Coconut oil

Coconut oil is an oil obtained through cold pressing of the dry pulp of the coconut. This oil is solid at temperatures below 25°C and is rapidly growing in popularity thanks to its particular properties. We don’t speak about the possible use of coconut oil for cooking, this use is indeed still very debated and there are different opinions about its safety, some people think that coconut oil can cause an increasing in LDL cholesterol levels, on the contrary other people are sure that the content in lauric acid, able to increase the HDL cholesterol, should balance the increase of the LDL cholesterol. Today we will speak about the cosmetic use of the coconut oil. This oil, thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and protective action, can be applied on the skin in order to give it softness and elasticity, it nourishes skin and has a soothing action, for this reason it is useful in case of dry skin and itching according to a study published in the specialized journal Dermatitis in 2004 by a team of the Department of Dermatology of the Makati Medical Center, Philippine. Useful for massages in order to reduce cellulite, the coconut oil is able to improve the tone of the tissues. You can apply a drop of the product on the body after the shower or the bath and massage until it is completely absorbed. You can apply the coconut oil on the hair, this oil is indeed very helpful to make the hair luminous and silky, it can be used against dandruff and, finally, it protects the hair by reducing the protein loss even in damaged hair when used as a pre and post shampoo. This last property is the result of a study performed in 2003 and published on the Journal of cosmetic science. For the beauty of your hair, you can apply coconut oil on the wet lengths and cover the head with a towel, let the mask rest for an hour then wash the hair. Against dandruff you can instead massage a little coconut oil on the scalp, let it rest for fifteen minutes then wash. Finally, the coconut oil can be used in place of toothpaste or together with it in order to guarantee a better oral health. Its antimicrobial properties help indeed clean the mouth from the bacteria and toxins and are also able to counteract the formation of dental plaque, cavities and to protect and strengthen the gums. In addition to this, the oil acts also as a teeth whitener. You can put a little coconut oil on the toothbrush and brush your teeth like it is a normal toothpaste, then spit all the oil in a wastebasket or handkerchief because the coconut oil becomes solid at temperatures below 25°C and this can block sink and plumbing. Then, wash the mouth with lukewarm water. Prefer always organic extra virgin coconut oil.