The indigenous peoples in the Pacific region were already familiar with the beneficial effects of coconut oil and used it in nutrition, skin care and natural medicine. No wonder that the coconut palm, which has been cultivated for around 3000 years, is still referred to as the “tree of life” due to its more than 100 different uses.
So let’s crack the wonder nut to understand what’s so good about it. First, we need to differentiate between coconut water, milk, and oil. If we drill a hole in the unripe green nut and put a straw in it, we can drink coconut water. If we open the ripe nut, scrape out the white flesh, put it in the blender with a little warm water and squeeze out this liquid, we get fat and calorie-rich coconut milk.
Coconut oil is obtained from the so-called copra, the dried pulp of coconuts. It is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E and folic acid) and minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc). It also contains around 50 percent lauric acid – a special fatty acid that has an antibacterial effect and can therefore ward off viruses, bacteria and fungi (which is why coconuts are also popular in deodorants, as they inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria).
The health industry has now taken a liking to coconut oil because, among other things, it can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels, strengthen the immune system, stimulate metabolism and thus promote our well-being. The coconut palms absorb mineral-rich salt water through their roots and store the minerals contained there in their fruits. Here you will find lots of amino acids and trace elements that come from the volcanic soil and seawater. Because the minerals are in the form of electrolytes, the human body can process them particularly easily.
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Coconut oil, the beauty elixir
The cosmetics companies have long since discovered the nut for themselves and use it in a variety of ways. The natural oil gives the skin– whether pure or processed in creams – moisture without clogging the pores and protects them from negative environmental influences such as heat, wind and cold. It is quickly absorbed by the skin, regulates the acid-base balance and counteracts the aging process. Without chemical additives, it ensures suppleness. The richly contained minerals and antioxidants are particularly suitable for the care of mature skin. And as if all that weren’t enough, coconut oil can strengthen the structure of the connective tissue in the long term, improve the elasticity of the skin and thus fight against cellulite. As an after-sun lotion, it cools and soothes even slightly reddened areas and stimulates cell renewal.
Coconut oil also has a lot to offer for the head: UV radiation, chlorine and salt water put a strain on the hair, as do styling products, blow-dryers that are too hot and excessive use of a straightening iron. Coconut oil cares for the scalp and makes the hair shine again – regardless of whether you use it as a hair treatment or in small amounts every day. Frizzy hair and unruly locks can be tamed with a tiny amount of oil.
The secret remedy for acne
The lauric acid contained in coconut milk inhibits the growth of germs and fights inflammation. That is why it is one of the few substances that also acts against the bacterium that is often responsible for the development of acne – Propionibacterium acnes. The milk does not have to be applied to the affected areas of the skin for this – lauric acid already has an effect through food intake. It enters the bloodstream via digestion and is attracted by the sebum that forms in the pores of the skin . The acid dissolves in the sebum and can slow the growth of acne bacteria right there. This reduces excessive sebum production.
Coconut water, the beauty drink
Coconut water is the only isotonic drink from nature with a long list of nutrients that not only athletes love: minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, phytochemicals and even growth factors – all in such a high concentration that you will hardly find any other food are to be found. In addition, the water tastes mild, nutty and extremely delicious. For people who want to lose weight, the most tempting thing: Coconut water has an extremely low fat content, contains very little sugar and only about 20 calories per 100 ml. It shows its versatile beauty effect above all under the skin. Because coconut water contains a large amount of cytokinins, plant growth hormones, which also have an influence on the aging process of human cells.
Coconut oil can not only be used to replace butter in cake recipes, it is also very gentle on the hands. One or two drops are enough to make your hands soft and well moisturized again. Make sure that the product has an organic seal, has been gently cold-pressed and has not been chemically refined.
Make the complexion glow:
Coconut oil gives the complexion a fresh radiance. Take some oil with your fingertip and spread it on your cheeks, the bridge of your nose and the arch of your lips and let it soak in. So it’s no wonder that many cosmetic companies (such as RMS Beauty) use coconut oil as the basis for their highlighters.
Shaving the legs:
Another reason to always keep some coconut oil in the bathroom: it’s great for shaving our legs and armpits. The tropical fruit soothes the skin and gives it a lot of moisture at the same time without leaving an unpleasant greasy film and also has an antibacterial effect.
Remove waterproof makeup:
Has this also happened to you? You bought a new mascara without checking that it is waterproof. In itself not a problem – until you remove your make-up. If you don’t have a suitable remover at hand, you can simply clean the eyelashes with a few drops of coconut oil on a cotton pad.
Making a Body Scrub:
All you need is 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix the sugar with the coconut oil in a bowl until smooth, then add the honey. Not only makes your skin heavenly soft, but also smells good enough to eat!
