BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL (HEALTH, BEAUTY, HOUSEHOLD)
BENEFITS
OF
COCONUT OIL
(HEALTH/WELLNESS, BEAUTY, HOUSEHOLD)
by 'Anaqah Blog
Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a “superfood.”Its benefits include weight loss, better brain function, skin health and many more. In this article we will look at different types of coconut oil (part 1), how to use it according to its type (part 2) then we will see its health/well-being (part 3), beauty (Part 4) and finally home (part 5) benefits effect.
PART 1
DIFFERENT
TYPE OF
COCONUT OIL
There are mainly 6 varieties of coconut oils that you can find on the market including pure coconut oil, refined coconut oil, organic coconut oil, Virgin coconut oil, organic virgin coconut oil and extra virgin coconut oil.
Pure Coconut Oil
This oil is our most famous old friend. It is extracted from dried coconut kernels, which are also called copra. It's raw, unrefined and without any additives. It is mainly extracted by compressing copra in a mill, either driven by oxen or by force. However, the variety extracted by oil mills driven by oxen is preferable. Pure coconut oil has multiple uses such as edible oil, massage oil, hair oil, cosmetic use, as well as medicinal and industrial use.
Refined Coconut Oil
It is sometimes also called coconut oil RBD, which is an abbreviated form of refined, bleached & deodorized coconut oil. As the name suggests, this type of oil is obtained mechanically and chemically refined, whitening and deodorizing with crude coconut oil, then refined to make it colorless, odorless and without any type of particle Proteins) found in it. What we get then is pure pure saturated fats.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil is derived from milk obtained from the flesh of fresh coconut and not from coconut, by processes such as fermentation, centrifugal separation and the action of the enzyme. During extraction of this oil, care must be taken not to use heat or a minimum. In this way, the taste and odor of the oil become more pleasant and are filled with antioxidants and medium chain fatty acids. It also has remarkable antimicrobial properties. It is one of the most respected and most reliable varieties of coconut oil.
Organic Coconut Oil
This is coconut oil that has been extracted from coconut from coconut palms planted only on organic fertilizers and without synthetic fertilizers or insecticides. The production of organic coconut oil is also carried out without the presence of chemicals during its extraction or treatment. This is another very popular variety of coconut oil. Organic coconut oil is an integral part of a number of organic cosmetics such as organic soaps, skin creams and lotions, snacks and thousands of other similar products. Some of the programs as well as biological authorities certify that organic coconut oil includes.
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
This type of oil is basically the virgin coconut oil produced from organic coconuts, so organically. It is perhaps the best and purest form of coconut oil that can be imagined, but it is rare.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Of all the varieties of coconut oil, it is the most disputed and controversial variety, for its very existence is doubtful and the name has no meaning. In addition, there are no established standards regarding the purity of coconut oil. Moreover, reputable companies and government agencies are still reluctant to resolve the issue. What is certain is that more research is needed. The properties of coconut oil do not differ much according to their varieties and remain more or less the same. So think before you decide to buy one of these varieties.
Coconut Oil As A Supporting Oil
Coconut oil can be very effective as a carrier oil. Support oil holds a place of great importance in aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and all other treatment systems that involve a massage. Support oils are oils that penetrate the skin or are readily absorbed by the skin and thus facilitate the infiltration or absorption of other oils (such as essential oils) and plant extracts through the skin when Are mixed. Coconut oil is easily absorbed by the pores and is therefore used as a carrier oil. Moreover, being one of the most stable oils, it does not rancid, nor does it leave other oils, plant extracts or medicines harm its benefits. Because of its antifungal and antimicrobial properties, coconut oil retains oils, plant extracts and medicines that are mixed in and protects against microbial or fungal interactions. Also, it does not alter the properties of oils and mixed herbs it contains.
PART 2
USE IN FUNCTION
OF ITS TYPE
When you want to buy coconut oil, first of all, you need to decide why you need it and where you are going to use it. Your choice should be based on your need, like whether you want it for edible purposes or as a carrier oil to be used in aromatherapy, for massaging, for weight loss, or for medicinal purposes.
Cooking — Refined
Weight Loss — Virgin
As a Carrier Oil — Virgin, Fractionated
Good Health —- Virgin, Organic
Massaging — Pure, Refined
Medicinal uses — Virgin, Virgin Organic
PART 3
BENEFITS OF
COCONUT OIL :
HEALTH/WELLNESS
The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining the Cholesterol level, weight loss, stimulation of the immune system, regulation of digestion and metabolism. It relieves kidney problems, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, HIV and cancer, by strengthening teeth and bones. The advantages of this oil are due to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid as well as their respective properties, including antimicrobial action, antioxidant, antimycotic, anti-bacterial and soothing effects. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which is believed to be useful in the treatment of viruses and bacteria that cause diseases such as herpes, flu, cytomegalovirus and even HIV. It also helps to fight against harmful bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori and harmful protozoa like giardia lamblia. Because of its many benefits, coconut oil, although its exact mechanism of action is unknown, has been widely used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicinal system. The Coco Research Center has compiled a list of the potential benefits of coconut oil in both traditional and modern medicine.
HEART DISEASES
Health benefit
There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for heart health. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. In reality, it is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in actively preventing various heart problems like high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Coconut oil does not lead to increase in LDL levels, and it reduces the incidence of injury and damage to arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis. Study suggests that intake of coconut oil may help to maintain healthy lipid profiles in pre-menopausal women.
IMMUNITY
Health benefit
It strengthens the immune system because it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which research has supported as an effective way to deal with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. Coconut oil helps in fighting harmful bacteria like listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.
DIGESTION
Health benefit
Internal functions of coconut oil occur primarily due to it being used as cooking oil. It helps to improve the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion-related problems including irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause indigestion. It also helps in the absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
WEIGHT LOSS
Health benefit
Coconut oil is very useful for weight loss. It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. Research suggests that coconut oil helps to reduce abdominal obesity in women. It is also easy to digest and it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and endocrine system. Further, it increases the body’s metabolic rate by removing stress on the pancreas, thereby burning more energy and helping obese and overweight people lose the weight. Hence, people living in tropical coastal areas, who use coconut oil every day as their primary cooking oil, are normally not fat, obese or overweight.
CAPRIQUE
Health benefit
Capric acid is an average fatty acid chain (a saturated fat) found in coconut oil and has antimicrobial, antiviral and antimycotic properties. This same fatty acid is present in breast milk and protects the baby against bacterial, viral and fungal infections.. It reacts with certain enzymes secreted by other bacteria, which subsequently convert it into a powerful antimicrobial agent, monocaprin. In the systematic use of coconut oil as a treatment for Candida, capric acid is also very effective against the accumulation of yeast.
HEALING & INFECTION
Health benefit
When applied to infected areas, coconut oil forms a chemical layer that protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Coconut oil is highly effective on bruises because it speeds up the healing process of damaged tissues.According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil kills the viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, and other serious health risks. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhoea. Finally, coconut oil is also effective in the elimination of fungi and yeast that cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, and diaper rash.
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OTHER BENEFITS
Health benefit
Coconut oil is strongly recommended for a number of other benefits that are explained below. Using coconut oils has been shown to mildly help the following:
Liver
The presence of medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids helps in preventing liver diseases because those substances are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, thus reducing the work load of the liver and also preventing accumulation of fat.
Kidney
It helps in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases. It also helps to dissolve kidney stones.
Pancreatitis
Coconut oil is also believed to be useful in treating pancreatitis.
Stress relief
Coconut oil is very soothing and hence it helps in removing stress. Applying it to the head, followed by a gentle massage, helps to eliminate mental fatigue. According to research virgin coconut oil gives relief from stress and has antioxidant properties.
Diabetes
Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar, and improves the secretion of insulin. It also promotes the effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby preventing and treating diabetes.
Bones
As mentioned earlier, coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important minerals. These include calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for the development of bones. Thus, it is very useful to women who are prone to osteoporosis after middle age.
Dental care
Calcium is an important component of our teeth. Since coconut oil facilitates absorption of calcium by the body, it helps in developing strong teeth. It also stops tooth decay. Recent research suggests that coconut oil is beneficial in reducing plaque formation and plaque induced gingivitis.
HIV and Cancer
It is believed that coconut oil plays an instrumental role in reducing a person’s viral susceptibility for HIV and cancer patients. Preliminary research has shown an indication of this effect of coconut oil on reducing the viral load of HIV patients.Coconut oil is often used by athletes, body builders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this being that it contains less calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy, and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil helps boost energy and endurance, and generally enhances the performance of athletes.
Coconut oil and Alzheimer’s disease
The research conducted by Dr. Newport states that the oil is useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Apart from this there is no scientific evidence or traditional knowledge of coconut oil being used for treating Alzheimer’s. In fact, it is not traditionally thought that the oil helps in boosting the function of the brain in any form..
Comfortable breastfeeding
Moisturize tender and dry nipples after breastfeeding with coconut oil for an all-natural way to prevent cracked or painful nipples.
Relieve bug bites and stings
Spread a small amount of coconut oil around the area to relieve discomfort
Prevent Nosebleeds
Keep them moistruzied by applying a small amount of coconut oil onto a cotton swab and coating the inside of your nose.
Prevent Chafing
Rub a small amount on the area and enjoy comfort. Coconut oil can also help your baby.
PART 4
BENEFITS OF
COCONUT OIL:
BEAUTY
Coconut oil is famous throughout the world not only as an edible oil and hair tonic, but also as an excellent massage oil and smoothener for the skin. A beautiful natural alternative, without the chemicals or additives.When ingested through the regular consumption of coconut oil, these fats deposit under the skin, thus keeping it healthy and smooth, giving it an even tone and reducing the appearance of the pores. The contributions of vitamin-E towards skin care are well known. It is essential for healthy skin growth, repair of wear & tear on the skin, keeping skin smooth and protecting against cracking. Above all, it prevents premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, since it has good antioxidant properties. 100 grams of coconut oil has about 0.1 mg of vitamin E, thus enhancing it skin-nourishing properties.
SKIN
Beauty
Lip Gel
Cracks in our lips can be a source of worry, discomfort, and embarrassment. When we apply chemical gels on the lips, it is possible to consume those gels accidentally, even though they are somewhat toxic. Some gels may be edible, but you still don’t want to eat those chemicals.Coconut oil comes as an ideal alternative in such cases. It acts quickly and even if it goes in your stomach, it will only give you additional benefits, so everyone wins!
Skin softener
Most of us use several creams and lotions for softening our skin, especially the skin of the face and hands. Coconut oil is a great skin softener and helps you do away with dry and hard skin conditions. Simply take some coconut oil on your palms, rub your palms against each other once or twice and then on your face, hands, or wherever you want to see the moisturizing effect.
Feet
Coconut oil is also good for hardened and cracked feet, which may happen due to excessive cold or strenuous work while standing on your feet. The cracks in your feet will not vanish, but your feet will become softer within days if you apply coconut oil to the affected area.
Exfoliant
As an exfoliant, including coconut oil as an agent with other exfoliating or grainy materials like salts and sugars can vastly improve the effects. You will successfully scrape off excess dead skin and clean out whatever substances have blocked the pores without leaving the skin feeling irritated. The natural soothing nature of the oil combines with the grainy, exfoliating material perfectly, and leaves your skin with an even color, closed pores, and a soft texture..
Makeup Remover
Coconut oil can also be used as a makeup remover. This is not common, but women have began using it for removing the makeup of the face and eyes, without worrying about the harsh chemicals of other removers getting into delicate or sensitive areas.
Skin disorders
It is claimed that coconut oil is good for several skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Several readers have reported this benefit. However, scientific research is ongoing in order to prove or disprove these claims. Much of the research that is there speaks to its protein content, since the replacement of sick or dying cells that can occur with various skin disorders, are quickly replaced by new, healthy cells. In this way, coconut oil not only treats the infection by battling the microbial bodies, they also heal the damage or the visible marks of that skin disorder; it is a two-in-one solution !
Enjoy a relaxing moisturising Bath
Adding a spoonful of coconut oil will not only help moisturise your skin but will also add some relaxation.
Care for your cuticules
Moisturize dry, flaky cuticules by rubbing coconut oil into your nail beds.
Fight Body Odor
Smooth some coconut oil on your armpits.
HAIR
Beauty
It has been in use as hair oil for thousands of years, and it has shown remarkable results. Certain components in it keep the hair strong, nourished and protected from the effects of premature aging, like baldness and excessive hair loss.
Hair Loss
Coconut oil has been used since ancient times in India for grooming hair. Various remedies were prepared using herbs and coconut oil to prevent hair loss. One such remedy can be prepared in modern times by boiling sage leaves in coconut oil. This mixture can be applied to the scalp for the improvement of healthy hair, and its use will also prevent hair loss.Applying a mixture of lime water and coconut oil can also provide relief from hair loss, as does the mixture of coconut oil and gooseberries. Boil the gooseberries in coconut oil and then apply it on the hair.
Hair Damage
The use of coconut oil on hair helps to reduce protein loss in both damaged as well as undamaged hair. This oil is rich in lauric acid, has a high affinity for hair protein, and easily penetrates inside the hair shaft, which is due to its low molecular weight. It can be used for pre-wash or post-wash hair grooming.
Cooling Properties
The application of coconut oil on the head and scalp also has a cooling effect. It can cool and soothe people with hot heads, or those who suffer from severe scalp sweating.
Moisture Retention
Coconut oil has a high moisture retaining capacity, since it is not easily broken down nor evaporated, being very stable. It does not let moisture escape, thus keeping hair moist and soft, which prevents breakage of hair.
Hair Conditioning
Coconut oil is a better conditioner for hair than any synthetic one available in the market. Use of warm coconut oil helps in keeping hair shimmering and soft. Apply some warm oil at night and wash your hair the next morning. This can be repeated every few days for healthy, strong and conditioned hair.
Anti-Dandruff
The various fatty acids present in coconut oil serve as very good anti-dandruff agents and are far better than any anti-dandruff shampoo. Regular application of coconut oil can help you get rid of dandruff forever. When mixed with lukewarm water and castor oil it can also be effective in treating dandruff. Massage the scalp and hair with this mixture for ideal results.
Another home remedy for dandruff can be prepared by mixing coconut oil with sesame oil. Apply this mixture for about 30 minutes and then shampoo the hair.
Styling
Coconut oil can be a good styling oil for hair as well, as it melts on heating and then condenses when cooled. Therefore, when you apply it on your hair, it thins and spreads evenly due to the heat of the scalp. Soon afterwards, as the hair comes in contact with air, the oil on the hair condenses, thus working as a styling gel or cream.
Lice Protection
Lice are a very common pest found in the hair and can cause embarrassment for anyone. They also have a tendency to come back again and again. There are many chemical products available for the treatment of lice, but unfortunately, they can also damage the scalp and hair due to their strong chemical components. Combing wet hair with a fine comb is a good remedy for getting rid of lice but this may also damage the wet hair. However, if one coats the wet hair with coconut oil, it becomes much easier to comb and subsequently remove the lice.
Hair Care for Dry Hair
For people with dry hair that is rough and thin, taking good care of your hair is a big concern. However, using strong hair care products for cleansing, toning and conditioning may lead to a dry and flaky scalp. Coconut oil can be effective in taking care of this sort of dry hair.
Hair Toning
Coconut oil also helps in the toning of hair, especially dry hair. Apply a warm mixture of this oil and lavender essential oil on scalp at night, then wash and rinse your hair the next morning. You may repeat this as frequently as you want until you see your desired results.
Hair Conditioning
Hair conditioner can be easily prepared at home using coconut oil. It is not only effective; it also does not have side effects. Mix some henna with coconut oil and warm milk to make a paste. Apply this to the hair for 20 minutes and then rinse hair properly. This hair conditioner is very effective, particularly for dry hair.
Boils
Some people experience the condition of boils on the scalp, especially during the winter. This may also happen if exposed to heat or sun for a long duration. It is important to keep both the hair and scalp clean, and occasional massaging of the hair with a mixture of coconut oil and olive oil may provide relief from the uncomfortable and unsightly problem of boils. However, if the problem persists, it is advisable to contact your health care specialist.
Split Ends
If you have a lot of split ends in your hair, it is generally advised to cut them, but in case this problem appears on a small number of your hair strands, then you can use simple home remedies to solve the problem. Massage your hair with a mixture of coconut oil and almond oil for a few minutes; this will help in minimizing the split ends.
Gray Hair and Baldness
Coconut oil is also beneficial for preventing baldness and gray hair. Try mixing Bhringraj or Eclipta Alba leaf juice with the oil and apply this on the scalp and hair. Coconut oil is widely available in the market. Many people choose an odorless variety, use it for any and all hair conditions, and reap all the benefits of a healthy head of hair!
PART 5
BENEFITS OF
COCONUT OIL :
HOUSEHOLD
Modern cleaning methods depend heavily on chemicals, some of which, as we know, are far from insignificant. Yet, there are old natural cleaning products in the world like coconut oil, both safe, non-toxic and convenient.
AN ALL-NATURAL GOO-GONE
Household
Rub a generous amount of coconut oil on the area and rub with a cloth until it comes clean.
CONDITION WOODEN UTENSILS & FURNITURE
Household
Condition and polish them with a generous amount of coconut oil by massaging it into the wood and let it seep in.
SEASON YOUR COOKWARE
Household
Season your cookware with coconut oil to maintain the integrity of the pan and to make cleanup a breeze.
TREAT LEATHER
Household
Rub a small amount on the leather to clean the leather and add a bit of sheen.
SILENCE SQUEAKY HINGES
Household
Just rub a small amount of coconut oil on the hinge to lubricate the hinge and finally be at peace.
REMOVE RUST & CLEAN METAL
Household
Spread a layer of coconut oil over the rusty area and let it sit for at least two hours. Wash the oil off and wipe clean with a soft cloth.