Coconut Oil otherwise known as “adi agbon” in Yoruba language has been used for centuries for cooking, beauty and therapeutic purposes. Today,it is known as one of the healthiest oils out there. Coconut Oil,or copra oil, is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut Palm. It is almost a miracle oil with all that it can do. This darling oil has numerous sobriquets. It is grown in most parts of the world and quite popular. It is considered the tree of life.Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the family arecaceae( Palm family). It is not just a fruit but a nut and seed as well as a drupe.
Research has it that this oil is Nature’s most dominant source of lauric acid at about 50 percent composition. Human milk comes at a distant second with about 6percent composition of lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain triglyceride which is easily absorbed in the body. Lauric acid has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. These combined properties make coconut oil an amazing cleaning agent and beauty product. It was mostly known for cooking and beauty. Have you often wondered why older people prefer to use coconut oil for their skin? You think it’s old fashioned? Not modern? Yes! You are right. But it sure is one of the world’s healthiest oil.If you are ready to take your health to the next level,try using this oil.
The benefits of coconut oil goes beyond just cooking and beauty. This wonder oil is just pure fantastic. Did you know that it’s also good for cleaning? Did you know that it’s used to condition your wooden furniture? Below here let me list benefits of coconut oil. It’s exhaustive and really amazing.
Coconut oil conditions your pet’s fur. It’s a supplement for your pet’s health as well just add some to its food and on its skin to cure rashes etc. It’s really a soothing oil.
Research continues to confirm coconut oil healing properties for diabetes.
It fuels the brain cells more efficiently.
It is an ezcema and psoriasis cure.
It is a sleep aid and fights inflammation, acne,balances the hormones.
It is a fat burning supplement.
It kills candida, protects and defends against cancer.
It heals damaged kidney, liver diseases and pancreatitis.
It prevents bone loss and osteoporosis
It heals cracked dry heels. As a super moisturizer coconut oil help soften and smooth that coarse skin. Just use a pumice stone first to slough off any excess build up of cells.Then apply coconut oil twice a day.
Coconut oil is a wonderful face cleanser,moisturizer and sunscreen. It prevents gum and mouth diseases.That is why coconut oil is good for oil pulling. It’s a good ingredient to add to home made skin care products. Rub oil around the eyes or corners of your mouth to fight wrinkles. You can mix it with essential oils proven to fight signs of aging,creating your own natural eye cream. Do you have a pet grappling with itchy,dry skin? Rub coconut oil into their pores for a little relief. You can turn the treatment into a massage session if you want to give them a little treat and some special attention. As a hair treat,warm the oil and use it as a hot oil treatment for your hair. It will nourish and moisturize it.
Coconut oil has a natural SPF of 4 -5 and contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from harmful radiations from the sun. Add to baby bath. Babies have a wonderfully soft,smooth,healthy skin and we want to keep it that way. Don’t cry over spilled ink. If you find yourself with irritating ink smears and smudges on your hands. Simply rub a little coconut oil over it and let it sit for a minute or two. Wipe off with a clean dry clothes.
Cooking at high heat (sauntering and frying)- coconut oil is great for cooking at a high heat because of its high smoke point. Many other oils like olive oil can oxidize when heated up but because coconut oil is made up of saturated fats it remains stable under high temperatures..
Are you a coffee lover? Adding a teaspoonful of coconut oil to your coffee can give you an extra boost of energy to replace creamer(milk). If you put your hot coffee in a blender with coconut oil and your favorite natural sweetener and blend, you will be amazed at the rich creamy flavor without adding any dairy. Athletes blend their morning coffee with coconut oil to increase performance and energy.
Coconut oil can replace nonstick spray. In a nonstick skillet,sometimes eggs still stick. With coconut oil,that is not longer a problem. Add just a teaspoon others two of coconut oil to the pan and melt. Add the eggs and cook as desired. Clean up with a breeze.
You can create a homemade mayonnaise with coconut oil. Coconut Oil can replace unhealthy fats when baking. Yes you can bake with coconut oil. Use Same amount as butter or vegetable oil that is called in for the recipes. Freeze the coconut oil prior to use. Coconut oil prolongs the freshness of eggs.you can use coconut oil to seal the pores of an egg shell and prolong the life of eggs in your refrigerator. Try swiping a small amount over the shells of the eggs and leave it to penetrate,which will help prevent exposure to oxygen. This will extend the life of your eggs for one to two weeks.
Coconut oil as a natural lozenges. It can replace a store bought lozenges that are usually made using artificial flavors and colors. Try swallowing half to one teaspoon of coconut oil up to 3 times daily to ease the pain of a sore throat or cough,and combine with fennel roots,tea ,lemon and honey for an extra immunity boost against viruses and colds.
As a sports drink replacement coconut oil gives the body quickly energy in the form of its quick acting MCFA fats.instead of relying on sugar processed drinks,try adding coconut oil and chia seeds with fresh fruits.
To boost nutrients in smoothies,add 1 -2 tablespoons of coconut oil to any fruit smoothie for a boost of cholesterol fighting compounds. You want to know what the benefits are? It improves the texture and mouth feel of smoothies while adding healthy fats to your diet.
Coconut oil is a natural remedy for pneumonia. Research found that coconut oil offers pneumonia patients faster and more complete relief from symptoms. This could possibly be a relief as this means a short stay at the hospital, lower medical expenses and lower exposure for the patient to the hospital environment. Moreover,its an inexpensive addition to traditional antibiotics and has no known side effects.
Alzheimer’ disease-it is discovered that the MCT (medium chain triglyceride)found in coconut oil treats dementia to a great extent.Administering one tablespoon of coconut twice a day for a month and a half will see the person recover almost completely.
Coconut oil protects against cancer,Hiv and other infectious diseases. It kills bacteria and parasites like tapeworm and liver flukes.
It eases acid reflux and aids a proper bowel function.
It lowers incidents of hemorrhoids, heals and relieves intestinal problems.
It strengthens the liver against degeneration,it reduces joint and muscle inflammation.
It lowers the risk of diabetes,heart disease and improves cholesterol levels. It significantly lowers the risk of these conditions.
Coconut oil reduces incidence of epileptic seizures. It eases neurpathies and itching from diabetes.
It deals with symptoms connected with prostate enlargement.
It helps clean body during detox. It soothes and prevent ingrown hairs and hangnails.It promotes healing of varicose veins.
It improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood sugar.
Helps pink eyes(conjunctivitis).
When mixed with oregano coconut oil is used to improve gum health.
Pure unrefined coconut oil can be used to remove moles and warts. It improves complexion,jaundice ,swelling,scurvy,burns. It is also among the commonly used ingredients in various commercial products like cosmetics,soaps,massage oils and detergents. Coconut oil is a natural cream for breastfeeding. It it soothes nipples irritation. When combined with sugar it can be used as a body scrub. Coconut oil removes chewing gum from carpets,hair anywhere else it doesn’t belong. It’s good as a shaving cream. It lubricates guiter strings.
Coconut oil is used to soften and deodorize the feet. Since it has antibacterial properties. It’s a pre-shampoo treatment for hair. It strengthens,maintains and repairs the hair. Coconut oil is an intensive night time moisturizer. Coconut oil and it’s benefits are shockingly numerous.
TYPES OF COCONUT OIL
There are around four types of coconut oil,which are produced in different ways. There are Refined or RBD, fractionation and extra virgin oil. RBD or refined oil is extracted from dried kernels of coconuts, called “Copra” RB and D stand for “refined bleached and deodorized unlike virgin coconut oil,RBD oil does not possess any taste or aroma of coconuts and is mainly used for industrial and commercial purposes,other than cooking. The next is fractionated coconut oil which is made by the fractionation of the oil. This process retains only medium chain saturated fatty acids,after removing the long chain fatty acids.
Hydrogenation is a process in which the oil is exposed to high pressure in order to produce hydrogen bubbles. Hydrogenated coconut oil is manufactured through this process can last longer,but may contain trans-fats,which are considered detrimental for health. The one left is virgin coconut oil,which is also said to be the best form. Though large scale of this is done with machine,it can also be made at home without such equipment. It is best to do it at home by yourself to be sure of original and organic coconut oil devoid of chemicals and preservatives.
HOW TO MAKE COCONUT OIL AT HOME METHOD:
This method is called the “hot process” and has been traditionally used by our forefathers. There is no machinery involved,only simple everyday kitchen tools. Also no preservatives or additives are added to it. It is coconut oil in its purest form. The process is a bit time consuming but easy.
Step 1: Extract the flesh from the coconut. Once you have collected the flesh from the coconut,grate it.
Step 2: Extract the coconut milk from the flesh by squeezing in a cloth. keep a bowl below the cloth to collect the liquid. You can add very little hot water to it to make it easy to handle and squeeze out all the milk.
Step 3: Once the coconut milk has been extracted,sieve it using a clothes to remove impurities.
Step 4:Place the coconut milk in a pot and put on fire. Let it cook for 2 to 3 hours but make sure the heat is kept low.
Step5: Keep stirring it every now and then till the milk becomes brownish in color. However, be careful that it doesn’t burn as Coconut oil has a delicate texture.
Step 6: Once the milk becomes concentrated,remove it from the fire and let it cool down. Place the cooled thickened milk in a muslin cloth and squeeze out the oil. Collect it in a bowl and store in a can or plastic bottle.
This homemade coconut oil can easily last for a year or at least 8 – 10 months. Place in an airtight container and don’t leave it out in the open else it gets contaminated and lose its qualities.
