10 Benefits of Coconut Oil For Your Skin and Health
Green Goddess Smoothie with Coconut Oil for Amazing Skin
10 Benefits of Coconut Oil For Your Skin and Health. Coconut Oil and or MCT Oil has gained popularity for its numerous health and skincare benefits. When taken internally, it is easily digested and won’t clog up our system as it is composed of 90% medium-chain saturated fats which our body can metabolize efficiently.
It raises levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), then converts the HDL into pregnenolone, the precursor to the progesterone hormone which is also known as the “beauty hormone”. Progesterone improves circulation to the skin, giving us a natural face-lift by tightening up our saggy places.
Used topically, it is an amazing oil for everything from smoothing scars to moisturizing dry elbows.
10 Benefits of Coconut Oil For Your Skin and Health
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Lauric acid and other components of coconut oil have antimicrobial properties, which can help protect the skin from harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This makes it useful for treating acne, fungal infections, and even certain skin conditions like athlete’s foot.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) found in coconut oil, particularly lauric acid, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
- Antioxidant Properties: Coconut oil contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, which help combat free radicals that can damage skin cells and contribute to premature aging.
- Hair Care: Coconut oil is widely used in hair care for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft, moisturize, and reduce protein loss, leading to stronger, healthier-looking hair. It can also help soothe a dry, itchy scalp and may aid in controlling dandruff.
- Immune System: Coconut oil applied to the skin or taken internally naturally supports the immune system to keep us healthy while reducing inflammation
- Lip Care: The emollient properties of coconut oil make it an excellent natural lip balm, keeping lips hydrated and soft.
- Moisturizing: Coconut oil is an excellent natural moisturizer for both skin and hair. Its fatty acids help retain moisture content and prevent moisture loss from the skin, making it particularly beneficial for dry or sensitive skin. Use it as a makeup remover as it is effective and gentle all while nourishing the skin.
- Skin Barrier Function: Coconut oil can help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function, promoting healthier and more resilient skin.
- Sun Protection: While not a replacement for sunscreen, coconut oil has a natural SPF of around 4-5 and can provide some level of protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays when applied topically. However, it should not be relied upon solely for sun protection.
- Wound Healing: Some research suggests that coconut oil may promote faster wound healing due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
COOKING WITH COCONUT OIL
Use coconut oil for cooking instead of unsaturated oils like canola oil, corn oil, margarine, safflower oil, soy oil, and vegetable oil to name a few. When you heat these unsaturated oils, they create highly toxic trans-fatty acids that will ultimately destroy how you look – meaning wrinkles and liver spots.
If the build up of rancid oils continues, it can eventually cause damage to major organs like the heart and liver, which will reduce their ability to absorb nutrients and filter our toxins. This too will affect your appearance. So try switching to coconut oil and see and feel the results.
SMOOTHIE WITH COCONUT OIL / MCT OIL
Green Goddess Smoothie with Coconut Oil for Amazing Skin
makes one 8oz smoothie
INGREDIENTS
1 c chopped Kale or Spinach
2″ Cucumber – chopped
1/2 c Coconut Water
1 tbls Coconut Oil melted or MCT oil
1 tsp Spirulina Powder
1 drop liquid Stevia or 1/2 tsp Honey (optional) for sweetness
Ice / optional
INSTRUCTIONS
Add all ingredients into your blender and give it a good whirl. Add ice for thickness preference
Are you looking for other clear skin smoothie recipes? Visit our ACNE AND CLEAR SKIN SMOOTHIES page for more delicious blends. And check out the other SUPERFOODS and HERBS featured here.