Coconut oil, also called copra oil, is hauled out from the kernel (meat) of mature coconuts that have been harvested from the coconut palm trees (botanical name Cocos nucifera). This oil is edible and has a variety of applications in different foods. In addition, coconut oil is also used as an ingredient in cosmetics.
Coconut oil offers numerous health benefits, including skin care, hair care, enhances digestion and also boosts the immune system making it more competent to combat various infections as well as diseases. However, the health benefits of this valuable natural oil are not restricted to those mentioned above.
The market is full with facial soaps and cleansers containing harsh chemical and excessive alcohol and using them will rob your skin of the natural oils, thereby resulting in excessive production of oil, which may be responsible for skin disorders like clogged pores and acne. On the other hand, coconut oil is an ideal cleanser for all types of skin, including oily skin. Application of this natural oil removes all impurities, dirt and also the toughest makeup gently without causing any harm to your skin. At the same time, coconut oil application does not strip your skin of even the slightest amount of natural oils. When you apply coconut oil to your skin, it makes the skin softer and more moisturized, while keeping it clean. As most of the body's natural oil will remain undisturbed, there is no need to panic.
It is worth mentioning here that coconut oil is used as a vital base ingredient for manufacturing soap. While soaps containing coconut oil have a propensity to be hard, they actually retain more water compared to soaps that are made with other oils. In addition, coconut oil dissolves better in hard water as well as saline water compared to other soaps. As a result, soaps containing coconut oil form more lather. When a soap made with coconut oil will be transparent when it is melted, it will be bright white in its hardened form.
Coconut oil is also used to make a repellent which prevents sand fleas that are responsible for tungiasis from entering our skin.
Coconut oil is also very good massage oil that also serves as an effectual moisturizer suitable for various different types of skin, counting dry skin. Different from mineral oil, use of coconut oil does not have any adverse side affect whatsoever on the skin. Hence, coconut oil is safe for preventing dehydration as well as flaking of of the skin. At the same time, coconut oil inhibits the emergence of wrinkles and retards skin sagging, which occurs normally as we age.
Coconut oil also offers several other health benefits, including prevention of degenerative diseases and early aging owing to its recognized antioxidant properties. This oil is also useful for treating a host of skin problems such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and different skin infections. This is the precise reason why coconut oil is used as a base ingredient in a variety of body care products such as soaps, creams and lotions, which are basically meant for skin care.
Coconut oil is also beneficial for the health of our hair. It not only promotes healthy hair growth, but also makes the hair shiny. This oil is also very useful in diminishing protein loss, which may result in a variety of unhealthy or unattractive qualities of hair. This is one reason why coconut oil is widely used in the form of hair care oil. In addition, it is used in the manufacture of an assortment of hair conditioners and creams that provide relief from dandruff. Generally, coconut oil is applied externally for hair care purposes.
Massaging your head regularly with coconut oil will help to ensure a dandruff-free scalp. This is true even for scalps that are persistently dry. At the same time, coconut oil is useful in preventing lice and lice eggs from invading your hair and scalp.
Major part of coconut oil comprises fats and, hence, it serves as a wonderful emollient that offers soothing and softening effects. It also helps to soften as well as quickly heal small wounds attributed to pimples or acne.
Coconut oil is also effective for alleviating dryness and itchiness of the skin. It has been found that this natural oil is useful for treating skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis.
This oil encloses medium chain fatty acids that are easily taken up by the skin. The skin utilizes these fatty acids for energy as well as nutrition. Therefore, use of coconut oil may provide you with the entire energy required by your skin to heal as well as maintain itself.
Coconut oil is also effective for treating acne. This oil eliminates the bacteria responsible for acne. In addition, coconut oil reinforces the connective tissues of the skin, making them soft and supple. Coconut oil is a wonderful natural remedy for healing minor injuries, including burns, wounds, and even insect bites. Perhaps, no other oil is as effective as coconut oil in dealing with these problems.
