Coconut oil is the oil that is pressed from coconuts that grow in tropical environments. Coconut oil is used as a beauty aid for its moisturizing properties and as a health aid due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Considerations
The most natural form of coconut oil is organic and cold pressed because this type of oil has no additives or pesticides and is not overly cooked during processing. It therefore retains its live enzymes. Although it is used in cooking, to retain the majority of its healthy properties coconut oil should not be used at high temperatures.
A Healthy Oil
Coconut oil can be used as a cooking oil because it is an healthier option than other oils that contain saturated fats. The saturated fat in coconut oil is healthy because it is made up of lauric acid, a healthy substance that is transformed into monolaurin in our bodies. According to an article in Alternative Healthzine, monolaurin attacks and kills lipid-coated diseases, like herpes and influenza.
Internal Health
Because the oil from coconuts can be used as a fungicide or to kill bacteria, coconut oil can reduce problems in the bowels including yeast overgrowth, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, or internal parasite overgrowth. For these purposes, coconut oil is taken internally. It can be mixed into smoothies or added to raw or cooked foods like cooked pasta or raw fruits and vegetables.
Sweet Recipes
The oil can also be mixed with raw chocolate, nuts, honey or other natural sweeteners to make desserts and snacks. There are hundreds of recipes that call for coconut oil as an ingredient. The oil has a light, coconut flavor that may be overpowered with stronger flavors. Although coconut oil can be used as a cooking oil, it works best when it is not heated above room temperature
Beauty Benefits
As a beauty aid, coconut oil is used externally as a moisturizer that melts into the skin to relieve dryness without leaving the skin feeling oily. The oil does not block pores and is used on the body as well as on the face. Coconut oil is also used as a scalp moisturizer and a deep conditioner for dry, brittle hair. People of African descent with natural, unprocessed hair, use coconut oil as a styling aid to make hair more manageable while wearing braids or curly styles. The oil helps keep flyaway hair to a minimum while giving hairstyles a neater, more uniform appearance.
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