Secrets of coconut oil

From coconut we can extract many beneficial products. However, coconut oil enjoys the greatest popularity due to its health, nutritional and cosmetic properties. People from exotic countries, where coconut is a common fruit and an integral part of a multi-generational diet, enjoy the best health among all cultures on Earth.

From coconut fruit we obtain pulp, milk or coconut water. Coconut oil has the most health-promoting properties. Until recently it was not so popular in Europe, but now it is one of the most famous oils in the world.

Coconut oil - health properties

It belongs to the group of vegetable fats, therefore it does not cause the accumulation of cholesterol in the body. It can be successfully used by people suffering from diabetes and intemperate sweets. In addition, it has a purifying and antibacterial effect on the body, eliminates yeasts and parasites. It is a reliable support during illness because it combats viruses without affecting the natural bacterial flora (as opposed to antibiotics) and strengthens our immune system and immune system. It provides us with a lot of energy and helps to regenerate forces after hard work. First of all, it strengthens the thyroid gland and our heart and additionally supports the brain's work.

Coconut oil - composition

Coconut oil is extracted from the coconut fruit pulp. Its unique combination of fatty acids has a positive effect on the health of the whole body. Coconut oil is rich in lauric, caprine, capry, capry and myristine acids. Supports metabolism because it does not increase body fat, but burns excess body fat.

More than half of the fatty acids contained in coconut oil are 12-carbon lauric acids. Lauric acid has an antiseptic and bactericidal effect and is helpful in the fight against various infections and infections.

Contains large amounts of saturated fats (other than dairy or meat). According to research, they are harmless and do not clog the cardiovascular system. These are so-called medium-chain triglycerides of MCT, digested in a completely different way than other fatty acids (which are long-chain triglycerides). They contribute significantly to the reduction of body weight.

The body quickly assimilates them as a source of energy or converts them into ketone compounds, which support the nervous system in case of epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease. The results show that fatty acids increase the concentration of ketones in the blood, which increases the energy transfer to the brain cells - and thus the symptoms of Alzheimer's symptoms decrease.

Many people believe that obesity is caused by excessive consumption of calories and that fat is the biggest source of fat. You have to reckon with the fact that the calories contained in different products may differ from each other and not every one of them will have the same effect on your body.

Coconut oil is also known to reduce hunger and appetite. This is related to the specific digestion of fatty acids - during their metabolism, ketone compounds are formed, which are responsible for reducing appetite.

Coconut oil - use in the kitchen

At temperatures below 25°, the oil changes its liquid consistency to a more compact, butter-like texture. It can be used as an alternative to other fats used in various dishes. It is possible to store it outside the fridge and has a long shelf life.

Due to the low smoke temperature, it should not be used for frying and baking at high temperatures (above 175°).

The optimal daily dose of oil should be from three to four teaspoons (we can also consume it directly in the form of a medicine, then it is best to drink fruit juice).

Coconut oil should also be an essential ingredient in the diet of every athlete. The substances contained in it are a natural conditioner for muscles and have a beneficial effect on endurance and condition. The mid-chain triglycerides mentioned above are converted into the energy necessary for proper muscle function during training. The fact that coconut oil inhibits the accumulation of cholesterol and fat is conducive to achieving and maintaining a contoured silhouette.

Coconut béchamel sauce

Traditional béchamel sauce is made from flour, milk and butter. People who are allergic to these ingredients cannot consume it, but there is an interesting alternative to it.

To prepare such a sauce we will need it:

- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil,

- 1 glass of vegetable milk (tasteless, e.g. rice),

- 2 teaspoons of corn flour,

- salt, pepper, lemon juice, sugar and nutmeg.

First heat up the coconut oil and when it has dissolved add the corn flour and stir until a smooth consistency is obtained. Then slowly pour in the milk and mix (preferably with a whisk) so that the mass becomes thick (similar to pancake dough). We have to mix all the time in order for the sauce to be smooth, without lumps. Stirring, season as desired.

Béchamel sauce will be perfect e.g. in casseroles or lasagne pasta.

Coconut oil - use in cosmetics

It is an ideal cosmetic for the care of the whole body and hair. It can be used as a body lotion, smoothing and nourishing the skin. Supports the reduction of wrinkles and inhibits the formation of new ones. Used on dry skin, improves its moisture content and strengthens the lipid barrier. It is a natural filter, protecting the skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation (according to research it blocks 20% of UV rays). It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it is helpful in the treatment of skin problems: cuts, burns, etc. It is recommended for everyday skin care, because it makes the skin firm, elastic and rejuvenated.

In hair care it is effective in the fight against dandruff, stimulates growth and regeneration of hair, deeply nourishes it. Protects the scalp from various external damage.

An interesting purpose of the oil is to rinse the oral cavity with it, so called "oil pulling". Instead of liquid, we rinse the mouth with oil - it improves the condition of our teeth and gums, has an antibacterial effect and refreshes the breath.

If your hair is damaged by colouring and exposed to adverse weather conditions, you can give it a natural injection of beneficial ingredients.

How to prepare a mask from coconut oil?

Dissolve two tablespoons of coconut oil in a glass dish. Add two teaspoons of grape seed oil and then, depending on the colour of your hair, add a teaspoon of lemon juice (to light hair) or about 20 drops of rosemary oil (to dark hair).

Mix everything together, spread all over the length of the hair, massage into the scalp, wrap it in a towel or cap and leave it for 10 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly. Your hair is soft to the touch, fleshy, resilient and nourished.

Coconut oil is a very popular product for the care of the whole body from the inside and outside. The content of valuable fatty acids has a beneficial effect on the whole body. Its beneficial effect on health has been scientifically proven in clinical trials involving man. Many people from different cultures use it for health and cosmetic purposes, thus improving their mood, appearance and body condition. In order to achieve spectacular results, we must be systematic and patient in its application.