The benefits and harms of shea butter: composition, nutritional value, calories

Shea butter is native to the exotic African continent and belongs to the group of hard oils, which is mostly composed of saturated fatty acids. It is obtained from the nuts of the Karite tree, known locally as the “Tree of Life”. Shea fruits are very aromatic, which is why they are very popular in the field of cosmetology and aromatherapy.

Anyone who has visited Africa at least once in their life must have noticed how smooth and clear the skin and thick hair of the women living here is. And this is despite the fact that there is a very hot sun and hot dry wind. It is thanks to the regular use of shea butter since childhood that Africans manage to keep their skin beautiful and well-groomed.

Despite the huge number of positive reviews, medicine has long been known in addition to the enormous benefits and harms of shea butter, but many of those who use it do not even think that for some its use is not recommended.

The benefits of shea butter

In civilized countries, shea butter has found application in cosmetology, but the inhabitants of Africa have been bringing it into their diet for centuries. This is a great alternative to butter and sunflower oils, life without which we, the inhabitants of Europe, simply cannot imagine.

In addition, thanks to stearic, linolenic, oleic and palmitic acids, shea butter performs the following functions:

• Strengthens cell walls;
• Provides the body with energy;
• Participates in the formation of hormones.

Despite the fact that in civilized countries almost no one consumes shea butter, it is still used for making chocolate, as a substitute for cocoa butter, and in many other food industries.

But most of all the beneficial properties of shea butter in developed countries came in handy for the manufacture of cosmetics and balms. Due to the fact that this oil is rich in vitamins A, D and E, it is well absorbed into the skin, softens, moisturizes, rejuvenates and protects it. Shea also works well with other essential oils.

Here are a few more positive factors that make shea butter an indispensable ingredient in masks, lipsticks, creams and scrubs:

• Improves blood circulation;
• Eliminates skin flaking;
• Protects skin from hot sun, dry wind, frost;
• Increases the amount of collagen in the body, which prevents skin aging and stretch marks, which are often found in pregnant women;
• Strengthens hair, nails and cuticles.

Possessing a large number of medicinal properties, anti-edema, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, shea butter has found application in medicine, where it is used to treat:

• Dermatitis;
• Eczema;
• Arthritis, manifested by joint pain;
• Burns, wounds and cracks;
• Psoriasis;
• Sprains;
• Muscle pain.

Shea butter harm

As is typical for any product of an exotic country, shea butter can cause allergies, namely due to the fact that it contains a small amount of latex. Also, this oil is not recommended for those who have an allergic reaction from various nuts.

Therefore, before using any cosmetic product based on the fruit of the shea tree, you should first check if you have a reaction to any substance that makes up shea butter. To do this, first spread a little oil on a small area of ​​the skin and monitor the reaction, whether there is any redness of the skin, itching, swelling or other discomfort.

Finally, we can say that such creams and balms will only benefit and harm shea butter only if a person is allergic to one of the components contained in this fruit.

Nutritional value and chemical composition of shea butter

Video “Shea Butter for Skin Care”