Coconut oil: Discover all its benefits and properties

There are numerous uses that can be given to coconut oil since all its properties and the benefits it provides both nutritionally and aesthetically began to be discovered.

In many homes, coconut oil has become an almost essential product, as well as a trend for some Hollywood actresses who do not stop recommending the different uses they give to this popular product, especially cosmetically. , thanks to the fact that this oil is composed of acids such as lauric, caprylic and capric, widely used in cosmetics and slimming treatments.

But despite the fact that it is highly prescribed by many celebrities, the properties and benefits of coconut oil continue to be the subject of study and debate, especially in the medical profession and nutrition specialists, who assure that, as a nutritional supplement, coconut oil It is not healthy at all, since its high content of saturated fats can cause certain health problems such as arterial problems, risk of suffering from coronary diseases or raising cholesterol.

In any case, all its aesthetic benefits promise a lot! and here we list some of the uses of coconut oil so that you can also benefit.

Coconut Oil Uses

Coconut oil is highly beneficial depending on what point of view it is viewed or the use that is given to it, but there are many controversies that this oil of vegetable origin has unleashed regarding how beneficial it can be to health at a nutritional level due to to the high percentage of saturated fats (86%) it contains, much more than butter (51%) or shortening (39%).

Sales of this product have increased considerably in the last decade, driven mainly by celebrities who claim that its properties and benefits are so incredible, that they are capable of curing everything from bad breath, as coconut oil is considered to help fight cavities, even certain digestive disorders. Here are some of the uses of coconut oil:

coconut oil for hair

As a hair moisturizer: applying it to the ends of the hair before washing it is one of the most common uses of coconut oil for hair. It repairs damaged hair fibers, protects it from heat, pollution, sun, chemical products, salt and chlorine, making it an excellent completely natural conditioner. Likewise, it also works if you put it on at night as a mask once or twice a week.

coconut oil for skin

Moisturizing for the skin: Thanks to the amount of Omegas it has, it is ideal for the skin of the face and body to be hydrated and strengthened. But we must also highlight the shine effect that it gives to the skin once it is applied, especially after a good session in the sun, especially on the legs.

The best repairer for dry lips: much more than Vaseline, coconut oil deeply hydrates, managing to very effectively repair the fine skin of the lips, which tends to get very dry due to the cold of winter, as well as due to the intense heat summer.

Your best friend when it comes to waxing: if you are one of those who suffers from irritation every time you use the blade, coconut oil will be your best ally at that time to prepare your skin to wax, especially in the bikini area . Replace the foam or hair conditioner (yes, it's very good for waxing), with coconut oil and you'll see the change.

Exfo liant e: removing those small dead cells from your skin is possible thanks to a good exfoliation, and with coconut oil mixed with sugar, you will not only find deep hydration, but you will also be able to give your skin a natural cleansing.

Enjoy the properties of coconut and its unique smell.

coconut oil for face

Make-up remover: there are many actresses and influencers who have shown that this vegetable oil is an excellent alternative when it comes to cleaning your face of excess makeup, especially waterproof eye makeup.

Coconut oil can be the best substitute, try products like this and you will see

What contraindications does coconut oil have?

In the summer of 2018, Karin Michels, director of the Institute for Tumor Prevention and Epidemiology at the University of Freiburg and professor at the TH Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University, questioned the benefits of coconut oil, assuring what:

“It is 'pure poison' and one of the worst foods that exist”

The increase in the levels of 'bad cholesterol' (LDL for its acronym in English), is the main reason why it is recommended not to consume foods rich in saturated fats, as they are considered unhealthy. These foods consumed in excess, in the long term are associated with the blockage of arteries and of course to have a higher risk of suffering from heart disease, as well as developing:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Weight gain

• indigestion

• Irritations in the gastrointestinal mucosa

After these allegations, in the same year 2018, Dr. Michael Mosley investigated these 'excellent' properties of coconut oil for the BBC, launching an experiment with 94 participants between 50 and 75 years old, all free of diabetes and heart disease , dividing them into 3 groups where the first group had to consume 50 grams of coconut oil daily for 4 weeks, the second group would consume extra virgin olive oil, while the third would do the same with 50 grams of unsalted butter.

test result

The butter eaters saw a 10% increase in their bad cholesterol, while those who consumed olive oil, on the other hand, saw a small reduction in it.

The big surprise was when coconut oil consumers were evaluated, resulting in a notable increase in bad cholesterol, but also good cholesterol. Surprise!

The researchers have not yet found an explanation for these results, and argue that this is just one study and many more studies should be carried out to reach more reliable conclusions.

This is why, in Spain, it is recommended to eat extra virgin olive oil, which has unsaturated fats, lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol, as well as being an antioxidant and containing vitamin E.