Some people praise the miraculous properties of coconut oil while others skeptically call it just another fashionable invention. Who is right? Is coconut oil good for you? Can it cause harm to our health? How to apply it correctly? We offer to conduct your own investigation.
Some Disadvantages
In order to fully appreciate the benefits and harms of coconut oil, it is important to understand how it is produced. A quality product is obtained from the fruit of the palm tree. The oil is extracted from the copra, that is, the coconut pulp, by cold or hot pressing. Of course, the cold pressed method is preferable because it allows you to save 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, referred to by nutritionists as the vitamin of youth and beauty. The composition can also detect a small amount of calcium and phosphorus. Remember: in a natural product there are no additional flavors, thickeners, stabilizers or preservatives. So read the label carefully to get the right product.
But coconut oil contains saturated fats. Those that increase the level of "bad" cholesterol and the risk of heart disease over time. Some studies have shown that coconut oil is not far from butter in terms of the degree of harmfulness. It is worth mentioning that it can cause allergic reactions of varying severity. It’s categorically contraindicated during pregnancy, because the pronounced aroma can cause uterine contraction and premature birth or even miscarriage.
Beneficial for Hair
The properties of coconut oil make it the optimal ingredient for homemade hair masks, especially for weak, brittle and damaged hair. To restore the health of your hairs you need to regularly carry out the following simple procedure. Before bathing, rub a small amount of coconut oil into the hair roots, spread over the entire length and leave for at least half an hour. And if you are constantly plagued by dandruff, apply oil on the scalp, wrap cling film, warm with a soft hat and leave on for the night.
Beneficial for Skin
The coconut oil is perfect for the skin of the face and body. It can be used instead of the usual moisturizing lotion, and even as a method of removing makeup. It eliminates peeling and irritation on the sensitive skin around the eyes. Just grease problem areas with oil and leave overnight. But be careful: people with light skin should not use coconut oil in its pure form. Add it to creams, lotions, and masks.
Beauticians advise using oil instead of lip balm. The active substances heal small cracks, saturate the cells with moisture and create a protective barrier against cold weather, high humidity, and temperature differences. If you forget to take sunscreen with you on vacation, coconut oil will help you here aswell. Lubricate your body before going to the beach - the tan will lie evenly and beautifully. Feel free to use coconut oil for massages.
Weight Loss
Coconut oil is also praised for its dietary properties and helps in the fight against obesity. But there is no convincing evidence of this. Coconut oil is filled with saturated fats. So the visible effect of its consumption will come only if you remove from the diet all the other fats and strictly control the consumption of coconut oil itself. At the same time do not expect that those extra pounds will start to disappear by themselves. Oil enriches the body with the necessary amount of fat but does not burn them.
The moderate use of coconut oil in food with other products - the most useful thing you can do for the body. It can be used as a salad dressing or as a sauce base for hot dishes. Adherents of a healthy diet will surely appreciate fruit and berry smoothies with a hint of coconut oil.
Coconut Oil for Teeth
Rinsing the mouth with oil, especially as beneficial as coconut, can prevent digestive problems, cleanse the body of toxins, get rid of plaque on the teeth (and protect them from caries), as well as strengthen the gums, remove bad breath and even cure allergies.
Bacteria in the oral cavity "stick" to the oil and get removed with it from the mouth. Naturally, cold-pressed coconut oil is ideal for rinsing (it contains a lot of lauric acid, which has an antibacterial effect).
Celebrity orthodontics recommended to do it in the morning on an empty stomach - just before brushing your teeth.
Possible replacement for coconut oil
Coconut oil is not a unique product. If desired, you can find an adequate replacement:
Olive oil is no worse than coconut in restoring the structure of damaged hair, and at the same time helping with dandruff. A mask with it is as good as with the coconut. It is enough to add to 2-3 tablespoon of olive oil.
Grape seed oil is famous for its excellent moisturizing properties. At the same time, it will be much cheaper than coconut oil.
Sesame oil reliably protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Moreover, according to dermatologists, it’s 10% more efficient than coconut oil.
Do not recklessly trust enthusiastic network stories and proud before and after photos of the results of using coconut oil. There is nothing phenomenal about this product. Although with proper use of it, you will certainly get good result. And if there are doubts about the side effects, it’s best to consult with your doctor.
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