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Natural coconut oil is for use on hair, body and diet. But there is controversy. Understand

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Natural coconut oil, natural coconut oil or natural coconut butter are different names for natural vegetable oil extracted from coconut fruit, which can be obtained through pressing and at-home processes.

Natural coconut oil can be extracted from different types of coconut; among them, the best known are the Nucifera coconuts (copra or green coconut) and the Specious attalea (baassu coconut).

To know the ways of extracting vegetable oil, take a look at the article: "Know the techniques of extracting vegetable oils". To learn how to make natural coconut oil from copra coconut, take a look at the article: "How to make coconut oil the easy way."

To learn about babassu coconut oil, check out the article: "Babassu coconut oil: common in the cosmetic and food industry. Know its benefits".

Although some people confuse natural coconut oil with coconut milk and coconut pulp, these coconut-derived versions are different both in terms of appearance, density and flavor, and in terms of nutritional and functional properties.

To obtain the benefits of natural coconut oil, it is necessary to pay attention to the different types of coconut and the ways in which its oil is extracted.

Virgin coconut oil has different properties than dry coconut oil, or copra - the most commonly found on the market. On the other hand, it is necessary to avoid hydrogenated coconut oil and give preference to cold-pressed organic extra virgin oils which, in addition to being a natural option, are healthier and better preserve the original properties of natural coconut, preserving the flavor and aroma of the fruit. ; and it can be either the copra or the virgin coconut or babassu versions. It is necessary to avoid the consumption of coconut oil obtained through a solvent process, as the use of hexane is harmful to the environment. To learn more about this topic, take a look at the article: "Vegetable oils: know the benefits and cosmetic properties".

Coconut oil (Nucifera coconuts) is famous for bringing benefits to health and beauty through feeding and direct application to hair, skin, teeth and mucous membranes. The cleaning products industry also uses it to make soaps, which are even reputed to be more sustainable than other types of cleaning agents with a detergent action. To learn more about this topic, check out the article: "Is coconut soap the most environmentally friendly?".

Natural coconut oil has been indicated as a functional food for daily ingestion, being beneficial for the treatment and prevention of diseases. However, there is controversy about ingesting coconut oil. While some doctors and nutritionists confirm the benefits of consuming coconut oil, another part claims that its intake is not yet proven safe because of the amount of saturated fat present in this type of oil. However, there are studies that conclude the consumption of coconut oil is effective in treating and preventing diseases. Understand:

What is natural coconut oil for

Natural coconut oil for hair

A study published by Society Cosmetic Chemists concluded that natural coconut oil prevents harmful effects on hair due to combing; it treats hair damage caused by the use of chemicals (whitening) and protects hair from thermal damage caused by hot shower water, use of straightening irons, dryers, among others. That's because, according to the study, coconut oil helps prevent protein and water loss from the hair, serving as a lubricating film.

To learn how to use natural hair oil, take a look at the article: "Coconut oil is good for hair. Understand and learn how to use it."

Helps control blood fat level

A study of Filipino women and published by US National Library of Medicine suggests that ingesting natural coconut oil improves fat levels in pre-menopausal women. The same study cites analyzes carried out on animals, which show that the consumption of coconut oil reduces total cholesterol, which contributes to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease - being a great substitute for butters and hydrogenated vegetable fats. The study further reports that 2003 Philippine National Nutrition Survey data show a relatively low incidence of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), hypertension, stroke and angina (weakening of the heart muscles) in the Bicol region. , where diets have high levels of coconut consumption compared to other regions.

Helps prevent Alzheimer's disease

Although the use of coconut oil in the diet was mentioned as harmful due to the level of saturated fat, a study published by the platform PubMed concluded that the benefits of coconut oil should be reconsidered. According to the study, unlike saturated animal fat, natural coconut oil has medium-chain fatty acids (such as lauric acid, myristic acid and caprylic acid), which are the only ones that can be absorbed and metabolized by the liver being converted to ketones - important alternative energy sources for the brain that can be beneficial for people who are developing or already have memory impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease.

It's good for diabetes

Oxidative stress is one of the characteristics of diabetes mellitus. According to a study published by the platform PubMed, the antioxidant properties (among other functions) of virgin coconut oil may have a beneficial effect in improving diabetes. According to the study, natural coconut oil is good for people with diabetes as it significantly reduces the level of fasting blood glucose and improves oral glucose tolerance.

Good for the gums and teeth

A study published by the platform PubMed suggests that the use of natural coconut oil is an adjuvant in decreasing the formation of bacterial plaque and gingivitis.

Eliminates roughness, scaling and dryness of the skin

Dry, flaky, rough and itchy skin is associated with the malfunction of the skin's natural protective barrier. According to a study published by ScienceDirect, coconut oil can act as a natural moisturizer for dry, flaky and rough skin, has antiseptic effects and is more effective than mineral oils.

How to use natural coconut oil

flavor the dishes

There is no restriction on dishes in which natural coconut oil cannot be used. Cake, jam, cream, sauce, mousse, ice cream and even homemade chocolate are options that are delicious and have a pasty texture of natural coconut oil, which melts easily.

Use natural coconut oil on the body

As a natural moisturizer for the skin, coconut oil does not have the harmful substances of conventional cosmetics. To better understand this topic, take a look at the article "Know the main substances that should be avoided in cosmetics.

• Natural makeup remover: three homemade recipes

Thus, natural coconut oil can also be used as a makeup remover, body moisturizer, lip moisturizer, and, if mixed with essential oils with specific properties and in the correct amounts, it can provide therapeutic benefits in massage and act as a deodorizer for the skin. body.

To learn more about essential oils take a look at the article: "What are essential oils?".

To find out how to use natural coconut oil on hair, check out the article: "Coconut oil is good for the hair. Understand and learn how to use it".

Use coconut oil to take care of oral hygiene

Because it is effective in treating dental plaque and plaque-caused gingivitis, coconut oil can be a natural addition to your regular toothpaste.

Controversy

Although some studies conclude that the ingestion of natural coconut oil can be effective in the treatment and prevention of some diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (Abran) assesses that the analyzes carried out so far are controversial and inconclusive; and recommends that coconut oil should not be prescribed for the prevention or treatment of disease.

Abran further states that:

1. When coconut oil is compared to vegetable oils less rich in saturated fatty acid, it increases total cholesterol.
2. Studies that conclude that coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and immunomodulating activities are predominantly experimental, notably in vitro, there are no clinical studies demonstrating these effects.
3. To date, there is no clinical evidence that coconut oil can protect or alleviate neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
4. A very small number of studies, with controversial results, have reported the effects of coconut oil on body weight in humans.

Did you like the article about coconut oil? So you might also want to take a look at the article: "Grape seed oil: benefits and how to use it".

But remember: when you run out of coconut oil - if you don't reuse the glass jar - dispose of the container correctly. See which collection points are closest to your home.