“Eating lots of coconuts is my beauty secret; I will not go a day without coconut oil. I personally take four tablespoons per day, either on my salads, in my cooking or in my cups of green tea.” Those were the words of Miranda Kerr, and we may, perhaps, have discovered the reason Orlando Bloom and Evan Spiegel couldn’t resist the beautiful Australian model. This love for coconut oil seems to be a default lifestyle setting to other celebrities like the actress, Angelina Jolie, and pitcher for the Texas Rangers, CJ Wilson who seem to enjoy this traditional oil. So, what`s so unique about coconut oil? Lets do a background check, shall we?
Getting to Know More
Coconut oil! The name says it all; it is oil gotten from coconut. And this happens with the use of machines in detaching the meat from a matured coconut and squeezing the oil from the meat. However, there are two ways of doing this; the dry and the wet process. The dry process requires drying the coconut by using heat generated from sunlight or fire to transform it into what is known as Copra. Thereafter, the copra will be crushed and boiled in water to produce the oil after extracting the inconsumable copra cake. Meanwhile, the wet process extracts the oil under controlled temperatures from coconut milk which is known as Virgin Coconut Oil. Irrespective of the processes involved, the oil has a high concentration of saturated fats (about 82%) which nutritionists have found essential to the body, compared to less than 50% that most vegetable oils give. Furthermore, coconut oil harbors three rare substances that are responsible for its various health benefits which are Lauric, Capric and Caprylic acid. Similar to other plant-based oils, it does not contain cholesterol. The vast majority (more than 82%) of the fats in coconut oil are medium-chain triglycerides. These medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) found in coconuts have tremendous health benefits; they are really easy for the body to absorb as fuel for energy and have anti-pathogenic components, in addition to other important features such as containing linoleic acid, oleic acid, phenolic acid, myristic acid, vitamin K, vitamin E, and iron.
What Can you Do with it?
It may interest you to know that coconut oil can serve a lot of purposes. Essentially, it is good for cooking when heated because of its stability under high temperatures—an attribute alien to other oils. The coconut tree is considered the “tree of life” in tropical areas such as Southeast Asia, India, the Philippines and many more.
Not enough? Very well then, let’s go on a coconut adventure.
Every Kind of Edible
As earlier mentioned, coconut oil is so versatile, and that feature isn`t lost in complementing your ingestion. Here are ways you can advance coconut oil into your diet.
- Applying the oil to your bread int a bad idea, in fact, it gives a lovely aroma to your toast
- As an athlete, adding the oil to your coffee enhances your performance level with extra energy
- A tablespoon of coconut oil to your smoothies will also do you a lot of good
- Use them to fry your popcorn, they give you a memorable nose-twitching experience
- It can even extend the lifespan of the eggs in your refrigerator, a little rub over the shell is sufficient to do the trick.
Forever Young
As we grow, we become conscious of our appearance. We keep trying to ensure our skin looks radiant and spotless, so we don`t let stress ruin our looks; the kind of stress that psychologists attribute to creating skin problems or aggravating existing ones. Therefore, it is best not to fret, get yourself some coconut oil. Apparently, it is more reliable in moisturizing your skin and dampening it from aging; so no wrinkles on your face, you keep looking younger and fresher every day. Trust me on that one, it gives a magical touch.
Other Skin Treatments
Coconut oil is effective in treating skin conditions such as eczema and acne. Also, having it as a natural deodorant means you can do away with body odor and keep it at bay. Its application requires you must have mixed it with baking soda and essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, lemon etc. You may also moisturize your skin with it after bathing.
In addition, coconut oil is also useful for your skin in remedying sunburns and sunscreens. All you have to do is apply to the surface occasionally and watch it save your skin from damage. Let’s discuss some other creative uses.
- It works well in reducing stretch marks and skin discoloration
- Mixing eucalyptus oil and coconut oil can free your airways and ensure breathing especially when you are down with a cold.
- Coconut oil contains some antifungal and antibacterial properties that are remedial in treating skin infections
- A couple of drops mixed with lavender and peppermint oil makes up a soothing massage oil
- One of the most irritating and embarrassing moments you experience is the aftershave itching. You need not worry anymore because coconut oil curbs those urges.
- Thanks to the Lauric acid, applying coconut oil to rashes, burns, and wounds also help to speed healing.
- To remove your makeup, coconut oil is the most stress-free in this regard.
Extra Vitality
Why take energy drinks when you can make do with coconut oil? Through its MCFA fats, it can reinforce the body with fast energy. Try mixing it with water, chia seeds, and fresh fruits, and you are sure to resurge with overwhelming strength.
What about your Hair?
Just like Khloe Kardashian, you can begin to condition your hair with coconut oil. The oil helps in softening your skin so hair can grow easily while ensuring that it`s well moisturized, and prevents you from having dandruff. Similarly, it can be essential in strengthening and styling your hair.
What you Stand to Gain
According to the International Food Information Council Foundation, one of the supposed health effects associated with coconut oil is protection against heart diseases. It is also reaffirmed that coconut oil will help you lose body fat, especially from your abdomen, where stored fat is most harmful to your health. Other claims are that coconut oil may prevent and even treat cancer, diabetes, boost brain function in people with Alzheimers disease, stimulate thyroid function, and fight off bacterial, viral, and yeast infections. Furthermore, the presence of coconut oil in the body ensures digestion, a balanced cholesterol level, relief from chronic constipation, suppressed inflammation, the prevention of bone loss and other health defaults. Bottom line is that coconut oil is essential to boosting your immunity and resuscitating healthy living. Now that I think about it, I have figured out why Jenifer Aniston was once spotted with a cart full of coconut oil.
Final Words…
Occasionally, health institutions such as the World Health Organization and the American Heart Association have blared on the limited, if not avoidable uses of coconut oil. This comes as a result of its high level of saturated fat. Therefore, do not totally replace other plant oils with coconut oil, consider a shuffle with other oils. Coconut oil supports wellness, but keep in mind that you have to avoid excesses.
