Читать книгу Coconut Oil Bible: (Boxed Set): Benefits, Remedies and Tips for Beauty and Weight Loss - Speedy Publishing - Страница 4
ОглавлениеChapter 1- Coconut Oil- An Overview
Coconut oil is an edible form of oil derived from the meat or kernel of fully-ripened coconuts removed from coconut palms. It is widely used in homeopathic remedies and cooking. Coconut oil is known for its immune system boosting capabilities due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It contains healing components such as antimicrobial lipids, capric acid, caprylic acid, and lauric acid that can be used as a supplement to prevent or improve conditions such as kidney infections, stress, obesity, pancreatitis, diabetes, obesity, and dry skin.
Types of Coconut Oil and Their Uses
Pure Coconut Oil: This form of oil is derived from dried-out coconut kernels (copra). It is praised for being unrefined and free of additives. Pure coconut oil can be found in capsule form at vitamin retail shops, and can be used in cooking recipes, too. Skin care companies like to use it as a main ingredient in their skin care products.
Refined Coconut Oil: Refined coconut oil, also known as RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorized coconut), is obtained through machine and chemical processing. With this refining process, the oil ends up being colorless, odorless, thin, and free of protein suspension, leaving it free of unsaturated fats. It is largely used in cooking.
Virgin Coconut Oil: This type of coconut oil originates from the milk found in fresh coconut meat, rather than copra. It is processed through centrifugal separation, fermentation, and enzyme action. In terms of cooking, it is the best tasting of all the coconut oil varieties, and is rich in antioxidants and medium-chain fatty acids as well. Due to its excellent anti-microbial properties, it is rated high in safety.
Organic Coconut Oil: Organic coconut oil is derived from organic coconuts that have not been exposed to insecticides or synthetic fertilizers. It can typically be found in organic-based foods and personal products such as soaps and lotions.
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: This form of coconut is hard to find, and is essentially derived from virgin coconut oil from organic coconuts.
Coconut Oil Intended for Carrier Oil Purposes: Carrier oils can best be described as oils that can be easily absorbed by the skin, making it easier for other oils and extracts to be absorbed by the skin when combined with it. Carrier oils are often present in Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, and massage oils. Because coconut oil doesn't decompose, it prevents other mixed-in oils and extracts from decomposing as well.
Heart Disease Prevention
Coconut oil contains 50% lauric acid, which can prevent a variety of heart problems and conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Since coconut oil will not cause an increase in LDL levels, it can significantly reduce the presence of artery blockage, which can lead to atherosclerosis.
Weight Control
Have you ever noticed that people from tropical coastal areas are rarely overweight?
Their secret to slimness is, you guessed it, coconut! In the 1930's, a well-known physician named Dr. Watson Price observed that Pacific Islanders whose diets were high in coconut had healthy body weights, even though coconut is high in dietary fat.
Coconut is a great tool to control weight due to its short and medium-chain fatty acids that aids in melting fat. As it is easy to digest, it helps to support the proper functioning of the endocrine system and thyroid. Its fatty acid properties can help overweight people shed unwanted pounds by increasing their body's metabolic rate while removing unnecessary stress on the pancreas.
Digestive Relief
Due to America's undeniable love for refined carbohydrates, it’s no surprise that many Americans suffer from uncomfortable digestive problems. Fortunately, coconut oil can provide relief from digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, and diverticulitis, when incorporated into the diet.
Diabetes Control
Diabetes is a medical condition caused by the body's off-balance production of insulin. Studies show that a diet rich in coconut oil can protect people who are genetically or environmentally predisposed to diabetes from insulin resistance.
Natural Nourishment for the Hair and Scalp
If you want to have healthy shiny hair, coconut oil is one of the best natural sources you can use to achieve this. It's known for restoring protein loss, which is the primary cause for unattractive hair conditions such as dullness and frizzy strands. It can be applied directly to the hair after shampooing as a nourishing leave-in conditioner. If you suffer from chronic dandruff, it could mean that your scalp is dried out from harsh sulfates commonly found in commercially made shampoos. Sulfates are what make the shampoos foam up, when combined with water and friction. Massaging a small amount of coconut oil into the scalp is an effective way to keep embarrassing dandruff flakes under control.
Skin Care
In terms of skin care, coconut oil is superior to mineral oil, as there are no adverse side effects. It is a safe, highly-concentrated natural alternative for preventing and curing excessively dry skin. Its remarkable moisturizing capabilities can prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as sagging skin caused by lack of elasticity. Coconut oil can safely treat skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and skin infections. It is often used as a base ingredient in personal products such as creams, lotions, and soaps.
Side Effects
Saturated fats like coconut oil have been widely criticized by the media for causing clogged arteries and heightened cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. According to the Journal of American Medical Association, this assessment is false, as saturated fats, when consumed in moderate doses, can actually benefit your overall health, and can even lower the risk of stroke in certain individuals. Too much intake of saturated fats, however, can lead to a toxic build-up of fat in the liver.
Give Coconut Oil a Try
As you can see, there are many benefits to incorporating coconut oil into your diet and skin care routine. Once you start to see the positive changes that occur from using coconut oil, be sure to share your positive experiences with others!
Chapter 2- The Advantages of Using Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is known for relieving stress, increasing your immune system, weight loss, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, high blood pressure and much more.
Since coconut oil is considered as a super food, it is also known that it provides a unique mix of fatty acids that can impact a person's health immensely. Coconut oil is also proven to increase brain function as well as prevent wrinkles.
Unfortunately, coconut oil has gotten a bit of negative publicity, in regards to containing high amounts of saturated fat. Surprisingly, these fat amounts are meant to be consumed in moderation. While coconut oil does contain fat, it also reaps in many amazing health benefits.
Coconut Oil contains lauric acid, which is a saturated fat that increases the good cholesterol in your blood to help improve and control your ratio levels.
Unlike most fatty acids, they will instantly go from your liver directly to your digestive tract. From there, these fatty acids are mainly used as fast source energy that can prevent brain disorders. Lauric acid works to maintain the amount of cholesterol in your body while giving you energy.
Another interesting fact is that coconut oil not only lowers your cholesterol, it also gives your hormones a bit of a detox by included a molecule that will provide as a hormonal cleanse to the body. Most people are unaware of these benefits.
Coconut is considered to be in the exotic food like in the Western world, especially Asia. The people in these countries are known to have incredible health, with little to no signs of heart disease.
Coconut oil is rich in anti-oxidants which is capable of giving your immune system a gradual boost. Many people in the Asian region who have included coconut oil into their diet were instantly cured of heart disease.
There have been researchers that claim to have evidence that this particular oil has the ability to break down and cure many well-known viruses, cancers and kidney stones. This evidence has been considered as limited evidence.
As for weight loss purposes, if you are a woman looking to shed a few extra pounds, all you need is two tablespoons of coconut oil a day in the span of about 12 weeks. This will gradually lower the abdominal fat that you cannot get rid of during daily exercise.
Best of all, coconut oil is 100% organic, which means that this oil can also be used as a non-oily, non-greasy moisturizer for your skin.
If you've been looking for a new anti-aging cream or skin conditioner, surprisingly coconut butter and oil will do the trick. You can also use coconut oil to replace your current shaving cream!
This oil can also benefit your skin, curing dry skin, sunburns, acne, as well as diminishing rashes and evening out your skin tone.
Coconut oil can also serve as the perfect massage oil for your neck, back and scalp. There are many other benefits Coconut oil offers to your skin and hair without needing to eat it.
In most cases, most people use coconut oil to improve their physical appearance of their skin and hair, instantly making their skin and hair look much younger and healthier over time.
It is also a proven fact that coconut oil can protect your hair against hair damage. Coconut oil acts as a sunscreen to your hair which has the ability to block a small percentage of the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Another great perk to using Coconut oil is that it can also be used as a type of mouthwash that is capable of killing some of the most harmful bacteria inside your mouth, while it improves your overall dental health.
Despite all of the benefits that Coconut oil provides, this oil can also help eliminate fat with its ability to reduce your hunger cravings.
Coconut oil can also help you cut down on calories while it increases your overall energy intake for 24 hours, making you feel more energetic.
Coconut oil also includes an appetite reducing effect that will automatically reduce your appetite and affect your overall body weight over the course of a few months to a few years, depending on your body type.
Since the particular oil included a hefty amount of saturated fats, this will not affect your blood pressure or profile. While coconut oil improves the good cholesterol, it also eliminates the bad cholesterol. This will also decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems in the future, such as heart disease and any other heart related issues over the long term.
Coconut oil not only reduces your appetite and burns fat, it can also help reduce weight lose drastically by attacking the abdominal cavity, also known as the hard-to-reach places near and around your organs.
If you want to lose the weight, look and feel better and get immense results in health benefits, then it is strongly encouraged that you choose organic, virgin coconut oil, instead of non-organic oils.
Who knew that coconut oil can be used for all kinds of methods and offer excellent and unbelievable health results?
Even though lauric acid can help lower cholesterol levels, increase thyroid health and blood pressure, it is unable to boost LDL levels. On the bright side, lauric acid can help maintain flexible arteries and keep them strong.
Coconut oil can also help increase your metabolism. When the oil goes into the liver, it will be used as a source of energy. This will help with burning the excess fat from your body, acting as a safe support in weight loss.
This oil can also help increase your overall bone strength. Coconut oil is able to do this by allowing your body to easily absorb calcium, as well as Vitamin E and D and many other minerals that your body will need.
Coconut oil also includes extraordinary antifungal properties that are known to help alleviate and reduce the amount of yeast in your body, as well as get rid of yeast infections.
Lastly, Coconut oil can also help fight off the flu with its antibacterial properties.
Chapter 3- An Outline of the Various Types of Coconut Oil
While coconut oil is hailed as a super food, not all types of coconut oil are created equal. The refinement processes and methods of extraction greatly affect the taste and health qualities of the final product. Here is a basic overview of the terms you will see on the bottles of the various types of coconut oil.
Refined Coconut Oils
Refined coconut oils are generally odorless, tasteless, and able to withstand a high cooking temperature. These qualities make them the most popular type to substitute for ordinary cooking oil. However, there are several different types of refinement that yield significantly different products.
Hydrogenated Coconut Oils
This type of refined coconut oil begins with inferior-quality coconuts. In order to turn these old, rotting coconuts into a product that is supposedly edible, they are subjected to an in-depth refining process that includes bleaching and exposure to other harsh chemicals. The hydrogenation process converts the healthy, unsaturated fat molecules into highly unhealthy trans fat molecules. This process virtually strips the coconut oil of any health benefits, and you might as well be eating margarine. Plus, it generally has a poor taste since it is made from sub-grade coconuts.
Naturally Refined Coconut Oils
Some coconut oil is refined through the use of natural processes like steam and filtration. These oils have all the benefits of refined coconut oil, such as high smoke point and mild flavor, without the harsh chemicals and unhealthy hydrogenation.
Fractionated Coconut Oils
The process of fractionating coconut oil involves steam heat and pressure hydrolysis to separate the various fatty acids and remove the long-chained fat molecules. The result of this process is a highly stable product that is free of impurities and has a long shelf life. Fractionated coconut oils are used widely in the cosmetic industry.
Virgin Coconut Oils
Virgin coconut oils have a stronger, more coconut-y flavor because they have undergone minimal processing. Because it has not been overly tampered with, more of the nutrients from the coconut plant itself will be intact. As far as taste is concerned, it depends mostly on the quality of the coconuts to begin with as well as the individual palate of the one consuming it. Since it has a strong coconut flavor, it is less versatile than the refined coconut oils.
Different brands will have stronger or milder flavors, so each person can find the one that best suits his or her taste buds. Unfortunately, the label does not necessarily indicate how strong the flavor will be. The terms "virgin" and "extra-virgin" have no real meaning in this context. Coconut enthusiasts who desire a strong coconut flavor will have to experiment with different varieties of virgin coconut oil until they find one that satisfies their craving for coconut-y goodness.
Organic Coconut Oils
The term "organic" in coconut oil terminology refers to the way that the coconuts are grown - namely, without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The benefits of choosing organic coconut oil are the same as when you are choosing organic anything. The idea is to preserve nature by not polluting it with artificial substances as well as eliminate the risk of harmful pesticides ending up in your food.
Many people prefer organic because they feel that it insures that they are purchasing a high quality product. Others are more skeptical because it can be nearly impossible to tell a difference between organic and conventionally-grown product by the taste or odor. However, most organically-grown coconuts are used in unrefined coconut oils which are inherently higher quality than refined coconut oils anyway.
Extracting Methods
This final category refers to the way the oil is harvested from the coconut itself. Any of these methods can used to make either organic, virgin, or refined coconut oils. While there may be some small differences in the nutritional content of the oils produced from these methods, the main difference is taste. The more the coconut is heated during the oil-extracting process, the more of a nutty, "toasted" flavor the oil will have.
Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil
The expeller pressing method of coconut oil extraction employs the use of a giant expeller press to squeeze the oil out of the nut. The forces of friction are powerful enough to heat the oil to approximately 210 degrees Fahrenheit. This method extracts virtually all of the oil from the flesh of the coconut, making the expeller pressing method popular among coconut oil manufacturers. However, some consumers are concerned that the heating of the coconuts during this process sacrifices some of the nutritional value. Others do not care for the "toasted" aftertaste of expeller pressed coconut oil.
Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
In the cold pressed method, the oil is harvested from the coconut at temperatures less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower temperature means that some of the oil will remain in the white, fleshy coconut meat to be discarded or used as livestock feed. This means that cold pressed coconut oil tends to be a bit pricier than expeller pressed. However, many people prefer it because of its flavor and nutritional content.
Centrifuged Coconut Oil
A less common method of oil extraction is known as the centrifugal method. In this method, the coconut meat is mixed with water and spun at speeds high enough to separate the oil, water, and flesh. This method exposes the coconut to even lower temperatures than cold presses. However, centrifuged coconut oil tends to have a much shorter shelf life than other types because it is nearly impossible to get all the water out of the final product.
Conclusion
For the most part, which type of coconut oil is best is a matter of personal opinion. The different extracting methods, degree of processing, and coconut-growing techniques will all yield a different taste and nutritional content. The one type of coconut oil that is significantly inferior to the others is anything that has been hydrogenated. The hydrogenation process defeats the purpose of choosing coconut oil.
Chapter 4- How Coconut Oil Can Be Used For Skin Care
As it pertains to looking beautiful or maintaining standing health, it is essential that the skin be taken care of. This is partly due to the environment that we live in. With the sun beating down on our skin throughout any given day, and harmful substances declaring combat at any given moment, our skin is constantly at risk; therefore, it needs to be properly protected. Aside from prescriptions and over the counter ointments, hundreds of people have developed their own home remedies. And hundreds of thousands are frustrated because nothing they conjure up seems to be working. Have you considered coconut oil? Experts and consumers alike have come to the conclusion that the natural substances found in coconut oil are entirely beneficial to the skin. Below are eight different ways coconut oil can be used for skin care.
Softens Dry Skin
If you're using coconut oil on the go, you won't see maximum benefits any time soon. The best way to use coconut oil is several hours before you're planning on going out. This will give it the opportunity to settle onto your skin and do its work before being overly exposed to damaging elements. Keep a bottle of the oil near your kitchen and bathroom sink and by your bed to use after doing the dishes, getting out of the shower, and before going to bed. Coconut oil is perfect for softening the dried or callused skin that comes from the sun's damaging rays, hard, hot water, and any other exposure that you may come into contact with.
Brightens Facial Skin
Don't waste your money on expensive, store bought products to erase the effects of exhaustion. Makeup brands use coconut oil as a base ingredient in their formulas because of its natural glow. Just smear a small amount of the oil on top of your makeup and let it sit. This will lighten your facial skin while complimenting your normal makeup wear. Allow it to dry before going out so that it has the proper time to moisturize your face.
As a Body Moisturizer
Coconut oil is perfect for large usage doses. Fully applying it to the skin demonstrates many of its benefits. Before you go to bed and right after coming out of the shower or bathtub, apply the coconut oil around your body. This will keep your skin durable, strong, and healthy. Never stress over your aging skin again! Coconut oil is naturally helpful in clearing away dead skin. It can also be used with other skin lotion agents for more results. Apply it to your legs, arms, and body for a comfortable smoothness that you're willing to show off!
Skin Cleansing
Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and moisturizing. According to recent studies, it is also fantastic for atopic dermatitis. Rub the oil on your skin in a circular motion (focus on your face and neck); massage as you rub. After applying the coconut oil, wash it off with a different cleanser of your choice. Not only will you feel immediately cleaner, but you'll look it to. Be sure to get into a habit of cleaning your skin this way for better results. Work it into your day to day routine so that you're not rushing it.
Internal Exfoliation
This is perhaps one of the best benefits of using coconut oil for your skin. Typically we think about applying it to the surface - but it also does wonders from the inside out. It can be eaten directly, used in cooking, or blended into drinks. Try to get a small dose of it daily - gradually taking more as you go. If you can commit to 2 to 4 tablespoons a day, you'll see a big difference in the longevity and health of your skin in just a few weeks.
Prevents Stretch Marks
Coconut oil is used quite frequently by pregnant women; used to maintain and monitor the stretch marks that come with carrying a baby, it is not solely for pregnant women. Applying coconut oil to your skin hours before or right after working out or running will help to protect the skin as its being put to the test.
Increases Sun Tolerance
Some sunscreens and tanning lotions can be more harmful than not. Too much sunscreen can take away the vitamins from the sun that your body needs and too much tanning lotion can in the long run help to burn the skin. Coconut oil is perfectly in the middle. This method gradually benefits your skin by not only protecting it at the time of usage, but it also builds up your skins health and sun tolerance. Using it can reduce sun damage and skin cancer. Supplement harmful sunscreens and sun lotions with coconut oil and reap the benefits.
Heals Skin Fast
Coconut oil has been proven to heal skin very quickly. Applying it to cuts, scraps, scratches, infections, etc. boosts your body’s natural healing properties exponentially. No other FDA approved drug can claim that it possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties. It limits the amount of microbes on the skin; this in turn cleans up various conditions like dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and hundreds of other skin infection and ailments.
Coconut oil has gained a reputation as a health food and natural medicine. Many people today are using it to improve their lives in the area of cleaning up skin issues, digestion, raising their energy levels, assisting in personal weight loss, combating against infections and soars, balance blood sugar, and provide a host of other health benefits.
Chapter 5- How Coconut Oil Can Be Used Hair Care
Looking at an ingredients list for leave in conditioners can leave you feeling like you are damaging your hair with chemicals instead of nourishing it. Not only that, but these treatments or conditioners can be expensive and will not give you the wow factor that you might be expecting. But there is good news. You can make your own leave in conditioner with some ingredients, some of which you can probably find in your kitchen right now. And you will get that wow factor, and the satisfaction of a successful do it yourself project!
There are several bases that work best with additional ingredients that you add to cater to your specific hair type—the ones I like best are olive oil and coconut oil. Coconut oil is slightly more expensive but, in my opinion, works better. Coconut oil not only gets rid of the frizz, but can also address breakage and split ends. According to some studies it also reduces protein loss. It is also a powerful agent in treating dandruff. It fights the fungus that causes your scalp to produce the dry flakes that are associated in severe cases of dandruff. It is oil that not only makes your hair look better, but actually penetrates the shaft and nourishes your scalp.
Okay, you have the base—coconut oil. Buy it as virgin or extra virgin, and organic if you can. Look at the label to make sure it is unrefined. You do not have to refrigerate it; just keep it in a cool and dry place. It keeps for about two years. Once you have purchased your coconut oil, now you have to choose what to add to it.
You can add essential oils to the coconut oil. And use that overnight or as a prewash. If you choose to leave it in overnight, be sure to wrap your hair up in a towel or use a shower cap because as it is oil it will stain your clothes and your bedding. The different kinds of essential oils that work well with coconut are the following. Peppermint oil works nicely for dried or damaged hair, the scent is invigorating, as peppermint is used in aromatherapy. It also stimulates growth. Lemon works well for greasy hair, though be warned that it may lighten your hair if you expose your hair to heat and light during the process. For that super shine and body lavender is a good addition to the coconut oil and it also an extremely relaxing scent.
You can find coconut oil in most grocery stores. In order to make the essential oil prewash, you need to melt the oil. You can do this on the stove top in a saucepan. Open the lid, place the bottle into a small or medium sized pan, and pour water until it reaches about halfway up the bottle. Turn the heat on medium. Heat until the oil has softened (on a side note, keep an eye on the stove so it doesn’t boil over or dilute the oil). You need one cup of coconut oil and a half (or a full teaspoon if you’d like the aromatherapy effects as much as the treatment effects) of the essential oil that you have chosen.
Mix that together in a small plastic bowl, and let the mixture cool enough so that it won’t burn your skin while you while you apply it. And I suggest applying it in the bathtub or the shower so you don’t make a mess. Leave it in for at least a half an hour (though longer is better if you have the time), if you want to make this more effective—wrap your hair up in a warm towel. Rinse in the shower using lukewarm water. Shampoo and condition as usual. This is the coconut essential oil treatment.