Coconut nutrition
& skin care
Coconut oil is safe to use for humans
and animals. It is recommended
already
from
infancy. Pets love it too. It can be used as a food supplement,
in cooking and in skin care.
Coconut oil supports weight
management. It is perfect
for cooking, since there are no harmful substances formed in high
temperatures - the smoking point is 177ºC
(350ºF). If
the temperature is kept at 150ºC (300ºF) for a while
the
aromatics evaporate and the smoking point raises to
over 200ºC (400ºF) - less coconut taste
remains. Guiding
principle in skin applications should be that you do not put
anything on your skin that you would not put in your mouth - substances
on
your skin absorb elsewhere to your body too.
According to one study
paraben chemicals used in personal hygiene, skin care and cosmetics
products were found almost
always in breast cancer tumors - Journal of Applied
Toxicology, Volume
24, Issue 1, 2004.
Recently,
a connection has been found between POPs (persistent organic pollutants
that accumulate in animal fatty tissue) and insulin resistance and type
2 diabetes. Obese people with high levels of POPs were more likely to
develop insulin resistance than thin people with POPs, but this
association dissapeared in obese people with no POPs - New Scientist, 12 April 2007.
People who are allergic to coconut can still use coconut oil, since it
does not have proteins that may trigger allergic reactions.
COCONUT
OiL NUTRiTiON
New nutritional
recommendations approve 30% of total caloric intake from
beneficial fats, from which satured fat content can
be 7-10%. Do your own CHD risk assessment test. Coconut
oil
is a fast source of energy because of its medium chain triglycerides
MCT which are easily digested and they increase metabolism.
This improves stamina and physical performance -
it aids digestion and intestinal absorption of nutrients. It also
improves bowel function.
Coconut oil can be used to substitute other
frying oils and cold
pressed oils for soups, salads, shakes, dips, baking. It can be also
used with other oils.
CHOLESTEROL
Virgin coconut oil improves HDL cholesterol,
consequently improving
LDL/HDL ratio - this is better evaluation for cardiovascular health
than total cholesterol. LDL/HDL ratio should
be low, ideal for women <1.6 and for men <1.1. HDL/(Total
Cholesterol x 100) needs to be high 29% and over. Better HDL then
improves these ratios and reduces cardiovascular risk - Framingham Heart Study. According
to new studies coconut oil seems to lower LDL cholesterol - The Weston A. Price Foundation.
Moreover, viruses such as herpes and cytomegalovirus (and helicobacter)
has causative role with coronary heart diseases. Coconut oil inhibits
all of these!
WEiGHT
MANAGEMENT
Body utilises coconut oil by producing energy and not accumulating it
as fat. Coconut oil has an average of 55% medium chain glycerides -
lauric
acid content being on average 50%. Also, breast milk has an ample
amount of
lauric acid. It enhances the immune system.
Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA or MCT) have a slimming effect. Also,
coconut oil may help activating the
thyroid and the daily amount can be even 5tbs starting 1tsp-1tbs and
increasing at a moderate rate. Also notice
that since
coconut oil may activate the thyroid, you may experience some heart
palpitations or tachycardia (rapid heart beat). However, if it
continues decrease the dosage until it settles. Hypothyroid
people feel
cold and hypothyroidism is associated with low body
temperature.
Coconut oil has a warming
effect on body temperature.
DOSAGE
Over 12 years of age as a food
supplement 1-4tbs/day,
for younger 1-2tl/pv - suitable for continuous use already
from infancy. It
is recommended to start with a
smaller amount, since coconut oil is antiviral, antibacterial,
antifungal, so it may trigger healing crisis - nausea, diarrhea, etc.
The correct amount is found by moderating the dosage, and
naturally babies and small
children should take smaller portions. Note: If taking bigger
amounts of coconut oil other oil intake should be reduced. Note however
that coconut oil does not have all fatty acids such as omega-series
fatty acids.
BLOOD PRESSURE
It is also good to
monitor
your blood pressure, if it tends to be too high, decrease the dosage.
On the other hand, blood pressure problems are linked with kidney
functions and coconut oil helps kidneys via myristic acid and also
enhances body's usage of omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats are beneficial to
kidneys, read more The Weston A. Price Foundation.
Also, favoring slow carbohydrates in the diet and usage of coconut
oil lowers
blood pressure, read user experiences EarthClinic.com.
STORAGE
Coconut oil stays well in room temperature. It solidifies in cool
temperatures, but liquefies in about 24C° (76F°).
In a room temperature it is somewhat solid but more runny in warmer
climates. Storage: room temperature, not in direct sunlight. Storing in
cool temperature extends the shelf life.
 SKiN CARE
Coconut oil has many applications in skin care. It helps prevent
infections. According to research, it eases psoriasis, eczema and
dermatitis. It supports the skin's chemical balance. It has softening
and moisturising properties preventing wrinkles and skin sagging. It
aids skin health and prevents liver spots. It is safe to use with
babies and pets.
SCALP
Coconut oil prevents hair damage and protein loss. Use coconut oil for
scalp health and dandruff control. You can massage
coconut
oil to the dampened scalp, wrap a towel around the hair and let stand
for a
while
before shampooing normally.
SKiN
CREAM
Coconut oil can be used with your skin cream or combine with other skin
caressing oils such as black currant seed oil or buckthorn oil - try
also with aloe vera. You can also apply some warm water to your hands
prior to using the oil - this way you will get a thinner layer. If you
live in colder climates and going outdoors in winter
time, it is feasible to apply plain oil. Eye
make-up and other face make-up removes gently with coconut oil - just
apply to cottonpad and clean.
Coconut-Buckthorn-Evening Primrose-Lotion:
1 1/2 dl coconut oil
1 dl water
1 rkl buckthornoil or 5 buckthornoil capsules
(puncture and empty)
5 evening primrose oil capsules (puncture and empty) or calendula
extract
1/2 tl sea salt (unprosessed)
5 drops aromatherapy oils such as suitable to your skin type
Add all ingredients to a spray pump bottle and shake. Coconut oil might
need some warming to dissolve. Also, note that you might need some
warming under the tap water etc. before using this lotion. Therefore
store in a warm place to keep it running. It is suitable for children
and could be used for face and body care. Shake before use. It is also
excellent for make-up removal from eyes and face.
(Caution:
Please verify that the essential oil does not have undesired
effects especially if you use this lotion with babies and children!
Example: Tea tree and lavender oils could have hormonal effects on
teenage boys such as
gynecomastia, New England Journal of Medicine.)
Coconutoil-cocoa-facemask:
1 tbs coconutoil
1 tbs cocoa powder
1 tbs honey
Mix all ingredients and spread to face, neck and decoltee area. Let
stand for 5-10 minutes and rinse with warm water. Treatment
moisturises, nourishes and softens skin.
DEODORANT
Yes, coconut oil is also used underarms. Spread thin layer directly to
the skin, this is especially soothing and softening after hair removal.
In strong perspiration it is recommended to add few drops of
aromatherapy oils such as rosmarin to control the odor.
SUNSCREEN
Coconut
oil protects from ultraviolet rays. You can add some sesame oil, aloe
vera or olive oil - perhaps some combination of those. Note that
swimming is cool water somewhat solidifies the coconut oil and
therefore does not totally dissolve in water.
BABY
CARE
Research suggests that diaper rash eases with coconut
oil. Apply
directly to the problem area.
PET
CARE
Apply coconut oil directly to the problem area.
MASSAGE
OiL
Coconut oil is excellent massage oil, it is light and after the massage
when rinsed/washed leaves skin soft but not greasy.
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