The Properties of coconut oil Are multiple: it improves cardiovascular health, strengthens the immune system, helps control weight, combats cold sores, is a natural moisturizer and others that I will explain later.
Today, coconut oil is sold as a supplement that has an impressive range of uses, from skin moisturizers to cooking oil. The oil is extracted from the coconut palm, which can live up to 100 years and is considered one of the most useful plants on the planet.
For generations, cultures in tropical regions have used it as food, cosmetics or as building materials. H
Coconut, or as it is known by its scientific name, Cocos Nucifera, originates from the coasts of Southeast Asia and Melanesia. The Polynesians introduced various forms of this plant in the Pacific Islands, when they settled there 4,500 years ago.
Coconut is a nourishing source of juice, milk and oil that has nourished and nurtured populations around the world for decades. In many islands, coconut is the basis of your diet and the main food consumed. About a third of the world's population depends on the coconut for its food or its economy.
At least 12 crops can leave a coconut plant, depending on their maturity. The nectar of unopened flowers can be used to create a syrup, which can be converted into a coconut sugar, or if it is fermented, become an alcoholic beverage.
In the 1930s, Dr. Weston Price discovered that the South Pacific islands incorporated high amounts of coconut into their diet and remained healthy, fit, and with a low incidence of heart disease.
In 1981, researchers discovered that Polynesian communities whose main source of coconut food remained in excellent cardiovascular health. That's when their impressive health properties were discovered.
Properties and uses
It is full of nutrients and is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is considered a fundamental food because it provides great health benefits because of its nutritional content.
Coconut oil is especially interesting because it has healing properties and has been traditionally used by the Asian population for medicinal uses. The Pacific Islands consider coconut oil as a cure for all diseases. This is how it is known as"the plant of life".
In the world of cosmetics coconut oil is often sold as a moisturizer. As a dietary supplement, people use it topically for the protection of the liver and to treat diarrhea, diabetes, high blood pressure And high cholesterol.
Surely you have heard of some usefulness that is given to coconut oil or you have your own tricks, but then we show you some amazing uses that you would never have thought to give this oil:
Properties of coconut for health
1- It works as a natural moisturizer
Coconut oil works as a natural moisturizer that acts as a protective barrier for the skin by containing natural fats and triglycerides, offering even some protection from the exposure of the sun's rays.
2- Can be used as a make-up remover
Not even the most water-resistant makeup is able to resist this excellent natural make-up remover.
Apply directly on the face as a normal cleanser or with a cotton with soft touches if you prefer. The makeup disappears in a matter of seconds.
3- It is a natural anti-wrinkle
Being rich in natural antioxidants also works as an anti-aging treatment for the skin, helping to delay and prevent wrinkles and sagging.
4- Repair burns
For its vitamin E content, an antioxidant, helps to accelerate the recovery of burns, abrasions and trauma to the skin. In addition, it helps restore psoriasis , Dermatitis, eczema , And other skin infections.
6- Remedy against lice
Begin this natural treatment to eliminate lice by rinsing the head with apple cider vinegar.
Once the vinegar has dried, apply the coconut oil all over the head and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours. Brush your hair with a fine comb and then wash your head as you normally would. Goodbye lice!
7- Can protect lips
Coconut oil is the ideal ingredient for dry lips. Having a semi-solid texture will remain well at room temperature
8- Can be used as a conditioner
It is an excellent natural hair conditioner. Restores closed tips and helps to improve the appearance of damaged hair, thanks to the essential proteins it contains.
9- It is a natural gomina
To keep your hair under control, heat some coconut oil in your hands and run your fingers through your hair. The oil helps keep the hair in place without giving a greasy appearance.
10- It is a natural sweetener
Substitute the sugar from your cup by adding some melted coconut oil. This will add sweetness and a touch of taste and good fats. If the oil is too solid, keep the boat under warm water for a few seconds and turn to liquid.
11- Replace frying oil
Because of its high content of positive saturated fat, it is perfect for cooking potatoes, breadsticks or any kind of frozen ones that require large amounts of oil.
12- Natural anti-adherent
Grease the trays or molds with a little coconut oil and you will get the same effect as with the butter: prevent the food from sticking to the container.
13- Improve the cut
Before handling hard or sticky foods, smear some coconut oil on your knife or scissors and you will find that the cut is much simpler.
14- Improving cardiovascular health
According to the study"Effects of dietary fatty acids,"it has been proven that saturated fats in coconut oil do not increase the risk of heart disease.
The study, conducted by the Department of Human Biology at the University of Maastricht, has shown that virgin coconut oil can improve cholesterol levels, Low density cholesterol , Known as bad cholesterol, and raise high-density cholesterol, known as good cholesterol, in serum and in tissues.
15- Strengthens the immune system
The research carried out by the Faculty of Nursing of the University of Payap, show that the consumption of coconut oil, due to its high content in Lauric acid , Can increase the production of our body of monolaurin, which improves anti-bacterial protection.
Studies also suggest that virgin coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
16- Help control weight
A study led by the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University revealed that coconut oil promotes the reduction of abdominal obesity.
Compared to most vegetable oils, the triglycerides contained in coconut oil are used for energy production and are not stored as fat.
17- Fight cold sores
As soon as you begin to feel the tingling of an incipient herpes on the lip, apply a little coconut oil in the area and let the coconut's antibacterial properties help to clarify your problem.
18- Can be used as a softener
If you like the smell of coconut and you want your clothes to smell like this, you can grate some solidified coconut oil in your usual detergent and get a natural smell that will last in your clothes.
19- Natural bleach
Especially recommended for the bathroom. If you do not want to use cleansers full of chemicals you can spread coconut oil on a cloth and clean the surfaces, which will recover their original white.
20- Wood polisher
Coconut oil is a natural furniture polish. If you mix it with lemon juice you will get a greater natural shine that is much cheaper and smells better than the artificial products that they sell in the supermarket.
Get your own coconut oil
If you want to get an even more natural coconut oil than you can buy on large surfaces and above all cheaper, here is a simple way to get it directly from a coconut:
Needed:
- A mature coconut. (Mature coconuts are recognized by their dark brown color. Those that have not fully matured tend to have a lighter brown or even green.)
- Butter knife, spoon.
- Filter
- Glass jar, jar.
preparation:
1. Get a mature coconut and cut it in half with a sharp knife. The more intense the brown color the better.
2. Scrape coconut meat from the peel. For this you can use a coconut scraper, a sharp knife or a strong spoon. We recommend using a butter knife. Slide it between the meat and the peel to get the meat.
3. Cut the meat in small pieces as small as possible or grind it with a grater.
4. Put it in a blender and beat medium speed until pureed. You can add some water to ease the process.
5. Filter the coconut puree obtained. You can use a very fine strainer, a coffee filter or a gauze. Place it on a carafe and pour the puree slowly into the filter while squeezing it to obtain the resulting liquid. Repeat the process until all the coconut is gone.
6. Let stand for at least 24 hours. As it sits, coconut milk and oil will separate and a layer will remain curdled on the top of the jar. To speed up the process you can put the carafe in the refrigerator, but you get the same result by leaving it at room temperature.
7. Remove the curd portion with a spoon. This part will not serve us. The coconut oil will remain in the bottom of the bottle ready to be used.
And ready! You already have your own coconut oil obtained in a simple and natural way.
And what other benefits and properties of coconut oil do you know?