The oil you obtain from the dried pulp of a coconut is incredibly valuable, because it is bound to a variety of uses. Coconut oil, which was considered an enemy of health for years, is now completely rehabilitated by more recent scientific studies.
Its normal consistency at room temperature is not liquid but solid, similar to butter, so when it is used for external applications, it should be dissolved gently, then can be cooked at high temperatures because it contains predominantly fat that will not damage the arteries.
All the benefits of coconut oil
The main advantage of coconut oil, is the presence of lauric acid, a saturated fat that has the ability to raise the level of good cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and reduce the LDL cholesterol.
Coconut oil is the substance that contains the most lauric acid than any other in the world. A study conducted in 2009 showed that the consumption of 2 tablespoons a day of this oil allows you to control your weight and especially to promote the elimination of abdominal fat which is typically difficult to get rid of. Therefore, it can also help those of you following weight loss diets.
Coconut oil strengthens the body in general, making it more resistant to immune defenses against bacterial infections, fungi and viruses, then it seems that it is particularly effective against candida.
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The benefits of coconut oil are virtually endless: as an external application it has shown effectiveness against problems such as acne, eczema, rosacea, keratosis, psoriasis and also, as mentioned above, protects against bacterial and fungal attacks and creates a barrier to the absorption of toxic chemicals.
It is rich in vitamin E and when applied to the skin after bath or shower makes it extremely soft, it is also good for moisturizing and protecting your hands.
It can also help strengthen hair, making it shiny and is also effective against dandruff. The best way to apply it on the hair is to massage it directly into the scalp and leave it on for, for a few hours.
A coconut oil beauty recipe
Now let’s see a recipe for making a hand cream made from coconut oil. You will need these ingredients:
- 70 ml of coconut oil
- 20 ml of jojoba oil or sweet almond oil
- 20 gr of grated beeswax
- 5 drops of Essential oil lemon
- 5 drops of Essential oil lavender
Preparation. In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, jojoba or sweet almond and beeswax, stir them together. Add the essential oils, then let cool and leave in the refrigerator so that it solidifies. It should be kept in a dry and dark place for several months.
As food uses of coconut oil in many ways, try to avoid cooking it, but use it preferably in addition to other foods, it is excellent to add to a cup of coffee or cup of tea, to a shake, milk or yogurt , just make sure you mix it well!
Other natural oils for beauty, health, and aromatherapy
You may also be interested in these articles about various essential oils, their properties, and uses.
- How to make your own essential oils
- The wonders of Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) essential oil
- Canola oil: what is it and what is it used for?
- Neem oil: what it is and what it can be used for
- Guide to borage oil, all the distinguishing features and ways to use it
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