An excellent source of health and energy for vegetarians, raw foodists and people leading a healthy lifestyle. Coconut oil improves the body's ability to absorb various minerals. These include calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for the health of the skeletal system. This is why coconut oil is so beneficial for older women prone to osteoporosis.
Coconut oil perfectly strengthens the immune system, helps get rid of excess weight, reduces cholesterol levels, protects the body from viruses and bacteria, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, normalizes metabolism and thyroid function, cleanses blood vessels, improves digestion, cleanses the intestines. And this is not the entire list of the beneficial effects of coconut oil on the body.
It contains many antioxidants and is the best oil for maintaining and restoring health and youth. Scientific studies have shown that lauric acid in coconut oil is ideal for maintaining cholesterol levels within a normal range. Coconut oil has many beneficial properties
and instructions for use in various diseases.
If taken orally, it helps reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis, heart disease and cancer.
- In addition, the body becomes resistant to viral diseases and various infections, due to the fact that the oil strengthens the immune system and at the same time reduces the ability of viruses to adapt to antibiotics. Coconut oil is not stored in the human body as fat, unlike many other oils.
- SCIENTIFIC FACTS
- Dr. Bruce Fife discovered that coconut oil contains 10 types of medium carbon chain fatty acids (MCFAs).
Coconut oil is the only oil that does not break down when exposed to high temperatures, which is very important in a healthy diet.
Natural coconut oil is one of the most harmless and safe officially registered food products without known side effects.
APPLICATION
Drink 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily in the morning on an empty stomach with plenty of water.
It is better to start taking oil with half a teaspoon, gradually increasing to 2 tablespoons.
FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Take one tablespoon of coconut oil before meals.
But drink no more than three tablespoons of oil per day.
Children are recommended to take half or one teaspoon depending on their age. You can safely mix coconut oil with other foods. FOR DIGESTION AND INTESTINES
Drink 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil mixed with warm water or drink a glass of warm water to improve digestion and cleanse the intestines.
If you are drinking this oil for the first time, start taking half a teaspoon and gradually increase.
For older adults, it is recommended to take no more than one tablespoon of coconut oil per day.
- If you feel tired and sluggish, your thoughts are confused, your metabolism is slow and
- Regulates metabolism. If you want to lose extra pounds, then add oil to your diet, it will increase your metabolic rate. Remember that when you go on a diet, your body does not receive many nutrients and therefore tries to store them, thus creating excess deposits. If your diet contains a lot of healthy fats, then the body will not need to store them in reserve.
Today I will talk about what kind of coconut oil I buy, why I choose both refined and unrefined, and how I use it.
Of course, for many, coconut oil is primarily a product for skin and hair care, that is, more cosmetic, and I also use it for cosmetic purposes, I even wrote about it four years ago - when I just started blogging (this ). But after 5 years of active use, I am still more inclined to believe that coconut oil is primarily a food, since this is how it gives greatest benefit. It is also wonderful for skin/hair, and in mixtures it gives a good effect, but on its own it is slightly weaker than other oils.
How is it useful in food?
This oil contains a large amount of fatty acids with a medium carbon chain length (regular oils have long chains), they are easily broken down and absorbed, improve digestion and liver function, promote weight loss(they are not stored in reserve, but provide energy). One of the most important components in coconut oil is lauric acid, it has strong antiviral and antibacterial activity, therefore it helps improve immunity, protects the body from various infections and diseases (by the way, in breast milk contains the same acid, it helps protect the child’s body from diseases). Due to its antiviral and antifungal activity, it is useful to eat as a preventive measure for herpes and thrush. Myristic fatty acid, which is present here, is also very useful for us; it enhances the production of elastin and collagen, which are responsible for the elasticity and youth of the skin.
Briefly about when it is recommended to take coconut oil internally (ATTENTION! Not for treatment, but for common benefit and prevention, for food enrichment!!!): for psoriasis, for strengthening immune system, for flu and colds, to lower cholesterol, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, to normalize blood pressure, to lose weight, to speed up metabolism, to improve digestibility useful substances eg calcium; and much more.
Coconut oil does not go rancid and is stored outside refrigerator much longer than other oils (even in the heat!) - the special composition and the presence of natural antioxidants help maintain its freshness and without preservatives.
What is it like?
~ cosmetic- most often it is either not very well purified or with certain additives that prevent it from thickening in the cold, such oil is not suitable for food!
~ food- it can be used for both food and cosmetic purposes, plus there are now many organic options, which guarantees benefits and safety. Among food products, I buy refined and unrefined, each has its own advantages:
- refined does not smell of anything, and is practically unsuitable for cosmetic purposes, but it is best suited for frying, absolutely everything - vegetables, meat, and anything else. I rarely fry, but when I do, I ONLY use coconut oil. Why? Because this is ONE OF THE FEW oils that does not change its properties at high temperatures and does not form carcinogens.
- unrefined - oh, this is heavenly heaven, it smells divine of creamy nuts, yet coconut is naturally given the most magnificent aroma, and it is not lost during cold pressing. This oil is also suitable for frying, but because it smells so delicious, you can’t fry meat and onions in it, but pancakes and cheesecakes are great.
~ I add a spoonful to oatmeal for breakfast - it adds creaminess and tenderness, plus it increases the beneficial and nutritional properties;
~ I add a spoon or two to fruit and vegetable smoothies - the blender mixes it so that it is not noticeable among the fruits and vegetables, but the smoothie becomes even tastier;
~ add to baked goods, after melting until liquid;
~ I spread it on everything I can, in a sense it replaces butter - it’s just like it in appearance, only more delicate, aromatic and many times more useful;
~ one of the very useful ways its application, which for me personally is one of the most effective: when I feel hungry or have a craving for something tasty, I eat one teaspoon of unrefined coconut oil, it gives a feeling of fullness and completely discourages the craving for “grub”, thereby promoting weight loss (plus add here the fact that coconut improves metabolism and goes into energy rather than being stored - in this regard, it is a godsend!).
That is, from all of the above, you probably realized that I don’t have a single day when I don’t eat at least a spoonful of coconut oil, which is why you see it so often in Sunday shopping posts - I often run out of it :). Here are some of the oils I buy:
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1. Nature's Way Organic Coconut Oil (Unrefined)
I was one of the first to buy this oil and subsequently bought it several times, its quality is excellent - extra class, cold pressed, obtained without any solvents, there are no additives in it. It is unrefined, smells incomparable - bright, very rich, but tender like a coconut, baked goods and pancakes made with it become masterpieces, no less (even if they look scary :). One of the most best oils, I recommend.
Where to buy and price:
on iHerb here - Nature's Way Organic Coconut Oil
($12.49/454 g).
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2. Jarrow Formulas Organic Refined Coconut Oil
And this is refined, as I wrote above, I use it only for frying, it has neither taste nor aroma. The quality is ideal - no foreign odors, no unnecessary additives - it is obtained by screw pressing without the use of solvents, only pure oil. You can fry absolutely anything, there are no restrictions, it is not noticeable in the products at all. If we compare with the same sunflower, then it is more economical, since you need less of it (or so I’m used to using vegetable oils literally drops even when frying...).
Where to buy and price: on iHerb here - Jarrow Formulas Organic Coconut Oil ($7.84/454 g).
Here it is frozen - in a cold room coconut oil hardens and turns white, in a warm room it becomes liquid and transparent:
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3. Jarrow Formulas Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil
(pictured in the middle)
Virgin oil, without the use of additives, solvents or flavors. The quality is very good - aromatic, rich, giving dishes its own unique aroma. But if we compare, I like Nature’s Way oil a little more among the unrefined ones, it is even more aromatic. Although this is wonderful, plus it is a little cheaper.
Where to buy and price:
on iHerb here - Jarrow Formulas Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
($11.20/454 g).
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4. Nutiva Organic Refined Coconut Oil
This oil is also refined, but it still has a light-light aroma and taste butter, which, however, does not spoil the taste of the dishes, even onions or something similar. It is obtained by cold pressing without the use of chemical solvents; steam is used for purification - there is no chemicals here either.
In general, I like it more than other unrefined ones, so I’ll probably continue to buy it for cooking.
Where to buy and price: on iHerb here
- Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil Refined
($7.52/444 ml).
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5. Nutiva Organic Coconut Manna
And this is not really oil! This is a delicious, delicious thing, the so-called “manna” or puree, here the oil is mixed with coconut pulp, which is ground into flour, as a result there is no creaking coconut flakes, and in consistency it really looks like puree. The taste is slightly sweet (there are no additives except the coconut itself, and the sweetness here is natural, barely noticeable), rich coconut-nutty, with creaminess and indescribable, heavenly tenderness in the taste, in my opinion, this product has absorbed everything beautiful what coconut can provide in terms of taste and aroma. Due to the fact that there is also pulp, and not just oil, this product is not as fatty as pure oil, so eating it without anything is the greatest pleasure (I don’t use it in cooking). And spread it on a cookie!!! You can go crazy with happiness, the flavor combination is magical :). In general, every morning I start with this “manna” - I add it either to oatmeal, or smear it on something, or just eat a spoonful, enjoying the taste and receiving a charge of positive, sunny coconut energy.
I love this product and highly recommend it to all coconut lovers. Although there is one downside - it runs out quite quickly, faster than oil :(.
Where to buy and price: on iHerb here -
According to modern research, coconut oil ranks among the healthiest foods. Elimination valuable oil from many world markets was associated with the economic promotion of other products, and is now a thing of the past. Modern science, having carefully studied the composition of coconut vegetable fat and its effect on the human body, has provided the whole world with convincing facts in favor of this product. It began to be used in medicine, cosmetology and daily home cooking. It is a useful food ingredient and an assistant in the prevention and control of numerous diseases.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW! Fortune teller Baba Nina:“There will always be plenty of money if you put it under your pillow...” Read more >>
Valuable composition of coconut oil
Coconut oil contains 91% polyunsaturated fats. Most of them are medium chain triglycerides: lauric, caprylic and capric acids. Their absorption occurs in three stages. To carry out a similar process with other fats, the body requires ten times as many steps. These fats are easily digestible and provide a person with energy.
Each type of fatty acid in coconut oil has important properties for the body.
Fatty acids in coconut oil and their effects.
IN vegetable fats coconut also contains vitamins E and K, iron and organic sulfur.
The calorie content of coconut oil is 862 kcal per 100 grams of product. A tablespoon contains 117 kcal, and a teaspoon contains 39 kcal.
All the calories in a coconut are concentrated in fat. There is an opinion that this does not have the best effect on health. In fact, if the product is used wisely, it does not pose a danger to the body. Fat promotes the absorption of vitamins, protects internal organs and keeps body temperature within optimal limits. To ensure the benefits of saturated fat, the American Heart Association strongly advises consuming no more than 7-10% of your total daily calories.
Benefits of edible coconut oil for the body
Rich in energy, the nutritional value and the chemical composition of coconut vegetable fats give it beneficial properties for many body systems and functions. Its use helps in achieving various health goals:
- 1. Prevention of heart and vascular diseases. Saturated coconut fats improve blood counts and reduce total cholesterol.
- 2. Prevention and treatment of brain diseases. The product forms ketone bodies - an important alternative source of energy for the human brain. They are extremely necessary for people with diseases such as epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease.
- 3. Protection from pathogens. Coconut fatty acids help prevent ARVI, influenza and viral hepatitis, protect teeth and gums from bacterial damage, and improve the functioning of intestinal microflora.
- 4. Prevention of cancer. Increased formation of ketone bodies provides protection against cancer cells.
- 5. Increased endurance. The liver rapidly converts triglycerides into energy. They enhance metabolism. The stamina of a person who has this product in his diet increases.
- 6. Losing weight. The calories that coconut contains do not interfere with weight loss. The oil is thermogenic, meaning it stimulates the body to expend more energy than other foods with the same calorie content. Medium chain triglycerides go directly to the liver and are consumed for energy or converted into ketone bodies. These fats are not stored “in reserve.” They reduce appetite and speed up metabolism.
- 7. Improvement of skin and hair condition. Both external use of the oil and its ingestion have a beneficial effect on the hair structure, skin of the face and the whole body. It helps fight dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.
- 8. Actively promotes the absorption of nutritional compounds: vitamins, minerals and omega-3 acids.
- 9. Normalization of the hormonal profile. Saturated fats are especially indicated for menopausal women.
What are the harms of using coconut oil in food?
When used correctly, this product is not harmful to health. Its daily food intake is 2–3 tablespoons. It also has relative contraindications. People should use coconut oil in its pure form with caution:
- with individual intolerance, which threatens allergic reactions;
- those suffering from heart disease, since the oil promotes the appearance of fatty deposits on the walls of blood vessels.
To reduce the burden on the cardiovascular system, nutritionists advise patients to replace most saturated fats with unsaturated fats. Therefore, they can introduce coconut oil into their diet, but in small doses and not every day. The product should not be the main one for preparing homemade food; it is useful to alternate it with olive, sunflower and nut oils.
No negative effects of coconut oil have been recorded during pregnancy. But for safety, it is better for pregnant women to consult a doctor before using it. Also, the product is not harmful to children.
How to use the product in cooking?
Coconut oil for food consumption is purchased at grocery stores, and for cosmetic purposes at pharmacies.
Solid unrefined oil is used in cooking. On the packaging of such a product you can see the inscriptions Virgin Raw Organic or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. It is produced by squeezing copra (coconut pulp) without exposure to temperatures and adding other components. The product is a thick white substance with a pleasant coconut aroma. At a temperature of 25 °C it turns into a transparent liquid state.
Coconut oil is suitable for healthy eating, it does not release carcinogens when heated. The product has high heat resistance, so it will not acquire a bitter taste at high temperatures.
To simply melt the butter, for example, to dress a salad, you can place a plate with it in a sunny place or in warm water. Do not use a microwave oven to heat coconut oil. The molecular composition of the product will change under the influence of microwaves, and it will partially lose its beneficial properties.
Coconut oil for food can be used as follows:
- use in recipes for hot dishes: soups, side dishes, sauces, meat, fish and vegetable dishes;
- use as a dressing for vegetable and fruit salads;
- flavor confectionery products;
- drink tea or coffee with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil;
- use for deep frying (coconut fat can be consumed up to 5-7 times without fear of it becoming carcinogenic).
Recipes with coconut oil
Coconut oil is used in making soups, sweet dishes and drinks.
Beetroot and pumpkin soup
Coconut oil soup rich in beta-carotene, folic acid, polyunsaturated fats, iron, calcium
Ingredients:
500 ml chicken broth, 1/2 pumpkin, 3 beets, 1 onion, 1 tbsp. spoon of coconut oil, 1 stick of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 4 tbsp. spoons of sour cream, chives.
Cooking method:
- 1. Peel the pumpkin, beets and onions. Cut them into small cubes.
- 2. Heat coconut oil in a saucepan and sauté the onion in it over low heat until translucent.
- 3. Add chopped pumpkin, beets, grated nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Simmer vegetables for 20 minutes
- 4. Pour in chicken bouillon and bring to a boil over low heat.
- 5. Remove the cinnamon stick from the saucepan.
- 6. Cool the vegetables a little, grind with a blender until smooth. Then pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook for 10 minutes.
- 7. Before serving, add a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt to the soup and garnish with green onions.
Oatmeal coconut cookies
Warm cookies have a rich coconut aroma
Ingredients:
80 g oatmeal, 50 g almond flour, 1 cup oatmeal, 1 cup coconut oil, 1 egg, 2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla essence.
Cooking method:
- 1. Connect oatmeal, almond flour and baking powder.
- 2. In another container, thoroughly mix coconut oil, sugar, egg and essence. Combine mixtures. Add cereal.
- 3. Use a mold to squeeze out circles from the dough.
- 4. Bake in the oven at 180°C for 15-18 minutes.
Sweet and salty popcorn
Ingredients:
5 tbsp. spoons of corn, 3 tbsp. spoons of coconut oil, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, 1.5 tbsp. spoons of powdered sugar.
Cooking method:
- 1. Heat coconut oil in a saucepan.
- 2. Pour in the corn kernels and cover with a lid. A knocking sound from the grains will be heard. Shake the pan periodically.
- 3. After the knocking stops, pour the popcorn into another container. Sprinkle the warm grains with salt and powdered sugar through a sieve.
Coffee with coconut oil
Coffee with coconut oil improves metabolism and liver health
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked natural coffee, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of coconut oil, sugar or sweetener stevia, vanilla - to taste.
All ingredients must be placed in a blender. Beat for 15 seconds on high speed.
Coconut oil is a topic of debate among many doctors and nutritionists. And in a dispute, truth or compromise is born. In this case the truth is that it is useful product, and the compromise is that you can consume it in quantities of no more than 3 tablespoons per day.
And a little about secrets...
The story of one of our readers, Irina Volodina:
I was especially distressed by my eyes, which were surrounded by large wrinkles, plus dark circles and puffiness. How to completely remove wrinkles and bags under the eyes? How to deal with swelling and redness?
But nothing ages or rejuvenates a person more than his eyes.But how to rejuvenate them? Plastic surgery? I found out - no less than 5 thousand dollars. Hardware procedures - photorejuvenation, gas-liquid peeling, radiolifting, laser facelifting? A little more affordable - the course costs 1.5-2 thousand dollars. And when will you find time for all this? And it's still expensive. Especially now. That's why I chose a different method for myself...
This amazing remedy, which came to us from tropical countries, today can be found in the kitchen of skilled housewives, in the cosmetic bag of modern beauties, and even in the medicine cabinet of the most caring and thrifty. Coconut oil has wonderful properties: its use in various fields is constantly expanding, and more and more new horizons are opening up in its development. The invaluable benefits of this amazing remedy are due to its unique chemical composition.
Useful properties of coconut oil
Why is coconut oil so in demand today in a variety of areas? The fact is that coconut oil has not only medicinal but also preventive properties, due to its chemical composition. After all, it consists exclusively of acids, each of which has a specific effect: lauric, myristic, palmitic, oleic, caprylic, capric, stearic, linoleic and capronic. Thanks to their complex and comprehensive effects on the human body, coconut oil turns out to be so invaluable in cosmetology, medicine, and cooking. Natural cold-pressed coconut oil (it contains the maximum concentration of nutrients) is capable of:
- make the skin soft and velvety;
- strengthen hair;
- lower blood sugar levels;
- burn subcutaneous fats, ensuring weight loss;
- slow down the aging process in the body;
- relieve anxiety and stress;
- eliminate tumors;
- relieve pain;
- accelerate the process of blood clotting and promote rapid wound healing;
- localize and eliminate inflammatory foci;
- improve the taste of many dishes.
If you know about such wonderful properties coconut oil and know how to use it for its intended purpose, you can solve many of your cosmetic problems in the shortest possible time, improve your health, improve your well-being and become an excellent cook in your own kitchen, turning it into a restaurant. The main thing is to know the precise dosage and courses of treatment and prevention approved by the doctor when it comes to health and beauty. It is important for housewives to find good recipes based on this amazing product and delight your family with a wide variety of delicacies.
The use of coconut oil in cosmetology
In cosmetology, the use of coconut oil is limitless, since you can buy it and even make it at home with my own hands all kinds of cosmetics for hair, face, hands, feet, and body skin in general. The fatty acids that make up this unique product, can regularly, carefully and very gently care for your hair and skin if you use these products correctly.
- Coconut oil for hair
If you become the happy owner of unrefined coconut oil, which contains a lot of useful substances, remember one thing: it is not recommended to apply it to the roots of your hair. Such experiments can cause irritation. But you can distribute it along the length of your hair: it will restore its damaged structure, eliminate fragility and split ends, moisturize excessively dry hair, and give it volume and strength. If the oil is refined, it can be safely applied to the scalp, but it still won’t give such a bright effect. Coconut oil in hair masks, shampoos and conditioners works real miracles with the most lifeless hair. Moreover, you can effectively use both store-bought and home-made products.
- Coconut oil for skin
Coconut oil can also be used in masks and face creams, or you can simply lubricate your skin with it 2 times a week. It copes well with various rashes (acne, pimples, blackheads), moisturizes dry skin, eliminates flaky spots, and makes the skin unusually soft and delicate to the touch. If you lubricate your skin with it before sunbathing, the tan will turn out to be a stunningly beautiful color - chocolate. In addition, coconut oil is considered one of the best massage products, which perfectly warms the skin and improves blood circulation.
If among your cosmetics There are those prepared with coconut oil, they are probably among your favorites. It is impossible not to appreciate their careful and gentle care for even the most delicate and sensitive skin, for the most problematic and damaged hair. With such cosmetics you can easily forget about many appearance problems and always shine with beauty and freshness. But cosmetology is not the only area of application for miraculous coconut oil.
Coconut oil: medical uses
Possessing antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, the fatty acids in coconut oil have found another area of application that is very important for the life of every person - medicine. Exotic coconut oil is increasingly expanding its healing functionality: its properties are still being studied in medical laboratories. Of course, it is not an independent medicine, but as an addition to the main therapy it perfectly helps to cope with many diseases, including:
- eczema, dermatitis, allergic skin reactions;
- ulcer, heartburn;
- migraine;
- jaundice;
- diabetes;
- haemorrhoids;
- thrush;
- epilepsy;
- nervous and mental disorders up to epilepsy;
- rickets;
- scurvy;
- obesity;
- weakened immune system;
- bleeding;
- wounds, scars, scars, postoperative sutures.
The dosage must be prescribed by a doctor, since in some cases coconut oil is used externally in the form of compresses and lotions, and in some cases it may be necessary to take it internally. However, not everyone can withstand treatment with fatty oil if you need to drink it: it has a specific taste and smell. It is worth remembering that medicine is the area where it is recommended to use coconut oil only on the recommendations of a doctor. You should not risk your own health and self-medicate, thinking about what folk medicine is, natural remedy How coconut oil will cure all ailments in a couple of days. Cooking is a completely different matter, where you can become a real queen and do whatever your heart desires with this product (within the framework of recipes, of course).
How is coconut oil used in cooking?
Coconut oil purchased at a grocery store will have slightly different properties than cosmetic or medicinal oil. It will contain a concentration of those acids that have taste qualities and will be able to help any housewife make many dishes much tastier and more satisfying. Do you want to familiar products made your household more happy exquisite taste and pleasantly surprised them? Then go in search of edible coconut oil and add it to various homemade dishes for success in the kitchen. How to use it in cooking?
- Coconut oil can be used as a substitute in the kitchen: dishes with it acquire a refined and very unusual taste.
- The uniqueness of coconut oil is that it heat treatment it does not emit any carcinogens harmful to health, which distinguishes it from other cooking oils various dishes. It is this property that allows it to be used this product in various diets completely fearlessly: you won’t gain extra pounds - that’s for sure.
- Sweet dishes and baked goods are especially delicious with coconut oil.
- It can also be added to porridges and vegetable dishes, salads.
- If you cook seafood ( or ) with coconut oil, it will surely become a favorite on your kitchen table for a long time.
- But the fastest way to consume coconut oil is with drinks: it is added to various hot drinks, milk, coffee, hot chocolate.
Those who have discovered coconut oil in various areas of their lives have probably already appreciated it. unique properties and benefit. That’s why coconut oil receives only the most positive and grateful reviews. It has a minimum of contraindications and side effects - but a maximum of beneficial effects on the body. Both cosmetologists, doctors, and chefs recommend actively using and consuming this product to change your life for the better, even in such pleasant little things.
Coconut oil has recently begun to gain popularity. And it’s not surprising - this product contains a huge amount of vitamins, microelements, and fatty acids. If you consume coconut oil regularly, you can significantly improve your health. Everyone knows the tribes of the Pacific Islands, which are famous for their good health and easily live to the age of a hundred. After analyzing their diet, scientists came to the conclusion that the main food for the people of this region is coconut - so affordable and tasty. Today we’ll talk about the benefits and harms of coconut oil, its use in treatment, cosmetology and cooking.
How to make your own coconut oil
Before using this or that product, you need to obtain it. Of course, it is very easy to buy coconut oil in a store or pharmacy, but the product may not always be good quality. When choosing coconut oil, pay attention to the way it is stored - the oil retains its beneficial properties best at low temperatures. The oil should be in an opaque glass or plastic container. Remember, good coconut oil is not cheap - don't go for the low price. Unfortunately, a high price does not guarantee high quality raw materials. Therefore we will tell you about home method obtaining natural coconut oil.
First you need to buy a coconut - fresh, whole, without damage or rotten areas. After this, you need to make a hole in the coconut to drain the delicious and sweet milk. The easiest way to make a hole is to use a screwdriver. Drink fresh coconut milk– it has a lot of benefits and natural taste! Next, you need to split the coconut into several parts. To do this, you can use a hatchet, a small saw or a knife. After splitting the coconut into several pieces, you need to take a spoon and start scooping out the white coconut pulp. Try to do this carefully so that the fibers do not get into the white mass. Now the pulp needs to be crushed. This can be done using a blender, mortar, rolling pin or grater - whichever is more convenient for you. If the mixture does not grind well in the blender, pour a little water into it, the process will go much faster. After the pulp is crushed into shavings or porridge, it must be filled with hot, but not boiling, water. This is very important; coconut should not be exposed to high temperatures - otherwise the oil will lose its beneficial properties.
Flooded hot water the mass must be left for some time. At the same time, you regularly need to knead it and rub it with a spoon so that the oil comes out of the coconut pulp into the water. After about an hour, the mixture needs to be strained, poured into a jar and refrigerated. In the morning, you will find a layer of fat on the surface of the liquid - this is natural coconut oil. You can put it in a bowl, dip the bowl in hot water and pour the liquid oil into a cream jar. This is done for ease of use. We have received unrefined oil, which is most beneficial for use in for cosmetic purposes. But for eating, it is better to buy purified oil - it has a milder taste without bitterness.
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains a huge amount of different fatty acids. That is why coconut has a beneficial effect on all organs of the human body.
- For the stomach. Coconut oil gently envelops the walls of the stomach, relieves symptoms of ulcers and gastritis, and heals wounds on the mucous membrane. It is very useful to use the oil against constipation. A tablespoon of oil on an empty stomach, and cleansing the intestines will not take long.
- For heart. Coconut oil is very beneficial for the functioning of the heart muscle. Coconut makes the walls of blood arteries more elastic and thins the blood. With regular consumption of coconut oil, blood pressure stabilizes.
- For processing. The oil has antifungal and bactericidal properties. It is widely used as a treatment for wounds and abrasions. The oil is effective against nail fungus, candidiasis, and herpes. Softens and soothes skin with eczema and psoriasis. Coconut oil is even used in the treatment of hemorrhoid fissures.
- Against cancer. Scientists have proven that regular consumption of coconut oil significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer of certain organs.
- For the nervous system. If you take the oil internally every day, the sheath of nerve fibers is strengthened, the person becomes much calmer, balanced, and stress-resistant. Treatment with coconut oil is included in the mandatory treatment of mental disorders. After just a week of taking the oil, you will notice that you begin to fall asleep easier, your sleep becomes calm and long.
- Oil for weight loss. The calorie content of one hundred grams of coconut oil exceeds 800 kilocalories. However, to assimilate them, the body will have to spend much more energy. This means that coconut oil allows you to actually lose weight.
In addition, the oil is effective in the fight against type 2 diabetes, it normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland, and with constant consumption, it significantly strengthens the immune system.
But the oil has gained the greatest popularity in the cosmetology field. It is so oily, but at the same time not thick, that it can be used as an expensive moisturizer. So, how does oil promote female beauty?
- Hair. Coconut oil perfectly moisturizes and softens hair, saturates it with vitamins, and gets rid of split ends. This allows you to restore painful curls after dyeing, bleaching, curling, sunburn, etc. Just warm the oil in your hands and distribute it over the entire length of your hair, leave the mask on for an hour and rinse it off with shampoo.
- Leather. The oil perfectly moisturizes the skin, is quickly absorbed and does not leave a greasy sticky layer. The oil can simply be used as a moisturizer for hands and face, or added to nourishing masks.
- Eyelashes and eyebrows. If you want to make your eyelashes thicker, fuller and more voluminous, you need to treat them with coconut oil every day. To do this, pour a little oil into a bottle of used mascara and apply the oil to your eyelashes every evening, as if you were painting them. Leave the oil for half an hour and then wipe your eyelashes and eyebrows with a dry cloth. You can wash your face only in the morning.
- A tan. Not everyone gets a beautiful tan - in some places a trace from a swimsuit will remain, in others the skin does not acquire a bronze tint. To correct this, before sunbathing, apply coconut oil to certain areas and the skin in these areas will get a beautiful golden hue.
- Heels. If the skin on your heels is hard, flaky, or even cracked, oil will quickly correct this situation. Apply coconut oil generously to your heels, secure with film, bandage and sock. Go to bed, and in the morning the skin of your feet will become soft, tender and silky.
- Massage. Coconut oil is often used as a massage raw material. It perfectly softens the skin, relaxes, is perfectly absorbed and does not leave a greasy residue on the skin. In addition, a massage with this oil is accompanied by a crazy coconut aroma.
- For children. Purified and disinfected oil is used to care for delicate baby skin. Its safe composition allows the oil to be used even for allergy sufferers. You can use lotions and creams with coconut oil against hives, heat rashes, and irritation.
- Soap. Coconut oil is added to raw materials for making soap. self made. This allows you to make a gentle product that does not dry or tighten the skin.
- Soothes the epidermis. The oil contains many components that soothe and heal irritated skin. The oil can be used after insect bites, sunburn, allergenic rashes, etc.
- Before shaving. Coconut oil is used not only by women, but also by men with sensitive skin. If you apply a little oil to hard stubble, the skin will soften and there will be much less irritation after shaving.
Coconut oil is a universal product that should be in every girl’s cosmetic bag. This is a cream, a makeup remover, a mask, and a medicine for insect bites. However, this is far from full list beneficial properties of coconut oil.
Where else is coconut oil used?
If you mix coconut oil with baking soda, the resulting mixture can easily remove stickers and labels from any surface. Coconut oil will come in handy if you have pets. Add oil to the diet of a dog or cat - this will relieve the animal of dry and itchy skin and facilitate the removal of tangles from the intestines. Pure oil can be dripped into the ears to relieve your pet from inflammation and infection. You can also rub furniture with coconut oil to make it shine, remove gum from hair, and use it as an intimate lubricant. Professional lubricants based on coconut oil do not dry out for a long time, eliminate friction and fill the room magical aroma. However, the oil cannot be used in conjunction with a latex condom - this will stretch the material and may damage it.Separately, I would like to say about the food use of coconut oil. Properly extracted and purified oil has pleasant aroma, a subtle nutty and milky taste that changes the taste of the main dish for the better. Coconut oil is used to season salads, and it makes incredible delicious glaze for desserts. Oil is added to coffee - it is real, tasty and useful alternative for vegetarians who refuse animal protein. Oil is added to sauces and marinades, baked goods and desserts, cereals, pasta, meat and fish, it is used to lubricate snack sandwiches, etc. One of the main conditions is that the oil cannot be heated, otherwise it will become useless and deprived of all its valuable components, although its taste will not change.
Contraindications for consumption and use of oil
Quite rarely, but it still happens that oil can also cause allergies. Before using the product for the first time, apply a small amount to the skin and check the reaction. If there is no itching or redness, the oil is good for your skin. The first use of oil inside should also be gradual. In general, oil is enough high-calorie product, therefore, you cannot take more than two tablespoons per day, even if you are obese. Otherwise the oil is absolutely safe. if you have chronic diseases, you should talk to your doctor about constantly eating oil.
Coconut oil is a real lifesaver that is used almost anywhere and everywhere. It is used in everyday life, in skin and hair care, in the kitchen, and can even replace a full first aid kit! This explains the incredible popularity of this type of oil. Keep coconut oil at home - believe me, it will run out very quickly!
Video: benefits of coconut oil