Coconut oil is one of the most versatile oils out there. Since its surge in popularity began in the later 2010's, people have sworn by it as a weight loss aid, skin moisturizer, and hair treatment. In this article we'll explain some of best uses for this miracle oil, and the practices that are best to avoid.
What's in Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil comes from the dried fruit of palm trees, where the milk and fruit form an oil. According to Laurene Boateng of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Ghana, "coconut oil is composed of the fatty acids, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and, linoleic acid." It is also high in saturated fat, which is what allows it to solidify in temperatures lower than 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
So is Coconut Oil Good for Your Health?
Coconut Oil has been used for centuries as a dietary nutrient, but modern science has told us that may not be the best practice. Some institutions believe coconut oil can fight against heart disease and obesity. This is because countries that incorporate coconut oil as a regular part of their diet show low cases of both ailments. However the Mayo Clinic suggests that most recent studies show that Coconut oil raises LDL (bad cholesterol ) and mainly adds calories to your diet (about 120 per tablespoon). There is the potential that coconut oil can raise HDL (good cholesterol), but not enough to provide substantial benefits. Bottom line? We wouldn't be looking at coconut oil for any real health benefits.
Now that you know how to avoid using coconut oil, let's talk about how to indulge in its benefits! Could your hair and coconut oil could be bffs? If your hair is dry or prone to frizzing in general, try using coconut oil as a pre-shampoo barrier! The lauric acid in coconut oil absorbs into the hair shaft, keeping in most of your hair's proteins. This means your hair can still get clean without losing the properties that keep it lush and moisturized, allowing you to reign in the pros of your favorite shampoo without dealing with too many negative effects. It is especially good to use if you have color treated hair! Use the oil before coloring your hair to protect against the harsh chemicals of the dye, reducing the amount of damage done to your strands. What we don't recommend is using coconut oil as a finishing product or leave-in treatment. Too much coconut oil can weigh your hair down, leaving it flat, and greasy, and that is not a vibe. if you live in a high-humidity area, a TINY amount will do as an anti-frizz agent, but avoid over-doing it.
Besides aiding in hair care, coconut continues to supply us with uses. Run out of make-up remover? Don't fret! Coconut oil can be used as an alternative for your favorite oil cleanser. Take a quarter-sized amount, melt between the palms of your hands and apply liberally to remove your make-up -- even eyeliner and mascara -- before wiping it off with a warm, damp face cloth (we recommend microfiber) then follow with your usual soap cleanser. The best part is coconut oil has virtually no irritants, so it won't sting or burn when you use it around your eyes. It's also safe to use if you have sensitive skin since coconut oil is known to soothe irritation and inflammation. In fact, have you ever had an irritation bump from a new piercing? These unsightly blemishes can be soothed and reduced by the power of coconut oil.
As far as using coconut oil as a facial moisturizer, the oil has been found to be comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores. So while lauric acid is antimicrobial, meaning it kills bacteria that causes acne it may be best to use the oil as a pre-wash method, rather than letting it sit on your face for extended periods. However for the rest of your body, coconut oil remains OK to use. We suggest using coconut oil to seal in your favorite body lotion/butter.
Love it or Hate it?
Coconut oil has gotten much hype over the years, and with good reason! The oil can protect our hair and skin while also providing insane amounts of moisture! It's important to remember that too much of anything can turn into a negative, so be mindful of the amount you use. As far as health goes, research suggests that coconut oil may do more harm than good, so don't count on it to help you lose weight or aid in any other health goals you had in mind. Coconut oil is definitely a good tool to have handy on your bathroom counter.
Comments