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Some praise the miraculous properties of this product to the skies, while others shrug their shoulders skeptically and call it another fashionable invention. Who is right? Is coconut oil as healthy as it is said to be? Is it capable of causing harm to health? How to apply it correctly? We suggest that you 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 it is made from and how it is produced. A high-quality product is obtained from the fruits of the palm tree. The oil is extracted from the copra, that is, the pulp of the coconut, by cold or hot pressing. Of course, the cold-pressed method is preferable, since 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, there is vitamin E, called by nutritionists the vitamin of youth and beauty. In the composition, you can also find a small amount of calcium and phosphorus. Remember: there are no additional flavors, thickeners, stabilizers, or preservatives in the natural product. So read the label carefully to purchase the right product.
The benefits of coconut oil would be unquestionable if it were not for saturated fats. The ones that eventually increase the level of “bad” cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Some studies have shown that coconut oil is not far removed from the degree of harmfulness of butter. It is worth mentioning that it can cause allergic reactions of varying severity.
All the best-hair
The properties of coconut oil make it an optimal ingredient for home cosmetic masks for hair, especially weak, brittle and damaged. To restore a healthy head of hair, you need to regularly perform such a simple procedure. Before bathing, rub a small amount of coconut oil into the roots of the hair, spread it over the entire length and leave it for at least half an hour. And if you are constantly annoyed by dandruff, apply the oil to the scalp, wrap it in food wrap, warm it with a soft cap and leave it overnight.
Coconut oil for dry hair is a real lifesaver. Mix 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and thick sour cream plus 1 tablespoon of honey. Heat the mixture over low heat so that it becomes homogeneous and sufficiently liquid. Rub the cooled mask into the scalp, comb the hair, wrap the film and wrap it with a towel for an hour.
Remember: greasy curls from coconut oil shine even more. If you still decide to resort to such a tool, use it correctly. Melt 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a water bath, pour 2 tablespoons of sea salt, mix well. We 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, we stand for at least an hour. Important clarification: it is recommended to make such masks no more than 2-3 times a week.
Gold on leather
A wonderful gift will be coconut oil for the skin of the face and body. It can be used instead of the usual moisturizing lotion and even as a makeup remover. It is good for removing peeling and irritation on sensitive skin around the eyes. Just lubricate the problem areas with oil and leave them overnight. But be careful: owners of too light skin should not use coconut oil in its pure form. Add it to ready-made creams, lotions and masks.
Cosmetologists recommend using oil instead of lip balm. Active substances heal small cracks, saturate cells with moisture and create a protective barrier against cold, high humidity and temperature changes. If you forgot to bring your sunscreen with you on vacation, coconut oil will come to the rescue again. Before going to the beach, lubricate your body with it — the tan will lie flat and beautiful. And this oil can be used after epilation to quickly get rid of painful sensations.
Feel free to use coconut oil for massage. It is best to prepare a scrub for this purpose. Mix 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and ground coffee. The second ingredient can be replaced with fine sea salt, sugar, corn starch or coconut chips. Choose an abrasive element based on the sensitivity of the skin and be sure to test it on a separate area.
Losing weight without fanaticism
Not only masks with coconut oil help to transform the appearance, say its fans. They do not get tired of praising its dietary properties and help in the fight against excess weight. But there is no convincing evidence of this, and it is unlikely that they will appear.
Coconut oil, as we found out, is rich in 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 the 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.
Moderate use of coconut oil in food with other products is the most useful thing that can be done for the 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 acquire subtle exotic notes. If desired, you can experiment with interesting recipes for soups and sweet cereals. Homemade cakes with coconut oil — just lick your fingers. Fans of healthy eating will surely appreciate the fruit and berry smoothies with coconut notes.
There are no essential oils
Coconut oil is not a unique product. If desired, it can be found an adequate replacement. For example, olive oil is no worse than restoring the structure of damaged hair, and at the same time fights dandruff. It makes equally effective hair masks. It is enough to add a few drops of essential oil of bergamot, clove, jasmine, vanilla, pine or sage to 2-3 tablespoons of olive 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 will 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 this task by 10 % more effectively.
Even among the fruits, there are worthy competitors for coconut oil. Avocado has a similar set of useful properties. Among other things, it has a much higher content of vitamin E, and the complex of micro-and macronutrients will be richer. And avocado is not as high in calories as coconut oil. In any case, it is ultimately up to you to decide which product to prefer.
Do not recklessly trust the enthusiastic network 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 benefit. And if you have any doubts about the side effects, be sure to consult your doctor.