You’ve probably heard about the supposed health benefits of coconut oil by now. This oil from the tropics is becoming more and more well known, as people in the health and beauty industries are becoming interested in it. Its popularity is only increasing. People all over the world are increasingly choosing to cook with oil from fragrant nuts, instead of unhealthy options like vegetable oil or cooking spray.
Did you know that there are many uses for coconut oil other than cooking or adding to coffee?
Coconut oil is good for your skin cells, it protects you from UV rays, and it makes your hair softer. Not only is it a culinary phenomenon, but it’s also a cosmetic one. It is now being used all over the world as an effective, totally natural substitute for numerous unhealthy beauty products. Still not sold? When it comes to using coconut oil in your beauty routine, this guide has everything you need to know. After reading this, you may decide to start using coconut oil more often.
Does Coconut Oil Live Up To The Hype
Coconut oil has many benefits beyond just being a cooking oil or a beauty product. Coconut oil is a well-documented, well-researched oil that has many benefits.
This antioxidant powerhouse provides excellent nourishment for dry hair, does an excellent job of repairing damaged skin, and even has the ability to heal wounds. This is an amazing natural moisturizer that not only works on your skin, but also on a deeper level. It has been proven that because of its unique way of bonding with proteins and its low molecular density, it can penetrate skin and hair beyond surface level, bringing lasting radiance and damage prevention.
Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Skin
1. Relieve Skin Conditions
Research indicates that honey can be used to ease a number of frustrating skin issues, such as dermatitis and Cirrhosis, as well as return scarred skin to its original condition.
2. Prevent Inflammation
One study showed that coconut oil has great anti-inflammatory capabilities and can reduce the pain associated with inflammation. Coconut oil can help reduce the appearance of acne by reducing inflammation.
3. Heal Scrapes & Burns
This oil has been shown to increase collagen production and improve antioxidant status in the body. This results in faster healing of skin scrapes and burns, as well as healthier hair growth. Plus, its antimicrobial properties reduce the risk of infection.
4. Prevent Fungal Infection
Coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties make it good at preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms that can cause bacterial and fungal infections on the hair or skin, such as athletes foot, cellulitis, and folliculitis.
5. Makeup Remover
Coconut oil is one of the most effective makeup removers, even for waterproof mascara. Use a cotton pad to apply some softened coconut oil to your face. Make sure to rinse the coconut oil off your face after using it, or else it might clog your pores.
6. All-Over Moisturizer
Coconut oil is a great body moisturizer because it contains a lot of fatty acids. If you use the right amount of coconut oil, just enough to cover your skin without leaving an oily residue, it will transform your skin. Making it look youthful, glowing, and radiant. This oil is best used as a moisturizer immediately after a shower. By applying it immediately after a shower, the oil is more likely to be fully absorbed and have optimal benefits.
Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Hair
7. Chlorine Protectant
Massage coconut oil into your hair before swimming in a chlorinated pool to help protect it from the damaging effects of the chlorine. This will help your hair stay healthy by protecting it from harsh chemicals and preventing it from drying out. This conditioner will not only prevent your hair from turning green, but it will also leave your hair feeling soft and silky after your time in the pool.
8. Frizz Dampener
Coconut oil can be used on dry hair to tame flyaways and add shine. Don’t use too much of the product; a pea-sized amount should be enough, as using too much could make your hair greasy and limp.
9. Dandruff Discourager
To prevent and treat dandruff, massage 2 teaspoons of coconut oil into clean hair. This will moisturize the skin on the scalp. Be sure to apply oil to your scalp, focusing on the areas around your forehead and behind your ears. Put a shower cap on your head and sit in the sun for 20 minutes. Then, wash your hair with shampoo. Shampoo your hair 2-3 times per week, or more often if needed, until your dandruff symptoms start to go away.
Other Cosmetic Uses For Coconut Oil
10. Oil Pulling For Whiter Teeth
Oil pulling is a new dental trend that many people find distasteful. Swishing with a tablespoon of coconut oil for 20 mins every day freshens your breath and whitens your teeth.
11. Makeup Brush Cleaner
Though we are often guilty of neglecting our makeup brushes for too long, it is important to keep them clean regularly, as they can collect bacteria and microbes that eventually make their way onto your face or into your eyes. Not only does coconut oil work great to remove caked-on makeup from brushes but it also cleanses them from that nasty grime because of its antibacterial properties. Add two parts soap to one part melted coconut oil in a shallow bowl and mix well. Dip your brush in the mixture and swirl it around, making sure to coat all the bristles. Rinse with warm water and air dry.
12. Natural Lip Balm
Coconut oil not only soothes chapped lips, but is also a safe to ingest alternative to most commercial lip balms. If you accidentally eat some coconut oil while putting it on your lips, it’s actually good for you. Transfer coconut oil to a small, portable container. Use this throughout the day for soft, kissable lips.
13. Natural Deodorant
Deodorant is one of the worst offenders when it comes to harmful chemicals. This is bad because the antiperspirant contains chemicals that are quickly absorbed into your body when it is applied to your skin.
14. Shaving Cream
Place the jar of coconut oil under warm water to soften it. Use this all over your legs or face for a non-toxic alternative to shaving creams and gels.
Here is the comprehensive guide for using tropical gold in your daily beauty routine. You should ditch your toxic beauty products and switch to this oil, which is incredible and has multiple uses.
BONUS: Coconut Milk, is it Good for You?
Coconut milk contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that offer numerous health benefits. Not only is it nutritious, but it is also delicious and easily available, especially in Southeast Asian countries.
According to Dustin Hoffman, a well-known American director and actor, the two basic items needed to sustain life are sunshine and coconut milk. But does it really deserve all the hype? We will be looking at the nutritional profile of coconut milk, its benefits, potential side effects, how to make it at home, and more.
What Is Coconut Milk?
Coconut can be eaten in four ways: coconut water, coconut cream, coconut meat, and coconut milk.
Coconut water is the watery substance that comes out of a coconut when it is opened. It is mostly water, composed of 94%.
Coconut milk is not “milk” in the conventional sense. The liquid you get after blending coconut meat and water and straining it is called coconut milk. It is usually about 50% water.
If you want to get coconut milk, it’s best to buy older, more mature coconuts. As coconuts age, the water inside of them is replaced by the meat, making them better for coconut milk.
We will see in the next section if coconut milk can be beneficial to you.
Is Coconut Milk Good For You?
Don’t be put off by the fact that coconuts are high in fat.
When consumed in moderation, coconut milk can have benefits for both your health and beauty.
Coconut milk can be used in a variety of recipes and as a natural remedy for skin and hair. It is a very popular ingredient in South East Asia, and is used in almost every dish. If you eat Thai food often, you know what we are talking about. The fruit is also popular in Hawaii, India, and certain South American and Caribbean countries.
Coconut milk is used in cooking not only for its taste, but also because it contains a wide range of nutrients.
Now let’s examine the nutritional content of coconut milk in more detail.
Coconut Milk Nutrition Facts
Coconut milk is a high-calorie food as it is rich in fat.
This food is also rich in vitamins and minerals like manganese and copper.
The minerals present in coconut milk help to regulate electrolytes, control nerves, relax muscles, and produce energy in the body.
How To Make Coconut Milk At Home
Making this delicious milk takes just about 10 minutes. It is a cheaper and healthier option to regular milk. The process is as described below.
You Will Need
- 4 cups of water
- 1 ½ to 2 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut
Method
- Heat the water, but make sure it does not boil.
- Blend the coconut in a blender.
- Add water and blend again for a few minutes until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Strain the mixture through a mesh to obtain the liquid. If needed, you can squeeze the remaining pulp through a muslin cloth or a thin towel to get the remaining liquid.
- The collected liquid is the coconut milk.
- Drink immediately or store it in the refrigerator for a while.
Let’s now understand how you can use this milk.
How To Use Coconut Milk
Coconut milk has plenty of uses in both cooking and beauty regimens. It can be used in many creative ways to add extra flavor or nutrition to your everyday meals or to improve your appearance. Here are a few suggestions:
- You can use coconut milk as an alternative to regular milk in your breakfast porridge.
- Toss your cooked pasta or spaghetti in a little coconut milk to make the dish saucier and tastier.
- You can use coconut milk or coconut cream in certain puddings to make them creamier.
- Use coconut milk in soups to add a rich nutty flavor and a dash of healthy fat to it.
- Use it as part of your beauty routine on your body and face to nourish your skin and make it glow.
- Use coconut milk on your hair to boost hair health and prevent grays, hair fall, and dandruff.
- Drink coconut milk as it is.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Coconut Milk?
If you consume too much coconut milk, it can be harmful. Some of its side effects are:
1. High Blood Pressure
It can cause high blood pressure. Since coconut milk is high in fats, it can lead to cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure by raising cholesterol levels in the body. A cup of coconut milk contains a high amount of fat, most of which is saturated.
2. Allergies
It may lead to allergies. If you are allergic tree nuts, it is suggested that you avoid drinking coconut milk as it could lead to a life-threatening situation.
3. Weight Gain
If you are trying to lose weight by following a restricted diet, coconut milk may not be right for you due to the high fat content.
4. Constipation
Consuming large amounts of coconut milk on a daily basis may result in digestive issues and constipation.
Coconut milk benefits are many. It is loaded with many beneficial nutrients. It has been shown to improve heart health, manage diabetes, and help with weight loss. The plant also is helpful in managing Alzheimer’s disease and ulcers, and has antimicrobial qualities. Coconut milk can be used to effectively moisturize the skin, heal sunburns, help treat skin ailments, exfoliate the skin, and remove makeup. This also helps with hair growth and repairing dry or damaged hair. It also acts as a natural conditioner and detangler. This milk can be prepared at home easily. You can use coconut milk in different recipes to enjoy its benefits. However, overconsumption may trigger negative effects. Hence, moderate intake is recommended. Include coconut milk in your diet, skin, and hair care routine to reap its benefits.
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