Some praise the miraculous properties of this product to heaven, others skeptically shrug their shoulders and call it another fashionable invention. Who is right? Is coconut oil as good as it is said to be? Is it capable of causing harm to health? How to use it wisely? We offer you to conduct your own investigation.
A fly in the ointment in a barrel of oil
To fully appreciate the benefits and harms of coconut oil, it is important to understand what and how it is made from. A quality product is obtained from the fruit of the palm tree. The oil is extracted from copra, that is, the pulp of a coconut, by cold or hot pressing. Of course, the cold pressing method is preferable, since it allows you to preserve the maximum of useful elements.
First of all, we are talking about a solid complex of organic acids. As in any oil, vitamin E is present here, which nutritionists call the vitamin of youth and beauty. A small amount of calcium and phosphorus can also be found in the composition. Remember: there are no additional flavors, thickeners, stabilizers or preservatives in a natural product. So read the label thoughtfully to get the right product.
The benefits of coconut oil would be undeniable if not for the saturated fat. The ones that over time increase the level of “bad” cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Some studies have shown that coconut oil is not far from butter in terms of its harmfulness. It is worth mentioning that it can cause allergic reactions of varying severity.
All the best for the hair
The properties of coconut oil make it an optimal ingredient in homemade beauty masks for hair, especially for weak, brittle and damaged hair. To restore healthy hair, you need to regularly carry out such a simple procedure. Before bathing, rub a small amount of coconut oil into the hair roots, distribute over the entire length and leave for at least half an hour. And if you are constantly annoyed by dandruff, apply oil to the scalp, wrap with cling film, warm with a soft cap and leave it overnight.
Coconut oil for dry hair is a lifesaver. We mix in 3 tbsp. l. coconut oil and thick sour cream plus 1 tbsp. l. honey. We heat the mixture over low heat so that it becomes homogeneous and sufficiently liquid. We rub the cooled mask into the scalp, comb the hair, wrap it with foil and wrap it with a towel for an hour.
Remember: oily curls from coconut oil shine even more. If you do decide to resort to such a tool, use it correctly. Melt in a water bath 2 tbsp. l. coconut oil, pour in 2 tbsp. l. sea salt, mix well. Apply the resulting mask to the hair strand by strand, while leaving the scalp intact. As usual, we insulate the head with cellophane and a towel, and stand for at least an hour. An important clarification: it is recommended to make such masks no more than 2-3 times a week.
Gold on the skin
Coconut oil for face and body skin will be a great gift. It can be used in place of your regular moisturizing lotion and even as a makeup remover. It removes flaking and irritation well on the sensitive skin around the eyes. Just grease the problem areas with oil and leave overnight. But be careful: those with too light skin should not use pure coconut oil. Add it to ready-made creams, lotions and masks.
Cosmetologists advise using oil instead of lip balm. Active substances heal small cracks, saturate cells with moisture and create a protective barrier against cold weather, high humidity and temperature extremes. If you forget to bring sunscreen with you on vacation, coconut oil will come to your rescue. Before going to the beach, lubricate your body with it – the tan will lie evenly and beautifully. You can also use this oil after epilation to get rid of painful sensations as soon as possible.
Feel free to use coconut oil for massage. It is best to prepare a scrub for this purpose. We mix in 3 tbsp. l. coconut oil and ground coffee. The second ingredient can be substituted with fine sea salt, sugar, cornstarch, or coconut flakes. Choose an abrasive element based on the sensitivity of your skin and be sure to test it on a separate area.
Lose weight without fanaticism
Not only masks with coconut oil help to transform externally, his lovers assure him. They never tire of praising its dietary properties and its help in the fight against obesity. But there is no convincing evidence of this, and they are unlikely to appear.
Coconut oil has been found to be loaded with saturated fats. So the visible effect of its consumption will come only if you remove all other fats from the diet and strictly control the consumption of coconut oil itself. At the same time, do not expect that extra pounds will start to go away by themselves. Oil enriches the body with the necessary amount of fat, but does not burn them in any way.
Using coconut oil in moderation with other foods is the healthiest thing you can do for your body. It can be used as a salad dressing or as a base for sauces for hot dishes. Thanks to coconut oil, fish and seafood take on subtle exotic notes. If you wish, you can experiment with interesting recipes for soups and sweet cereals. Homemade baked goods made with coconut oil are delicious. Healthy eating lovers will surely appreciate the coconut-flavored fruit and berry smoothies.
There are no irreplaceable oils
Coconut oil is not a unique product. If desired, you can find an adequate replacement for him. So, for example, olive oil is no worse at restoring the structure of damaged hair, and at the same time fights dandruff. Equally effective hair masks are obtained from it. It is enough to add to 2-3 tbsp. l. olive oil a few drops of bergamot, clove, jasmine, vanilla, pine or sage essential oil.
Grape seed oil is famous for its excellent moisturizing properties. At the same time, it will cost much less than coconut oil, and it does not have to be pre-melted in a water bath. Sesame oil reliably protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Moreover, according to the calculations of dermatologists, it copes with the task by 10% more effectively.
Even among fruits, there are worthy competitors for coconut oil. Avocado has a similar set of useful properties. Among other things, it has a much higher vitamin E content, and the complex of micro- and macroelements will be richer. Avocado is also not as high in calories as coconut oil. In any case, which product to give preference to is ultimately up to you.
Do not recklessly trust the rave online stories and proud photos of the results of using coconut oil before and after. There is nothing phenomenal about this product. Although, with proper use, you will certainly get your portion of the benefits. And if you have any doubts about the side effects, be sure to consult your doctor.