The gentle sea, sand, palm trees and snow-white flesh of coconut - we perfectly remember the advertisement of the Bounty chocolate. Today, few of us know that this "tough nut" is incredibly beneficial for the body, but only without additives and preservatives.
In addition to cooking, coconut is widely used in the cosmetics industry. Coconut oil has a lot of useful properties and is found in many shampoos, scrubs and shower gels, creams and moisturizers for the body. We have no doubt that manufacturers honestly add a valuable ingredient to their products, but it will be much more efficient to use pure coconut oil. In pharmacies, it is sold quite often, and tourists who visited exotic countries carry precious bottles as souvenirs.
Benefit or harm?
Coconut oil is produced in two ways: hot and cold pressing. In both methods, the dried pulp of fresh coconut is taken as the source.
Cold pressing allows you to save much more useful properties of the oil. As a result, approximately 10% of the total volume remains, therefore the product obtained in this way is much appreciated.
Coconut oil fatty acids (lauric, caprylic, capric, myristic and others) have antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, soothing and antibacterial effects.
In the last century, coconut oil was considered very harmful to humans, but modern research fundamentally refutes this. Exotic product is widely used in cooking and cosmetics. We will talk about the most popular methods of application at home.
Coconut oil from Thailand, India, the Philippines and Sri Lanka is rightfully the most respected and in demand. Own production in these countries brings a good profit.
How to distinguish low-quality goods?
The only reason coconut oil can be harmful is its poor quality. During travel, experts do not recommend purchasing this natural product from dubious sellers, for example, on the beach or in small souvenir shops. The desire to save money can go sideways, especially if you are going to use the oil inside. Also, bypass beautiful, unlabeled bottles.
In Moscow, it is best to buy coconut oil in pharmacies or large online stores specializing in products from exotic countries. In this case, pay attention to the composition, which must be in Russian. Additives and preservatives in this case are acceptable, but undesirable.
The most proven way to distinguish a fake is the unique properties of the oil. At a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and below, it freezes, and when heated, it becomes transparent and liquid. Coconut oil, the composition of which is not in doubt, experts advise not to heat with a stove or microwave. An ideal way not to spoil a product is a water bath.
In order to increase the volume, unscrupulous manufacturers add palm oil. Defining this is pretty simple. If the product went into a liquid state after 40 degrees or condensation formed inside, then you came across a fake.
Difficulty of choosing
Coconut oil in Moscow is represented by several dozen manufacturers, so the risk of acquiring low-quality goods increases.
Before making a purchase, study the most popular brands and reviews about them. For many women, coconut oil occupies one of the main places in the cosmetic bag, so they are happy to share their favorite recipes and the names of their “favorites”.
Coconut Oil Parachute
Marico is a true international market leader that owns the Parachute brand.
Product quality is the cause of huge popularity, and the whole secret lies in the method of production. As we already said, there is hot and cold pressing. It is clear that exposure to high temperatures affects the preservation of beneficial properties.
Coconut oil “Parachute” is made using cold pressing, which means that the buyer receives the most natural product. Of course, Marico is not the only company that uses this method in production. The competition is high, but many years of experience, large volumes, established sales channels and the purchase of raw materials allow you to keep a more attractive price.
Parachute products come directly from India. The original packaging and a special protective cover will help distinguish a fake.
Tropicana Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil from Thailand also has a good reputation. For the production of Tropicana Virgin Coconut Oil, certain fruits are taken - the best coconuts from the province of Surat Thani.
It is worth noting that the life and culture of Thais are quite closely related to coconut trees. For many centuries, wood, leaves, and, of course, fruits have been used in many areas of life.
Tropicana Virgin is also a cold pressed product. The delicate aroma of coconut oil indicates the absence of chemical additives, and the color (clear or light yellow) indicates proper cleaning.
Application methods
Most often, coconut oil in pharmacies is intended for cosmetic purposes, and food is best found in large supermarkets. This magnificent natural remedy will become your best assistant.
- Hair and skin care.
- Normalization of blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Strengthening the immune system.
- Fighting overweight and beneficial effects on the digestive system.
- Monitoring blood sugar in diabetes.
Here are just some of the uses.
Coconut oil, the price of which is quite low, is available even to people with a small income. Its wonderful properties allow you to abandon expensive shampoos, face creams and biological additives.
Hair care
Many girls and women are aware of the valuable qualities of natural oils. Until recently, it was believed that the most useful for hair - burdock oil. However, those who at least once tried this tool on themselves, know that after washing their hair one or two times will not work. As a result, the appearance will not be very neat, and instead of the expected result, you will get a spoiled mood and a terrible hairstyle.
Coconut hair oil pharmacy ZdravZona, like many others, offers Russian-made. The label in Russian allows you to read the composition and all information about the company - this, perhaps, the pluses end. It is impossible to find out where the raw materials were purchased, which means you cannot be completely confident in high quality.
You must admit that the best oil producers from India or Thailand do not share their secrets, so doubts are self-evident.
Coconut oil mask
The easiest way to care for your hair is to apply a small amount to an unwashed head, wrap with a towel and leave for an hour. Coconut oil is washed off much easier burdock, so two times washing with shampoo will be quite enough.
The following mixture can help damaged hair: coconut oil + honey + a few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil. Warm the future mask a little in a water bath and apply along its entire length.
If you don’t have time to prepare and use the mask, just add coconut oil to the shampoo or conditioner. In pharmacies, small bottles are sold, which is quite enough for several uses. A special film protects the hair during combing, strengthens the structure and prevents the leaching of protein.
For delicate skin
Choosing a tool for sensitive skin is very difficult. Coconut oil for the face, reviews of which are widely represented on the network, cosmetologists advise using for rejuvenation and protection against stress. Thiamine and folic acid in the composition are a successful tandem that helps fight the effects of ultraviolet radiation or frost, and also prevents the occurrence of acne.
Cosmetic coconut oil is used to make face masks. This wonderful natural product can significantly refresh the complexion and improve the overall condition of the skin. The basic rules of the procedure:
- To increase the effect, apply the mixture to the prepared surface - spend a little time in a hot bath to open the pores.
- Rinse off the mask with a little cool water after 15 minutes.
- Do not perform the procedure more than once a week.
However, the most important tip is to test for an allergic reaction. Many experts talk about the benefits of coconut oil for the face. Reviews, more precisely, only a small part, warn of a possible rash and redness after use.
The only contraindication is individual intolerance. A small test will help to show its presence: try the prepared mixture on a small area of the skin at the bend of the elbow. In the absence of allergy symptoms, feel free to use miracle oil.
The best recipes
Nourishing masks are incredibly popular because they are suitable for any type of face. Make a mixture at home is not difficult. To a teaspoon of coconut oil, add two tablespoons of rice flour. Dilute with freshly brewed green tea to obtain the desired consistency.
For sensitive skin, you should choose a slightly different recipe. Soak the pulp of wheat bread with milk. Add coconut oil, the price of which is at least 150 rubles per bottle, and two tablespoons of milk.
For even tanning
Despite the fact that the last few years in the fashion of aristocratic pallor, many girls continue to dream of dark skin. The most natural process of tanning occurs in the summer, when it is possible to relax in nature or go to the sea.
Use coconut oil is on prepared skin. Before further tanning, apply a small amount on the body and a smooth, incredibly beautiful shade is provided to you. Coconut oil is a natural remedy that has a very low degree of protection, so prolonged exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided.
In case of a burn, it is very important to use specialized lotions and ointments, which do not include any oil. Due to the special film formed after applying coconut oil, the effects of injury can only get worse.
In any case, we do not recommend getting involved in tanning because of the danger of developing skin cancer. Due to fashion trends, the number of cases in recent years is growing very rapidly. Doctors sound the alarm, but the young ladies whose beauty requires sacrifice are almost impossible to convince.
After a shower and for massage
The most popular way to use coconut oil is after shower lotion. An unobtrusive aroma will remain with you for a long time, and the oil itself, unlike many others, is absorbed quite quickly and does not leave a sticky feeling on the skin.
Beauticians also recommend making a coconut coffee scrub. Add coconut oil to ground coffee. Massage body parts in a circular motion, and then rinse with warm water. The skin after this procedure becomes really velvety.
Coconut oil can be used instead of hand creams, especially rub precious droplets carefully into the cuticle and nails. As a result, the nails will become stronger, and their growth will significantly accelerate.
In line for a slim figure
The desire to lose weight sometimes forces the fair sex to perform inappropriate acts: take dangerous supplements, starve, and even go to a plastic surgeon.
Coconut oil is an excellent natural remedy - almost the only one suitable for people prone to fullness. To achieve the effect, you need to drink a teaspoon in the morning and in the evening. Of course, without certain self-restraints and minimal physical exercise, it will be very difficult for you to lose weight. Coconut oil is just an assistant in the fight against extra pounds, which, of course, will play a role.
Coconut Diet
The most effective is the diet, in which a special place is given to coconut oil. Nutrition should be built on a specific schedule with a rigid diet. It is necessary to limit the use of vegetable and animal fats, and for cooking use coconut oil.
Residents of exotic countries in which this oil is produced use it in the kitchen quite often - during frying, dressing vegetable salads and for baking. It is easy to see that among those who consume coconut and its derivatives, obese people are rarely found.
Edible coconut oil is not often sold in pharmacies, so pay attention to trusted online markets or ask someone you know to bring a couple of bottles of coconut oil from India or Thailand.
So, back to the coconut diet. A maximum of 1,200 calories is allowed per day: vegetables, some fruits and proteins. It is worth noting that this is a rather severe restriction in food, which not every young lady will cope with. Possible manifestation of weakness, as well as headaches.
The use of coconut oil with vegetables and separately will help to improve the digestive system and improve the functioning of the thyroid gland. As for weight loss, with such a diet and minimal physical exertion, the weight will go away even without the use of the famous coconut oil.
In Indian medicine, it is also advised to start the morning with coconut oil, that is, instead of breakfast, use one tablespoon for a feeling of fullness.