Nature Knows Best

Summer time is here, and that means many days and hours spent at the pool and beach. Woohoo!!! However, although for some of us this means skin irritations and dry, damaged hair, due to chlorinated pools and from the overexposure of some of nature's elements. So what I am I recommending?  Coconut oil, and not just for cooking, but for your skin and hair.

Coconut oil is natural and has been used by native cultures for thousands of years.  Actually it's hard to believe, but it was once widely used in the US food industry, mostly in baking and manufactured baked goods.  Now you may ask well why isn't it being used now?  You see, if you study any patterns within the food industry or America's food system you will see patterns often linked to some sort of movement.  Coconut oil was put into a negative light when the food fad of the moment moved away from all saturated fats.  In doing so, the food industry has now replaced coconut oil and other saturated fats with hydrogenated oils and polyunsaturated oils that contain trans fatty acids.  (Keep in mind these replacement oils are oils that previously were not prevalent in the human diet, makes many wonder if this has anything to do with surge in diabetes, obesity, and heart disease).

 

Coconut oil is known to be very beneficial to one's health.  It improves and heals many skin issues

and diseases: fungal infections, acne, eczema, keratosis polaris, psoriasis, and rosacea.  Coconut oil also strengthens and conditions hair.  Many athletes, trainers, and fitness gurus have turned to it because it is known to sustain energy levels longer, which enables one to have a longer endurance, and its' all natural, drug-free! Nutritionist and weight-loss coaches are also turning to it, because it helps boost metabolism. There has also been health studies that have shown it helps with Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and hypothyroidism.  (If you want a serious scientific explanation of why saturated fats like this work, I seriously suggest you turn to Nora Gedgaudas' Primal Body, Primal Mind).

 

Now to help with the basic summer ailments with your skin and hair, here are two simple treatment recipes.  For your skin, it is as simple as apply directly on the skin in small amounts.  For your hair, 1 Tablespoon, massaged into your hair as a leave-in treatment for one hour, or overnight.  (If you keep it on overnight, cover with a plastic cap). Rinse out with the mildest shampoo you can find.    Coconut oil helps minimize protein loss during shampooing.  You see coconut oil is comprised of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) or medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), which have antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic properties, keeping your hair and scalp from drying and hair from breaking. (Probably another reason it is also known to kill lice and improve dandruff issues).

 

So give it a try, whether in your cooking for better health (just replace any recipe that uses butter, with coconut oil) or use it to help promote better skin and hair.  Keep in mind a little oil goes a long way!