It is also used to obtain valuable coconut oil, which has many beneficial properties. That is why it is in demand in cosmetology, cooking, and everyday life.
Receipt
The oil is extracted from copra, the fruit of coconut palms - the white fleshy pulp inside the nuts. It must first be separated from the shell, then dried and, after crushing, put under a press.
Coconut oil is often extracted by hot pressing. The oil yield with this processing method is at least 300 grams from 1 kg of pulp (copra).
Another way to extract coconut oil is by cold pressing. This processing is more gentle, and the resulting oil has greater biological and nutritional value. However, the product yield is much lower (up to 10 percent), so its cost is higher.
The oil may be sold unrefined, but they also sell a product that is purified under high pressure (called refined).
Peculiarities
- Coconut oil will melt at about 25 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is lower, it becomes a solidified mass.
- Coconut oil contains a large amount of saturated fat, so the product hardly oxidizes and has a long shelf life.
- Coconut oil is, without a doubt, a natural product. No fragrances, thickeners or other chemical additives are used in its production.
Benefit
Healing and beneficial properties of coconut oil:
- strengthens and heals hair;
- helps to lose weight;
- maintains skin health by moisturizing it and also stimulating wound healing;
- strengthens the immune system;
- relieves inflammation;
- provides skin protection from negative influences - ultraviolet radiation, dust particles, viruses and others;
- helps to get a beautiful and even tan;
- takes care of the hardness and health of nails;
- improves well-being;
- has bactericidal and antifungal effects;
- improves the function of the thyroid and pancreas;
- accelerates the healing of damage to the gastrointestinal tract;
- is a preventative against obesity, osteoporosis, joint damage, caries, atherosclerosis, cancer and other diseases.
You can learn even more about the benefits of coconut oil from the following video.
Harm
Consuming large amounts of coconut oil increases the risk of food poisoning or an allergic reaction. Excess fat in food can also negatively affect the gastrointestinal tract, in particular, aggravate cholecystitis and pancreatitis.
Also, many fear the harm of saturated fats, which are rich in coconut oil (up to 90% of them in its composition). However, evidence of oil use and research shows a large number of positive effects. For example, coconut oil does not cause the development of atherosclerosis, but, on the contrary, prevents it.
Contraindications
There are practically no problems with using coconut oil. A health hazard can only arise in persons with individual intolerance or with excess consumption.
How to choose the best coconut oil and where to buy it
Coconut oil is sold in all countries where there are coconut trees. You can buy it in India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and other hot countries. The product is so popular that it is exported to many countries, including Russia.
Buying coconut oil on the Internet carries the risk of getting a “pig in a poke”, because you won’t be able to see the consistency and color of the oil, or smell it. Look for oil in perfume and cosmetic stores in your city. If you decide to buy online, choose well-known stores and read reviews.
Criteria for choosing coconut oil:
- Preparation method. The refined product is more refined, but lacks some nutritional properties compared to the unrefined product. The oil is produced by hot and cold pressing - with the latter it is more useful.
- Smell. A good unrefined product should have a pleasant natural coconut scent. Refined oils have no odor.
- Color. It is advisable to buy oil in a transparent container, then you will see its shade. If it is dark yellow, then the oil is poorly refined. A quality product will have a clear to pale yellow tint.
- Consistency. If the temperature is less than +25 degrees, the product hardens, but this does not impair its qualities and properties.
Compound
Coconut oil is rich in:
- fatty acids;
- vitamins - E, C, B1, K, B2, A, B3;
- minerals – calcium, iron and others;
- betaines, polysorbates, polyols and ester ethoxylates, monoglycerides, etc.
In this oil, fatty acids are presented as saturated (mostly lauric), monounsaturated (oleic), and polyunsaturated (about 0.5%).
Each of the acids has its own benefits, for example:
- Lauric acid (more than 50%) stimulates the healing of skin damage and has antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral effects.
- Myristic acid improves the absorption of cosmetics into the skin, stabilizes proteins important for the immune system, and oleic acid enhances the barrier function of the skin, prevents dehydration, the accumulation of fat deposits and atherosclerosis.
Kinds
Cold pressed
Most often, to obtain oil from coconuts, the dried fresh flesh is pressed at high temperatures, and cold pressing is used less often. Cold pressing is a more gentle processing method that retains more beneficial properties. However, its disadvantage is the low oil yield - up to ten percent. This affects its price.
The inscription Extra Virgin on the packaging of the oil does not mean that a cold method was used to obtain it. It only indicates that the product was obtained by first pressing, which may also be with heating. If you are interested in cold-pressed coconut oil, look for the label “first cold press” or simply “cold press”.
Unrefined
To obtain unrefined oil, only mechanical (primary) filtration is used, and the use of additional purification leads to the production of refined coconut oil.
The Virgin label indicates that this is an unrefined product.
This oil has a light yellow tint and a distinct coconut smell. At room temperature, its consistency is firm and oily.
Both types of oil have beneficial effects and the same composition, so there is no big difference in their nutritional properties. They differ in consistency (the unrefined product is richer), color (the refined product is transparent), smell (the refined product does not have it), and shelf life (the refined product lasts longer).
Dry
Dry coconut oil is a component of dry vegetable cream. It is combined with palm and palm kernel oil to produce a product that replaces dairy cream.
Compared to cream made from milk, vegetable cream has less calories and fat content, and a longer shelf life. They do not curl when mixed with other ingredients, therefore they are in demand in the confectionery industry.
Cooking at home
To make coconut oil at home with your own hands, you need to prepare:
- coconuts;
- thick fabric;
- hammer;
- mixer or meat grinder;
- pan.
- Make two holes in the coconuts and drain the juice. After wrapping the nuts in thick cloth, smash them with a hammer, then separate the coconut flesh from the shell and cut it into pieces. We wrote how to open a coconut in a previous article. Everything is described in detail in it.
- Grind the pulp in a meat grinder or mixer and transfer the resulting coconut flakes to a saucepan. After filling with hot water (not boiling water, but almost boiling), place the container in a cool place, and when the contents have cooled completely, place it in the refrigerator.
- After some time, you will see a white crust on the surface of the water. Carefully separate it, being careful not to scoop up the water, and place it in another pan, then melt it so that the oil can be strained (optimally in a water bath). After pouring the oil into a jar, cool it and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
The described method is quite simple and retains maximum benefits, and in the end you get a natural product.
You can watch the process of preparing coconut oil in the following video.
The disadvantage is the rather low yield of finished oil.
But you can put to good use everything that is left after extracting coconut oil with your own hands:
- Water can be added to the bath or drunk,
- Coconut flakes are used in many cases.
Application
Coconut oil is used very often for hair. According to reviews, using it masks give the most effective results. Read about this in our other article.
Coconut oil in its pure form is used:
- as a replacement for lotions (apply to the body after a shower);
- as a replacement for cream;
- to get an even tan;
- to soothe and soften the skin after shaving and other manipulations;
- for hair.
Many cosmetic products can be made from coconut fruit oil. Its addition to nourishing and moisturizing products improves their absorption.
How to apply
You can apply the oil to your skin in its pure form. If the oil has been stored in the refrigerator and has a thick consistency, it will begin to melt on the skin. Lubricate the skin with massaging movements.
If you want to add coconut oil to other cosmetic products or mix it with any other oils, use it in a liquid state by melting it in a water bath.
When planning to mix coconut oil with a cosmetic cleanser (milk, toner, lotion) or ready-made cream, you need to add the melted oil to a single portion of the cosmetics you use. For example, you can melt coconut oil (a small piece) in your hands, lubricate the skin, and then treat it with a cream or cleanser.
For skin
Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, so skin care products are created based on it - creams, soaps, lotions and others.
Consumption of coconut oil:
- prevents the appearance of wrinkles;
- prevents sagging;
- eliminates peeling;
- helps treat eczema and other skin diseases.
Coconut oil is quickly and completely absorbed by skin cells. The result of its use is velvety, soft and smooth skin.
It is recommended to rub the oil into the décolleté area, use it to lubricate hands instead of cream, and also to rub the skin of the feet before bed.
For face
Coconut oil is a non-allergenic and non-pore-clogging substance, which allows it to be used in its pure form. Holding a piece of butter in your fingers, apply it to your face. Contact with the skin will cause the coconut oil to melt, while you spread it evenly over the skin.
Using coconut fruit oil instead of cream, you:
- provide skin nutrition at night;
- protect your face in sunny weather;
- provide protection in wind and frost;
- smooth the skin and soften it;
- prevent the appearance of wrinkles;
- increase skin elasticity.
When adding coconut oil to ready-made products with which you care for your facial skin, the amount of oil should be up to 10%.
For Tan
Pros of using coconut oil for tanning:
- it perfectly moisturizes the skin, preventing it from drying out;
- prevents the occurrence of wrinkles;
- provides an even tan;
- hypoallergenic product;
- softens the skin;
- quickly absorbed;
- When burned, it reduces the burning sensation.
Coconut oil should be applied both before going to the solarium and after the session.
Masks
In order for a mask made from coconut oil to bring the desired effect, you should follow some rules:
- make a mask once a week;
- It is best to apply it after a bath - on skin that has been steamed;
- keep the mask on for up to fifteen minutes;
- wash it off with cool water.
Masks cannot be used if you have allergies or individual intolerances, so test the product on the crook of your elbow before use.
Good mask recipes:
- Classic: coconut oil only.
- Nutritional: tea. spoon of coconut oil + two tablespoons. spoons of rice flour + green tea (necessarily freshly brewed).
- For the skin around the eyes: 10 milliliters of vitamin E in liquid form and 50 milliliters of oil.
- Cleansing: tea. spoon of coconut oil + table. spoon of coffee grounds.
- For people with sensitive skin: tea. a spoonful of coconut oil and two table. spoons of milk, as well as wheat bread (soak a small slice in milk).
- For aging skin: tea. spoon of coconut oil + teaspoon spoon of blue clay + three drops of orange aroma oil.
- Rejuvenating: in tea. a spoonful of coconut oil, heated in a water bath, add three drops of rosemary aroma oil.
- Honey: tea l. coconut oil + table. spoon of honey + tbsp. spoon of sour cream.
- Egg: half a glass of coconut oil (liquid) + table. spoon of honey + beaten egg. After mixing the ingredients, keep it in the refrigerator overnight.
- To moisturize the skin, cleanse it and increase elasticity: tbsp. l. coconut oil + 50 g dark chocolate. The ingredients need to be heated in a water bath.
- For normal skin type: pulp of one persimmon + beaten egg white + tea. spoon + liquid honey + teaspoon. spoon of coconut oil + teaspoon. spoon of starch.
- For acne treatment: table. l. coconut oil + 1/2 tsp. spoons of lemon juice + teaspoon. spoon of honey + 2 drops of lavender aroma oil + 3 drops of tea tree aroma oil.
- Moisturizing: table. spoon of coconut oil + table. spoon of honey + 2 table. spoons of avocado pulp.
- Against inflammation and skin irritation: 100 ml of chamomile infusion + 3 tbsp. spoons of rolled oats + 2 table. spoons of liquid coconut oil + teaspoon. spoon of liquid honey + teaspoon. spoon of natural yogurt + teaspoon. spoon of cucumber juice.
For stretch marks
Coconut oil is a preventative against stretch marks due to the presence of vitamin E in its composition. This vitamin is a strong antioxidant that protects cell membranes. And since coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, this is also a positive factor for affecting the problem of stretch marks.
In cooking
- The oil obtained from coconuts is used in cooking in Asian countries. It is added to vegetable salads, rice dishes, seafood and meat.
- Since this oil is resistant to temperatures and oxidation, it is used for frying.
- Due to its coconut aroma, the oil is in demand in the preparation of cottage cheese casseroles, filled pancakes, and sweet pastries.
- The nutritional value of oil obtained from coconuts allows it to replace butter, adding it to porridge and other dishes, or spreading it on bread.
- Due to the hypoallergenic nature of coconut oil, it can be safely used in children's diets.
At home
- Soap making.
- Cosmetics industry.
- Food and confectionery industry.
- Alternative fuel.
- Production of medicines (suppositories, ointments).
If the oil has thickened
You can melt thickened coconut oil:
- holding the jar under running warm water;
- heating in a water bath;
- putting a piece of butter in a plate, which is placed under the sun's rays.
Coconut oil is widely popular not only in areas where palm trees grow, but also in other countries. Not all types are equally useful, so you need to know which product to use. Researchers are confident that it is better to use (cold pressed) unrefined. This is what gives your hair a gorgeous shine.
Woman and beauty
These two concepts are inseparable. But in order for your curls and nails to radiate health, you need to work hard. Today there are many care products, but coconut oil is a multifunctional product that is preferred by most girls.
What are the benefits of coconut oil?
It is obtained from the pulp of coconuts. Coconut is in great demand. The price for it is acceptable and does not “bite”; in Russia its cost is approximately 250-300 rubles. The properties of this product are explained by the fact that the composition is unique in its kind due to fatty acids and vitamin E. The oil is classified as solid - if the temperature is low, it hardens. But it can be easily melted in a water bath or in the microwave. The product has a pleasant aroma and is produced by cold pressing. Refined is characterized by the absence of odor and contains much fewer useful components, since they are lost during cleaning.
The oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, restores damaged cells, moisturizes and nourishes the skin and hair, and also neutralizes the effects of adverse external factors.
Why is coconut oil so popular?
This is explained by the fact that this oil has not only medicinal, but also preventive properties. It consists of acids, each of which has certain characteristics. Their complex effect on the body brings undoubted benefits. If you regularly use coconut oil (cold pressed), you can achieve good results:
Strengthen hair;
Soften the skin;
Slow down the aging of the body;
Increase immunity;
Remove cholesterol plaques;
Reduce sugar levels and get rid of subcutaneous fat;
Reduce pain and swelling;
Accelerate the wound healing process;
Remove foci of inflammation.
If you know all the properties that cold-pressed coconut oil has, its uses can be quite varied. With its help, you can not only improve your appearance and well-being, but also conduct experiments in cooking, diversify the taste of many familiar dishes and turn your own kitchen into a restaurant. In order not to cause harm, you must clearly know the dosage and adhere to the rules for using the oil in each specific case.
Where is coconut oil used?
This product is considered universal, so it can be used in the following areas:
- Make masks for face and body.
- Add to baths for bathing.
- Use as a healing agent.
- Use for body care after sunbathing.
- Get massages.
- Add to food.
Application in cosmetology
You can use oil in this area endlessly: to care for your hands, hair, nails and the body as a whole. If you use this remedy correctly, fatty acids will have a very beneficial effect on the body.
When strengthening your curls, it is worth remembering that you do not need to apply unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil to the roots of your hair. This may cause irritation and itching. It is more advisable to apply it along the entire length of the hair: the structure will be restored, fragility and split ends will disappear, the curls will become voluminous and shiny.
It can be applied to the roots, but the effect of its use is not so noticeable. If desired, you can use shampoos and balms based on it.
Facial care
Coconut oil can be included in ready-made masks and creams, and is also often used as an independent product. They need to lubricate the skin twice a week. Regular application will get rid of acne, blackheads and various rashes. The skin will become soft and tender, flaky spots will completely disappear.
If you apply the oil to your body before sunbathing, your skin will acquire a stunning chocolate color.
Using coconut oil (cold pressed) during a massage can easily warm up the skin and improve blood circulation.
Application in medicine
It is difficult to call coconut oil an independent medicine, but it is widely used as a component due to its astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The oil has been proven to help with:
Jaundice;
Migraine;
Ulcers and other wounds;
Diabetes;
Hemorrhoids;
Thrush;
Epilepsy and nervous disorders;
Bleeding;
Skin rashes and allergies.
Before use, you should consult your doctor. Only a specialist can prescribe an adequate dose and give recommendations that must be followed. You should not self-medicate, as this can cause serious harm to your health.
How to use oil in cooking?
The product purchased at the grocery store has slightly different properties. It gives familiar dishes an exquisite, piquant taste. It is better to purchase cold-pressed coconut oil only from trusted retail outlets. Its price is quite affordable. It can be used instead of regular vegetable oil.
During heat treatment, the product does not release carcinogens, so it can be consumed by people who are on a diet. Sweet dishes and baked goods turn out especially tasty if you cook them with coconut oil. You can also add it to hot coffee, tea, chocolate or milk.
Helpful information
When buying coconut oil (cold pressed), you need to make sure that the packaging contains a note stating that it is made exclusively from natural ingredients. The unrefined product is more beneficial, but it can clog pores, so you should not apply it to the scalp.
Those people who have tried cold-pressed coconut oil at least once leave extremely positive reviews and appreciate its benefits and unique characteristics. They note that the product has a beneficial effect on the entire body and improves appearance. In addition, people who often use the oil claim that contraindications and side effects are kept to a minimum. According to their observation, the result is noticeable after just a week of regular use.
In order to understand which coconut oil to choose for food, you need to at least have a general idea of the technology for its production.
There are two main ways to obtain oil:
2. extraction.
SPIN- this is when crushed coconut copra is pressed under pressure. If the copra is not preheated, such an extraction is called cold (in international terminology - Extra Virgin). If it heats up, the spin is called hot.
EXTRACTION- this is when the feedstock is poured with gasoline or hexane so that the oil goes into solution, and then the gasoline or hexane is evaporated. In this way, most of the refined vegetable oil that is sold in our stores is obtained.
Oil obtained by any of these methods may be:
1. unrefined,
2. refined.
UNREFINED oil is filtered only from mechanical impurities. All additional substances (phosphatides (lecithin), waxes, free fatty acids, vitamins, water, etc.) remain. They give the oil its taste and smell. The biological value of such oil is higher than that of refined oil.
But you can heat unrefined coconut oil only to 137-177 degrees (read the manufacturer’s description in each case), that is, you can fry it only over low and medium heat.
REFINED- goes through several stages of mechanical and physical purification, as a result of which the oil is neutralized to taste and clarified.
Is this oil healthy? Yes, because the medium chain triglycerides that make coconut oil so prized remain in place. But its biological value is lower than that of unrefined oil due to the partial loss of other useful substances during the refining process.
Refined coconut oil can be used for medium to high heat cooking.
I divided coconut oil on iHerb into 3 groups:
1. unrefined, cold pressed,
2. refined, cold pressed,
3. refined, in which the extraction method (cold or hot) is not specified.
I excluded the following options from the review:
Those in which the method of obtaining is not known;
Those that are not labeled “trans fat-free” or “non-hydrogenated”;
Those that come in combination with coconut flakes are essentially coconut paste, although on the website they are called “oil”.
In each group, I arranged coconut oil in ascending order of price (from cheaper option to more expensive). The price was indicated in dollars based on 30 ml/g, excluding discounts.
Thus, if while reading this article there is a promotion on some brand from the list (as, for example, at the time of publication of this material - 20% on Nutiva) - it is necessary to subtract a discount from the price that I give.
1. UNREFINED, COLD PRESSED (Extra Virgin)
Healthy Origins, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, 54 oz (1,503 g) - 5/22 - 0.44
Now Foods, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, 54 fl oz (1.6 L) - 28.49 - 0.53
Healthy Origins, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 29 oz (822 g) - 14.99 - 0.55
Jarrow Formulas, Natural High Purity Coconut Oil, 32 oz (946g) - 18.44 - 0.58
Now Foods, Organic Natural Coconut Oil, 20 fl oz (591 ml) - 11.48 - 0.59
Healthy Origins, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 16 oz (454 g) - 8.81 - 0.59
Nutiva, Organic Coconut Oil, Virgin, 23 fl oz (680 ml) - 13.75 - 0.61
Nutiva, Natural Refined Coconut Oil, 29 fl oz (858 ml) - 17.7 - 0.62
Jungle Products, Coconut Oil, 14 oz (397 g) - 8.73 - 0.66
Nutiva, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, 54 fl oz (1.6 L) - 02/35 - 0.66
Spectrum Naturals, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Unrefined, 14 fl oz (414 ml) - 8.9 (note maximum heating temperature is 137 degrees Celsius) - 0.65
Nutiva, Nutiva, Nurture Vitality, Coconut Oil, Cold Pressed, 15 fl oz (444 ml) - 9.95 - 0.67
Nutiva, Organic Superfood, Coconut Oil, Virgin, 15 fl oz (444 ml) - 9.94 - 0.67
Earth Circle Organics, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 16 oz (454 g) - 08/11 - 0.73
Nature's Way, Organic Coconut Oil, 16 oz (454 g) - 11.14 - 0.74
from hot pressed oil? Which coconut oil is edible and which is suitable for external use? The answers to these and other questions are in this article.
Today, more and more often on store shelves you can find products made on its basis. Many consider this variety to be a common marketing ploy, and the use of coconut oil in food is nothing more than a fad. However, for many peoples it has long become a traditional ingredient, and has been used for several thousand years. Research proving the benefits of coconut oil has also been conducted for a relatively long time. For example, lauric acid, which is part of it, has been used for more than 50 years to combat pathogenic bacteria. And in Europe and the USA, coconut oil has long been considered a favorite ingredient of bakery manufacturers, as it has a long shelf life and a melting point of 76 degrees.
However, these benefits really fade when doctors start rattling off a list of coconut oil's medical "achievements." It helps even in extreme situations. For example, it is considered a real salvation for patients with hypothyroidism (or hypothyroidism). This is a body condition characterized by decreased production of thyroid hormone, which may be associated with dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Coconut oil Helps improve metabolism and increase body temperature to promote thyroid health. Limiting carbohydrates and increasing coconut oil in your diet can also help you lose weight. By applying the oil directly to the skin, you can fight various skin conditions. The effect of oil on hair is also priceless. Another plus: it helps in the fight against infections and viruses. Today it increasingly attracts athletes and fitness trainers, maintaining the necessary level of energy in the body without drugs or stimulants.
Cold pressed coconut oilVS hot pressed oil
However, in order to fully enjoy all the beneficial properties of coconut oil, you need to choose the right product. But how to do this if there are dozens of types of coconut oil on the market and all at different prices? It's very simple - you just need to read the information on the label. And the first thing that will interest us is squeezing coconut oil. If the label says Virgin or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, it is an oil obtained using cold-pressed technology. If the label simply says Coconut Oil without further details, then this is a hot-pressed product, or a mixture of refined and unrefined coconut oil. We'll deal with refining a little later, but for now a few words about hot and cold pressing.
The fact is that coconut oil, like all other types of vegetable oils, by its nature is already a processed product because it does not grow on a tree. All coconut oils must first be extracted from the coconut, so from a technical point of view, they are not 100% natural, as they involve some kind of processing process. The whole question is what kind of process. Humanity has essentially come up with only two ways to extract oil from coconut pulp: cold-pressed and hot-pressed. Cold pressing is more gentle and allows you to retain much more nutrients. Fresh coconut pulp is cold pressed and the oil is squeezed out using a regular press. One thousand mature coconuts, weighing 1440 kg, yield approximately 170 kg of pulp, from which only 70 liters of the highest quality coconut oil can be cold pressed. This oil (extra virgin) is the most natural, retaining the most beneficial substances. The only negative is that oil obtained in this way will be more expensive.
The hot or “dry” processing method (hot pressing) involves drying the coconut flesh in special ovens or in the sun. Then oil is extracted from it using the same pressing or chemicals. As you understand, this method is much less delicate, which means it does not spare the beneficial substances contained in the oil.
Unrefined VS refined
Now we move on to the notorious refining process. If a jar of coconut oil says Extra Virgin or Virgin, it is 100% unrefined oil. If the package says Refined or RBD, it is refined oil. Refined oil is most often obtained from hot-pressed oils. What is the refining process? In simple terms, all phospholipids, metals (they are also in the oil, of course), minerals, salts, free fatty acids, natural flavors (the smell of coconut) and white are separated from the oil by heating, adding water, various acids and sodium hydroxide. - yellowish color. The result is an oil that lasts a couple of years longer, has a clearer color, less odor, is easier to transport, does not clump, and is more resistant to temperature changes. From a trading point of view, this is an ideal product. Only there are much fewer useful substances in refined oil - after all, the amino acids, minerals and salts that coconut oil is rich in are precisely removed during refining.
What is unrefined coconut oil used for?
Now about which coconut oil is used for what. It is interesting because it can be used both in cooking and in cosmetology. It is ideal for children's and dietary diets. You can add coconut oil to almost all dishes; it is suitable for desserts, soups, salads, and drinks.
As if enveloping all the insides, it heals damaged mucous membranes, so it is especially useful to use it internally for patients with ulcers, and the active fight against pathogenic bacteria, which we talked about at the beginning, makes it indispensable for patients with gastritis, gastroduodenitis and diseases of the duodenum. Another spectrum of action is associated with the removal of cholesterol, the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis.
It is also useful for losing weight. To get rid of excess weight and prevent obesity, it is recommended to drink 1 glass of warm water with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil before each meal.
If unrefined coconut oil Do not use it internally, but just rinse your mouth with it, you can already achieve an excellent effect. Fifteen minutes of rinsing with a tablespoon of oil will relieve bad breath, diseases of the teeth and oral cavity. Although we still recommend taking a sip of the miraculous oil. Among other things, it has an anti-stress effect, and this is really important in our time.
For cosmetic purposes, unrefined coconut oil can help treat psoriasis, dermatitis or eczema. Experts also recommend using coconut oil as an additive to creams, tonics and lotions. Then the products you already know will acquire a moisturizing and softening effect. Coconut oil is also indispensable during the beach season. Apply before tanning - the vitamin E included in the composition will protect against excessive ultraviolet radiation, apply after sunbathing - protect against discomfort, a feeling of tightness and redness. Unrefined coconut oil can even be used in a solarium! Both for tanning and against sunburn.
What is refined coconut oil used for?
Refined coconut oil is also valuable. But exclusively for external use. It is used to get rid of cracked heels or rough skin on the elbows, and for hair care. It is recommended to add both refined and unrefined coconut oil to masks, balms and hair conditioners; you can treat split ends with it. With constant use, hair will become more manageable, shiny and silky.
Coconut oil is a unique product from Central Asia. It has received wide cosmetic use for skin, hair, and nail care. Which coconut oil to choose, watch the video:
Compound
Unrefined coconut oil is obtained by cold pressing the pulp of the nut fruit. The product has a pleasant aroma and beautiful color. After undergoing the refining procedure, the substance loses a small amount of useful ingredients, and the smell becomes barely perceptible. When choosing the type of oil, it is better to give preference to unrefined due to its higher concentration of minerals and vitamins.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid (in the unrefined substance up to 50% of the total mass), capric and caprylic, oleic, lanolin acids, vitamins A, C, E and minerals. Due to these ingredients, the product has the following special properties for skin and hair:
- Regenerating – restores skin cells;
- Antimicrobial – protection and fight against harmful microorganisms;
- Antioxidant – protecting cells from aggressive environmental influences;
- Antifungal;
- Moisturizing and nourishing.
How to choose the right coconut oil? Do you need natural unrefined coconut oil for food, hair, or body?
The oil is a completely natural product. A solid mass of opaque white color becomes liquid at positive temperatures above 25 degrees by heating or rubbing between the palms. It is worth noting that the substance is stored for a long time, which makes it even more popular due to its low consumption.
Coconut in cosmetology
- This magical emulsion is used to moisturize very dry skin and fill it with micronutrients. The substance also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoallergenic properties, so it can be used even for sensitive skin.
- The product is actively used as a protective agent against the scorching sun, salt water, wind and other external adverse environmental factors.
- The oil can be used as a makeup remover and lip balm. Face and body scrubs with coconut ingredients are widely used.
- The product is also suitable for caring for cuticles, your hands will look well-groomed and your nails will look healthy.
For hair
This product is also used for hair care. It can be used in its pure form. It is worth noting that it is much easier to wash out of curls compared to, for example, burdock.
With regular use, hair will become healthier, shiny, moisturized, and strong.
Dry ends will be filled with much-needed nourishment and will no longer look lifeless.
Coconut oil protects the hair follicles from protein loss and, accordingly, prevents hair loss and prevents the development of dandruff. Curls become more elastic and bouncy.
For more information about the properties of unrefined coconut oil, see the following video.
Mode of application
The oil can be used in its pure form, applied directly to the hair. To give them vitality, strengthen, restore, and enhance growth, the product is applied directly to the scalp. The solid substance is heated in a water bath to a liquid state and rubbed into the skin with massage movements.
Head massage using coconut emulsion helps increase blood circulation, nourishing the scalp and hair follicles. It should be noted that those with oily hair should use coconut oil with caution to avoid oversaturating the roots with nutrients, which will make the strands even more oily and lacking volume.
Oil helps wash out even persistent paint and henna; this fact must be taken into account when applying the product.
The oil from the roots must be evenly distributed over the entire length of the strands with a comb or comb. To enhance the effect, put on a shower cap and wrap your head with a towel. It is recommended to leave the product for 2 hours; to achieve the best effect, the time should be increased. Afterwards, wash your hair with shampoo, preferably sulfate-free. This procedure should be repeated once every two weeks. The result is thick, shiny, healthy hair.
To nourish and moisturize dry ends, it is recommended to use the oil directly on the affected areas. Treated ends should be left for several hours to allow the product to be absorbed. Then, wash your hair with shampoo. If you regularly nourish the ends of your hair with coconut emulsion, you can achieve amazing results - your hair will be smooth and shiny, and your ends will look healthy.
As a thermal protection, you can use a few drops of coconut oil, pre-warmed in your palms until liquid. It must be applied both to damp hair and to clean, dry hair immediately before styling with a hairdryer, curling iron or flat iron.
The use of this product will not only protect your curls from drying out, but will also tame unruly strands and make your hair more neat.
Another way to use coconut hair product is to add a few drops of the substance to your regular shampoo or hair conditioner.
Masks
As noted above, coconut oil can be used in conjunction with other essential oils in hair masks.
Let's look at the most popular combinations.
You will learn how to prepare a hair mask with unrefined coconut oil in the video:
For thickness
Add one egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of cognac to a mixture of coconut and almond oils (1 tablespoon each). Apply the resulting composition to the entire surface of the strands and leave for 2 hours. Then the mass must be washed off with regular shampoo. With weekly use of this mask, you will notice that your hair will become thicker, stronger and healthier.
For growth
To accelerate growth, the following mask is perfect: mix 2 tablespoons of coconut emulsion, 1 tablespoon of fat sour cream and half a banana softened with a spoon and apply evenly to the entire surface of the hair. Leave for 30-40 minutes, then rinse with water and shampoo.
Recovery
To add shine, improve their appearance, and restore the structure of the shaft, you can use a kind of oil cocktail from a mixture of coconut oil and others: olive, burdock, lavender, castor, apricot. The composition must be distributed on the hair and left for 2 hours. Afterwards, rinse with warm water and shampoo.