Coconut oil is one of the versatile oil of all others. We all know its excellent benefits for treating hair and skin issues. It is also known as a ‘lifeline of health’ due to its versatile benefits and uses. These days there is a surge in people becoming fans of coconut oil.
Coconut oil comes from the nut (fruit) of the coconut palm belonging to the Arecaceae family. The name coconut comes from the Old Portuguese word coco, meaning “head” or “skull”. About 75% of coconut supply is produced by Indonesia, the Philippines, and India combined. In Hindu rituals, coconut has a special place with cultural and religious significance.
There are two varieties of coconut oil-
- Refined coconut oil
- Virgin coconut oil
Refined coconut oil is a processed oil with heat. It has a mild coconut flavour because of dried coconut or copra preparation. First, bake the coconuts before the oil extraction. Then the oil is “bleached” to kill off microbes and remove any dust particles and insects. Bleaching does not involve a household cleaner. It is a process by which the oil passed through a bleaching clay for filtration. After that, the result is a clear, mild-tasting oil.
What is virgin coconut oil?
Virgin coconut oil is the purest form prepared from fresh meat of the mature coconut and coconut milk. Virgin coconut oil extraction process may/may not require heating. But it does not involve any chemical processing that helps to retain natural qualities with the oil. It is known as the mother of all oils as it is a treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that imparts good health.
Virgin coconut oil may seem similar to regular coconut oil. They share a similar fatty acid content, but virgin coconut oil contains much higher amounts of vitamin E and bioactive compounds like polyphenols.
Nutritional facts of virgin coconut oil
Virgin oil is rich in various essential nutrients that help our body to grow healthy. Nutrients present in virgin coconut oil are as follows –
- Vitamin C and vitamin E
- Fatty acids – Lauric Acid or Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), myristic acid, etc.
- Antioxidants
- ProteinsI would suggest applying coconut oil to the skin before using alcohol-based sanitisers for protection. According to a study, prior application of virgin coconut oil on the skin might help maintain healthy water levels and keeps the skin moisturized. It may also help to preserve essential proteins.
Health benefits of virgin coconut oil
1: Moisture the hair and scalp
Coconut oil is the best oil for all types of hair. This oil helps your hair and scalp regain the moisture that it often loses in the dry and cold seasons. For best results, warm the coconut oil before use and massage your scalp gently. This works on dry hair wonderfully as virgin coconut oil has natural conditioning and moisturizing properties. Reduction of frizz in textured hair is also among the greatest benefits of virgin coconut oil. Textured or curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, which is why virgin coconut oil is often suggested.
2: Prevent split ends and hair fall
Virgin coconut oil help to protect your hair throughout. Your hair is damaged so badly when you use different hair products or ironing. The oil offers protection against all this by forming a protective layer when it coats the hair upon application.
3: Prevent dandruff and graying of hair
There are various reasons for dandruff and hair greying, such as environmental changes, stress, hormonal changes, and infections. Virgin coconut oil can help fight dandruff off as it contains fatty acids, along with Vitamins E and K.
Massaging the hair with a nutrient-rich oil such as virgin coconut oil can help with greying of hair. Regular use of this oil can result in your hair becoming much more glossy, bouncy, and healthy-looking.
4: Repair your skin
Coconut oil works amazingly for all types of skin. It is versatile that has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Virgin coconut oil is a nourishing oil as it is nutrient-rich and offers proper moisture to the skin. It creates a barrier over your skin and does not let the water escape, thus providing prolonged hydration and moisture to your skin
It also has many fatty acids that penetrate your skin and repair your skin. Topical application of oil can improve your skin barrier function and offer UV protection.
5: Help to soothe your skin
Coconut oil is beneficial for various skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Many of these skin condition leads to dry and itchy skin. This virgin oil has soothing, anti-bacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce your complaints instantly. Coconut oil also incredibly heals burns and scalds.
Apart from healing properties, virgin coconut oil is also a great substitute for skincare. It makes for a great base for body scrubs and can even be made into lipbalm and other cosmetic products.
6: May help in weight loss
Virgin coconut oil is becoming a famous oil option for weight loss. It helps to burn fat, especially in the abdominal region. It reduces appetite because of the presence of fatty acids in it. It will convert into energy, and ultimately the body does not end up storing fat.
7: Good for fungal infections
Coconut oil has anti-fungal properties that help treat yeast infection or candidiasis. It contains Laric acid and monolaurin that alter the microbial cell walls.
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8: Reduce cholesterol level
The high amount of Lauric acid in extra virgin coconut oil helps the heart by reducing total cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol. Coconut oil naturally contains saturated fats that increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels in your body.