Coconut Oil Benefits

Over the weekend, I was at the store when I heard a lady trying to supply something in small transparent bottles…she was trying to convince them that the product was good for the skin.

 “How would I know… I am so dark” another lady was responding.

 “Lemme try, ‘cos I am so fair” I came along saying. Knowing me, I get to be so playful most times.

I took a closer look at the product. It was an oil, in a small unlabelled bottle. I was like, “It does not have a name?”

 “It is COCONUT OIL, locally made”

Yes!!!

Coconut oil, or copra oil, is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It has various applications- Wikipedia.

Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a “super-food.” Its unique combination of fatty acids can have lots of positive effects on health. This includes fat loss, better brain function and various other amazing beauty benefits.

Coconut oil has become the in thing these days. There are a few reasons, from taming frizz to moisturizing dry skin, even the better option in cooking…this natural ingredient has a wide range of beauty-boosting properties. The extra virgin that has not been hydrogenated, bleached, or refined in any way or [has] any fragrance or dyes added to it is preferred.

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   Yes, Coconut oil contains fat. But the form of fat is the saturated form which are harmless. They go directly to the liver where they are used as a quick source energy or turned into ketone bodies, which can have therapeutic effects on brain disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.

-        The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil can increase energy expenditure in 24 hours by as much as 5%, potentially leading to significant weight loss over the long term.

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     It is an effective moisturizer on all types of skin, including dry skin. Unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin from the application of coconut oil. Therefore, it is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of skin, which normally accompany aging due to its antioxidant properties.

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     Coconut oil contains Lauric acid which can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi. Coconut oil is also effective in the elimination of fungi and yeast that cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, and diaper rash.

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     The saturated fats in coconut oil help to raise the HDL Cholesterol (good cholesterol) and reduce the LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). This therefore improves the blood cholesterol values. It also improves blood coagulation factors and antioxidant status.

This improves the cardiovascular risk factors and a reduced risk of heart disease over the long term.

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   Coconut oil helps in the healthy growth of hair and gives your hair a shiny quality. It moisturizes the hair and prevents split ends. It is also reduces protein loss, which can lead to various unattractive or unhealthy qualities in your hair. It has also been found to prevent hair loss, grey hair, dandruff and lice.

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   Coconut oil is highly effective on bruises because it speeds up the healing process of damaged tissues. This is also one of its antioxidant function.

For me, I mix it in my body cream, hair cream (mix it? Yes, really because I don’t like the smell). If you can use it directly should be better.

It would really be a good idea to cook with Coconut oil….just started and I can’t wait to see the many benefits.

There are so much benefits that I have not written here. I will continue researching and experimenting and I promise to let you know when I discover more.

Effects Of Nutrition On The Face

Recently, I have been obsessed with my face and the fact that I recently have break-outs which leave behind the unsightly reminder- BLEMISHES. I have used so many products that my bathroom cabinet is so full…. I was left so confused.

This has led me to study the skin and the best way to tackle my problem. I came across an impressive information, an information that fueled further study.

“I tell my patients that what they put in their mouths is as important as the products they apply on their skin,” says Dr. Jessica Wu (dermatologist and creator of Dr. Jessica Wu Skincare)

It has always been some skincare routines that we are all used to, some antibiotics etc. but if you don’t watch what you eat, all these efforts may just be fruitless.

There are numerous factors that can contribute to acne, including hormonal imbalance, oily skin, monthly menstrual cycles and the systemic yeast condition candida. In addition, stress, nutritional deficiencies, unhealthy eating habits, and exposure to environmental toxins can contribute to acne. If sebum is secreted faster than it can move through the pores, a blemish arises. The excess oil makes the pores sticky, allowing bacteria to become trapped inside.

The reason that acne often arises during puberty is because the body significantly increases production of sex hormones that produce an oily skin lubricant called sebum.

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     Vitamin A: This antioxidant thins the epidermis, or outer layer of skin, which produces dead cells that can clog pores. It also dries up sebum (the gross, oily, waxy stuff your skin glands produce that mixes with dead skin cells to create the clogs in the pores). Lack of vitamin A causes the skin to become dry and scaly, and mucus secretion is suppressed.

Vitamin A could be gotten from these natural sources; liver and cod liver oil, Carrots, Red bell peppers, Sweet potatoes, Broccoli, Spinach and Asparagus.

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     Water: Drink lots and lots of filtered water. It helps flush out wastes and keep the skin clear. Avoid plastic water bottles, they release chemicals that disrupt hormones. A stainless steel water bottle is preferred.

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     Healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain the body’s essential oils, they are the healthy, non-pore-clogging kind that keep skin cells from drying out, flaking and congesting pores. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that aid with healing.

Essential fatty acids cannot be made by the body so we must obtain them from our diet. Healthy oils to include are fish oils from wild caught fish and sea food; flax seeds/oil; extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil, raw soaked & sprouted nuts and seeds and avocado’s.

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     Avoid sugar: Increased sugar intake raises the glycaemic index thus causing inflammation and increased oxidative stress on the skin. Replace refined, sugary foods with nutrient-dense foods- like fruit, vegetables and healthy sources of Omega-3.

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   Zinc: This mineral helps tame skin’s oil production; less oil (if you have an excess of the stuff) means less sebum—and fewer pimples. It also assists in the proper structure of proteins and cell membranes, improves wound healing, has anti-inflammatory effects, and protects against UV radiation.

Good sources include; Raw oysters, fortified breakfast cereals, turkey, beef sirloin, pork loin, organs such as kidney and liver.

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     Vitamin C: Increasing the amount of vitamin C in the diet can contribute to improved skin health, faster healing, better skin appearance and less wrinkling.

The highest sources of vitamin C include bell peppers, guava, dark leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kiwi, citrus fruits, and strawberries.

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      Other important tips for an amazing skin as we all know include, staying away from the sun and using sunscreen when you are in the sun, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, getting enough sleep, reducing stress and exercising. Regular skin cleansing and the use of moisturizers are also important.

The bottom line is that whatever’s going on inside your gut will eventually show in your skin.

My skin is getting better, the improvement is so amazing…. I hope this article helps someone.