How about a full immersion in the topic of coconut oil: properties, health benefits, what it is, has contraindications?
In tropical areas, of course, it is a star but to us it is not so much in view, therefore, we must do him justice.
Cocos nucifera of Arecaceae family is originating in Indonesia, Europeans discovered it in 1525. The palm tree is long-lived and very large (done by calculating if you want to have one in the garden). It has large leaves that branch off from the top of the rough trunk, which tend to fall after the first two years of life. The flowers are yellow and the fruits appear after 15 days after bloom and grow in the space of six months.
Coconut oil: everything you need to know
It is a vegetable oil that is extracted from coconuts. The seed we know is a brown globe, when ripe, fibrous in which there is the white pulp.
From coconut are obtained:
- pulp
- milk
- oil
- butter
Why oil? Once the pulp was dried by you you can easily extract the fat fraction which is rich (before drying contains about 35% fat after drying between 63 and 70%).
In the solid state the oil has the consistency of butter, then around 15-20 ° C while about 24 ° C returns to the liquid state.
The board: the summer is fine to keep the oil in the bottle in the fridge, but in winter is placed in a larger container because once solidified does not come out of the bottle!
The coconut butter on the market is also solid past the 30 ° C because it is so as not to melt the hydrogenated precisely, its properties are equal to the oil (being the same product in different form).
In commerce there are two types of coconut oil:
- pure coconut oil (or Virgin): unrefined, pasteurized, hydrogenated, who then maintained unchanged its properties. Ideal for: cosmetic, massage and medicinal uses.
- refined coconut oil: is obtained by drying the pulp through mechanical and chemical processes, it loses color, odor and keeps intact some properties. It retains more but has less beneficial properties.
Oil refining is a very important point: more is refined and loses his good qualities.
Ideal for frying, in the kitchen and for cosmetics, as we will see the coconut oil is very versatile. Let's talk about the benefits and features.
Coconut oil: calories and nutritional values
Why coconut oil is so good for your body and health of the whole body? Here's what it contains:
- Lauric acid 44-51%
- Myristic acid, 13-18%
- Palmitic acid 8 - 10%
- Caproic acid 6 - 10%
- Caprylic acid 6-9%
- Oleic acid 5.5 - 7.5%
- Stearic acid 1-3%
- linoleic acid <2.5%
- Vitamin E, K and J
It has very high calorie a contribution
, provides about 862 calories per 100 grams and is mainly composed of saturated fat (92%), power source, but do not go to affect cholesterol because they are medium chain (those are harmful acids long-chain saturated fats).
Coconut oil: properties and benefits
So we introduced the subject fatty acids, coconut oil is rich and are good for health.
Are you curious about the properties?
- antiviral properties, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal and antiprotozoal, this is due to the action of lauric acid
- slimming properties, due to ketones which would be the medium chain triglycerides processed by the liver;
- It protects the brain from diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's syndrome, ALS and multiple sclerosis;
- energy properties;
- It protects from the onset of diabetes 1 and 2;
- Hypocholesterolemia properties;
- immunostimulant properties;
- antioxidant properties;
- It protects the intestines and promotes regularity;
- It strengthens and protects the body;
- protects herpes, flu and even HIV (WARNING: does not mean you can do unprotected sex but only that your immune system are more reinforced to such viruses, use a condom always and in any case!);
- It stimulates the metabolism;
- emollient and soothing;
- antibiotic properties;
- nourishing and moisturizing properties;
- It helps the heart and thyroid problems and prevents the cardiovascular system;
- detoxifying properties.
Coconut oil: what is it? What are its uses?
In short, we found that does so much good to us, but how we use it.
I can think of in the first place in the kitchen, such as butter or oil, to make curry for example, but also all the dishes of traditional Indonesian, Polynesian etc etc ... Then you buy a book of tropical recipes. The best way to cook with coconut oil is to replace butter, much better tolerate high temperatures, so it can be used for making cakes such as cupcakes, cookies and muffins.
As for external use, it is used for its cosmetic properties, very useful against dry skin. dry skin, irritated and slightly toned? It 's time to begin to use the oil and coconut butter for:
- moisturizer
- feed her
- elasticizer
Coconut oil, for those who do not particularly oily skin is also a good makeup remover, removes every trace of make-up. Also it fights the signs of aging on the skin, so it is very useful to soften facial wrinkles.
Also you can use it as a base for scrubs and as a natural deodorant.
Also it applies to the hair: they are brittle, dull and dry? Then it takes a mask with coconut oil, works wonders. Seeing is believing. The coconut butter? Try using it as a balm for hair detangling and polishing.
There seems little?
Other uses of coconut oil:
- lubricate guitar strings, hinges and locks;
- remove the paint from all surfaces (provided they are oil-based);
- remove the gum from hair, from carpets, the carpet;
- clean the interior of the machine;
- polish the wood;
- use it for shaving;
- to relieve hemorrhoids;
- against ear inflammation (2 no more drops);
- lice;
- to stop the nosebleeds (spread it inside the nostrils);
- as a mouthwash to sanitize your mouth;
- as an insect repellent and to alleviate the discomfort of bites;
- moisturize and soften the leather;
- clean and disinfect the dentures.
Coconut oil: contraindications
Among the contraindications of coconut oil, you have to consider some allergies and intolerances, especially in susceptible individuals. Although able to make to our many health benefits, coconut oil is still a very caloric food, so you should always consume moderate amounts, taking care to put it inside of a balanced and varied diet.
