations within the cell membrane of certain types of cells. The outermost layer of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum, contains terminally differentiated and enucleated cells called corneocytes that are surrounded by a lipid matrix. Along with cholesterol and free fatty acids, ceramides make up the “mortar” of this matrix, which forms a barrier that prevents water loss and protects against microorganisms. The lipid matrix in the epidermis is typically made up of approximately 50% ceramides, 25% cholesterol, and 15% free fatty acids, with smaller amounts of other lipids also present.

 

In plants, Ceramides can be found in the cell walls and in the cuticle of certain types of plants, such as cereal grains and legumes, which are rich sources of dietary ceramides. These include wheat, rice, oats, barley, and soybeans, as well as certain types of nuts and seeds, such as sunflower seeds and almonds. Ceramides are also found in the leaves and stems of some plants, such as lettuce and spinach, and in the peel of certain fruits, such as apples and bananas. However, not all plants contain ceramides. The presence of ceramides varies depending on the species of plant and the specific tissue or part of the plant that is being examined. Some plants may contain only trace amounts of ceramides, while others may contain none at all.

 

Let’s go more into details.

Ceramides are found in a variety of plants, including both food crops and non-food crops. Here is a list of some plants that are known to contain ceramides:

  • Wheat: Wheat is a cereal grain that is a rich source of ceramides and other nutrients, including fiber, protein, and B vitamins.
  • Rice: Rice is another cereal grain that is a good source of ceramides, as well as other nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and B vitamins.
  • Oats: Oats are a type of cereal grain that is a rich source of ceramides and other nutrients, including fiber, protein, and minerals.
  • Barley: Barley is a cereal grain that is a good source of ceramides, as well as other nutrients such as fiber, protein, and B vitamins.
  • Soybeans: Soybeans are a type of legume that is a rich source of ceramides, as well as other nutrients such as protein, fiber, and phytochemicals.
  • Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds are a good source of ceramides and other nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium.
  • Almonds: Almonds are a type of nut that is a good source of ceramides, as well as other nutrients such as protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
  • Lettuce: Lettuce is a leafy green vegetable that is a good source of ceramides and other nutrients, such as vitamin K and folate.
  • Spinach: Spinach is another leafy green vegetable that is a good source of ceramides and other nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin K, and iron.

 

While the following are the Fruits that are known to contain ceramides:

  • Apples: Ceramides are found in the peel of apples, which is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
  • Bananas: Ceramides are found in the peel of bananas, which is rich in fiber and other nutrients.
    Avocado: Avocado is a rich source of ceramides and other healthy fats, as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals.
  • Oranges: Ceramides are found in the peel of oranges, which is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.
  • Grapes: Grapes contain ceramides and other beneficial compounds, such as resveratrol, which is found in the skin of the grape.
  • Cherries: Cherries contain ceramides and other beneficial compounds, such as anthocyanins, which are responsible for the fruit’s deep red color.
  • Pears: Pears contain ceramides and other nutrients, such as fiber and vitamin C.

 

It is worth noting that the amount of ceramides present in these and other fruits or plants can vary depending on the specific variety and how the fruit or plant is grown and processed. Some fruits and plants may contain only trace amounts of ceramides, while others may contain higher concentrations.

 

As you can see at NEREA we think Ceramides are very important for your skin, that’s why we made sure to include them in most of our products, such as Prospera, organic peptides cream, Spirale, organic snail slime cream, Florida, organic algae-based anti-age cream, and Sempreverde, organic anti-age serum.
In these products Ceramides act in synergy with all the other ingredients to give your skin a real, visible, Organic boost, in just a few weeks of use!