Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth." That is quite a remarkable statement associated with this natural and humble oil.

Wherever coconut palms grow, the people there understand the value of the food and medicine derived from the fruit. For centuries people have respected the curative properties of coconut oil.

The Scientific Name:

Cocos nucifera is the scientific name for coconut. Spanish explorers called it coco which means “monkey face” as it has three indentations on one end of the fruit, added to which long hairy fiber resembles a monkey. Nucifera literally means “nut – bearing”.

This oil which is a rich source of fiber, minerals and vitamins has more than ninety percent saturated fats. According to Dr. Weston the saturated fats in coconut oil occur naturally and are not the artificially created fats through the man made process known as hydrogenation. In his studies he found that the people of South Pacific Island thrived on a diet high in coconut and even then, had excellent cardiovascular health, with no clogged arteries.

Lauric acid, a compound found in coconut oil, is also present in mother’s milk. It helps to build the new born baby’s immune system. It is also a rich source of medium chain triglycerides.

There are several health benefits of coconut oil, both when used topically and also when consumed internally.

Hair Care:

Coconut oil is applied on the scalp and hair extensively in India, as it prevents dandruff when massaged on a dry scalp. It nourishes damaged hair and is used as a conditioner.

Skin Care:

Massaging the body and face with coconut oil delays wrinkles and sagging skin. It helps in curing problems like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and dry flaky skin. This oil is the basic ingredient for many expensive products like soaps, shampoos, creams and lotions.

Weight Loss:

Coconut oil stimulates the metabolism and improves thyroid function while it also removes the stress on the pancreas. As this oil contains short and medium range fatty acids it helps in keeping off excessive weight. According to a study in the journal “Lipids”, 40 women are said to have lost belly fat when given coconut oil in their diet along with an exercise regimen.

Heart Health:

Coconut oil although very high in saturated fats, contains 50% of lauric acid which prevents high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Unlike other vegetable oils it does not lead to increased LDL levels. It reduces the incidence of injury to arteries which will prevent atherosclerosis.

Digestion:

The saturated fats in coconut oil prevent growth of fungi and parasites that cause indigestion and related problems like irritable bowel syndrome. It helps in absorption of amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Healing:

When applied on wounds and cuts, coconut oil forms a shield, consequently preventing the entry of dust, bacteria and virus. It speeds up the healing process while repairing damaged tissue.

Coconut Oil for Cooking:

Dr. Joseph Mercola finds that olive is best for salad dressings – but unstable on heating, as a result he found coconut oil best for cooking. According to him the polyunsaturated fats like corn, soy, safflower, sunflower and canola, when heated produced toxins as well as trans-fats. The only oil that is stable enough to withstand high temperatures while cooking is coconut oil

Face Mask

Surprisingly we have a lot of options to clear our blemishes within our reach – right there on the kitchen shelf. All we need is to have a little perseverance and patience for home remedies to work their magic.
There are a variety of ingredients, which can be used, so take care to choose whatever suits your skin best. At times when you use the same face mask continuously, it can stop showing too much progress, so go ahead and try another. Take care to test your skin as you go along.

Grate half a cucumber and blend it with a cup of oatmeal. Add 1 teaspoon of yogurt to this, to make a paste. Apply on the face, taking special care to cover blemishes and leave for 10 minutes. Wash gently with cool water. With regular use this mask will soften and smooth acne pits.

This is a simple one – grate cucumber and strain to collect ½ a cup of juice. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and mix well. Apply this on face and neck area, leave for 15 minutes. Wash gently with cool water and splash some cold water to close pores. The skin will clear up and glow.

Take 1 teaspoon of brewer’s yeast and mix it well with 1 tablespoon of yogurt. Apply this paste and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash gently with cool water. This helps to clear blemishes. Repeat every other day for 2 months.

Mash some boiled carrots to make a cup. Apply thickly on face and leave it on till it dries or for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold milk first and then use cold water. This is very good for acne marks and pits.

Use a blend of 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of rose water. Apply on face and neck every night and go to bed. Wash with normal water in the morning. If this feels sticky– wash it after 40 minutes.

Peel and grate some green papaya. Mash well or run it through the blender. Apply this as a thick paste for 20 minutes before washing face. This works well on acne and pit marks and brings a smooth and glowing complexion.

Take 2 tablespoons of green gram (moong) powder and make a paste with water. Leave on the face for 20-25 minutes and rinse with cool water. This clears pimples, acts on wrinkles and moisturizes skin as well. The powder can be stored in a jar.

Rub a nutmeg against a stone with some cold milk to get a paste. You can finely dry grind 4-5 nutmegs and store the powder. Mix 1 teaspoon of nutmeg powder with 2 teaspoons of cold milk and apply this paste on the face. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing gently with cool water. This removes acne marks and lightens skin tone.

Castor oil is very popular and known to remove blemishes and pigmentation. Apply by moving fingers in a circular direction. Use this twice a day. Avoid using if there are any pus filled pimples – as the oil will aggravate them. Avoid using castor oil during pregnancy.

Take 1 tablespoon of gram flour (chick pea flour). Mix 1 tablespoon of yogurt to form a paste. This has exfoliating properties as well as fading blemishes. This mask is effective and safe to use as it does not cause any reactions. A few drops of lemon juice may be added.

Make a mask with 2 tablespoons of sandal wood powder and 2 tablespoons of rose water. After washing your face with warm water, apply this paste and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash with cool water. This mask generally suits all skin types.

Blend the juice of ½ a lemon with 1 egg white. Apply this mask on face and neck and wash after it dries. It can be kept on face overnight. This will tighten skin and is especially good for open pores.

Take the water from a green coconut or tender coconut and apply on blemishes and for pigmentation. This can be applied on dark elbows and knees as well. It lightens the skin tone. This water is said to remove pox marks.

Face masks – which are made from natural ingredients, will take a little longer to show results, though regular care will definitely show positive and long lasting results

skin tone and add a glow to the complexion.

The masks mentioned below are very good to lighten the skin tone and add a glow to the complexion. They must be followed for the specified time and inculcated as a daily routine.
Tip 1:

Soak 4 almonds overnight. Make a very fine paste with them, using milk to grind them.

Apply this paste on the neck and face before going to bed. Wash with cold water in the morning. Repeat daily for 15 days, followed by twice a week.

Tip 2:

Take 1 tbsp of gram flour and 2 tsp of raw milk and 2-3 drops of lime juice. Mix well and apply. Wash after 15 minutes. Repeat for 4 weeks and follow up with once a week.

Tip 3:

Grind a cup of mint leaves to a fine paste. Apply and leave for 20 minutes. Wash. Continue for 15 days.

Tip 4:

Grate a tomato. Add 2-3 drops of lime juice. Apply and wash after 20 minutes. Do this morning and evening for 15 - 20 days. Apply well on the neck area also.

Tip 5:

Diluted Vinegar
Potato juice with 2-3 drops of lime juice.
Cucumber juice with 2-3 drops of lime juice.
Diluted lime juice.

Causes of Dry Skin

Dry skin is a universal problem; people the world over are trying to cope with dry skin and in the bargain, the manufacture of skin products has become a billion dollar industry.
Causes of Dry Skin

There are many reasons why we get dry skin, which at times is flaky and patchy, and even develops rashes. Cold weather with harsh winds is one of the main reasons; low humidity and working in air-conditioned atmospheres for long periods are other common reasons.

Many people have genetically dry skin or suffer from skin disorders like or eczema. Medications for diabetes and thyroid dry the skin out. One of the reasons for dry skin in older individuals is that - as you grow older, the oil glands produce less oil leading to skin dryness.

Here are some remedies for dry skin. Always consult a doctor before trying any of them for your dry skin.
Dry Skin on the Face

The face is exposed to all the elements like heat, cold and wind. It therefore becomes easily susceptible to dry skin. Here are some tips to manage dry facial skin.

Tip 1:

Start the day with this – take half a cup of unboiled milk at room temperature. Dip a pad of cotton wool and generously apply on the face and neck. Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes and wash off. After a shower, pat the face dry and apply a moisturizer while the face is still moist.

Tip 2:

Splash some water from a tender whenever possible. Do this at least twice a day when the dryness is acute as coconut water is one of the best natural moisturizers. Leave it on for 15 minutes before washing off.

Tip 3:

Mash ½ an avocado and mix the pulp with 2 teaspoons of  Mix it well and smear on the face for 10 minutes. Wash with warm water.

Tip 4:

Yogurt applied on the face and neck works in gently removing flakes of dry skin. has lactic acid which soothes and refreshes the skin, and calms down the itchiness and skin rashes. Some ripe papaya pulp can be added to the yogurt and use it as a mask.

Tip 5:

Pumpkin has enzymes which are extremely good for a smooth satiny skin. Peel the pumpkin and grate the fleshy part, add a pinch of cinnamon powder to this, let it soak for a few minutes and use as a face mask.

Tip 6:

Clean off make up with cotton pads dipped in  - it works on the skin as a moisturizer and adds a layer of fatty acids which don’t deplete the skin in any way.

Tip 7:

Use a gentle face wash rather than soap and avoid hot water which can be harsh on a sensitive dry skin.
Dry Skin on Feet

The skin on our feet is naturally dry compared to the rest of the body as there are no oil glands – only sweat glands. Dry feet can lead to fissures and cracks, which occur more often during extreme cold climate. Sometimes over exposure to direct sunlight can be a cause for dry skin on the feet. Hot and long baths and showers with strong and harsh soaps is another common reason.

Wearing comfortable cotton socks with shoes which allow your feet to breathe are definitely a benefit. For severe dryness of skin accompanied with rashes and scales, it would be a good idea to consult a dermatologist or a podiatrist. They may advise some blood tests to check for psoriasis,  or dermatitis.

There are some remedies which can arrest the problem when used at the initial stage. At times instead of aggravating the skin by scratching, rub some ice on the rashes to calm the burning and itchiness.

Tip 1:

Combine a spoonful of olive oil with a few drops of  and a few drops of lavender oil. Shake well till the oil becomes thick and creamy. Apply on feet and leave it on for an hour at least.

Tip 2:

Apply vegetable oil on the feet and wear a pair of socks. This can be kept on overnight for best benefit.

Tip 3:

Petroleum jelly is very popularly used for dry feet. Apply a thick layer at bed time and cover with cotton socks; repeat on a regular basis to keep the feet soft and smooth.

Dry Skin on the Eyelids

Dry eyelids are an issue many of us are plagued with. It can lead to a condition called blepharitis. When you have this condition, you are not only dealing with dry scales but itchiness, discoloration of the skin and soreness.

There are many reasons for this condition and some of them are directly related to hygiene and allergies. It may be due to a brand of shampoo or maybe hair dye, cologne, a moisturizer, eyeliner or an eye shadow. Sometimes, a feather pillow or a down comforter can be the culprit.

Most of us wash our faces under the shower spray with our eyes closed. Try to keep hot spray away from your eyelids and wash your face with tepid water, avoiding soap.

Tip 1:
 helps dryness of the eyelids. Aloe Vera gel gives immediate relief to eyelid rashes and scabs that are a result of dry skin and flakes. Use fresh gel if it is available or a preparation which has no preservatives.

Tip 2:

Give warm compresses to the  three to four times a day; use a clean wash cloth dipped in warm water – squeeze out excess water and place on both eye areas for 10-15 minutes. Continue at least once a day even when the eyelids are better.

Tip 3:

Wear a sunscreen and goggles whenever you go out in the sun.

Tip 4:

Avoid touching the eye area with unwashed hands.

Tip 5:

Cleanse face and eyes completely of make up before going to bed every night. Apply a moisturizer that suits you and keep pillows and comforters well aired and dusted. Vacuum the house regularly.

Lemon juicefruit in medicine and beauty

The most popular citrus fruit in medicine and beauty therapy. It helps bleach and purify the skin.

Lemon juice, raw - Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 100 grams Amount Per Serving Calories 22 Calories from Fat 2 % Daily Value* Total Fat 0g 0 %    Saturated Fat 0g 0 %    Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg 0  % Sodium 1mg 0 % Total Carbohydrate 7g 2  %    Dietary Fiber 0.3g 1 %    Sugar 3g Protein 0g 1 % Vitamin A 0%  Vitamin C 64% Calcium 1%  Iron 0% *Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie reference diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower based on your individual needs. Medindia.net

Download Printable Label

Nutrition summary
Calories 22	Fat 2 g	Carbs 18.6 g	Protein 1.2 g

Percent breakdown of 22 total Calories (kcal)
Protein	5.35%	(0.4 g x 3.4 Kcal/g = 1.2 kcal)
Fat	9.13%	(0.24 g x 8.37 Kcal/g = 2 kcal)
Carbohydrate	84.68%	(6.9 g x 2.7 Kcal/g = 18.63 kcal)

Vitamins Nutrient Amount %DV Betaine ~ Carotene, alpha 0 mcg Carotene, beta 1  mcg Choline 5.1 mg Cryptoxanthin, beta 4  mcg Folate, DFE 20  mcg 5 % Folate, food 20  mcg 5 % Folate, total 20  mcg 5 % Folic acid 0  mcg Lutein + zeaxanthin 15 mcg Lycopene 0  mcg Niacin 0.09  mg 0.46 % Pantothenic acid 0.13 mg 1.31 % Retinol 0  mcg Riboflavin 0.02  mg 0.88 % Thiamin 0.02 mg 1.6 % Tocopherol, beta ~ Tocopherol, delta ~ Tocopherol, gamma ~ Vitamin A 6  IU 0.12 % Vitamin B12 0 mcg 0 % Vitamin B6 0.05 mg 2.3 % Vitamin C 38.7 mg 64.5 % Vitamin D 0 IU 0 % Vitamin E 0.15 mg 0.5 % Vitamin K 0  mcg 0 %

Protein and Amino Acids Nutrient Amount %DV Protein 0.35 g 0.7 % Essential Aminos Histidine ~ Isoleucine ~ Leucine ~ Lysine ~ Methionine ~ Phenylalanine ~ Threonine ~ Tryptophan ~ Valine ~ Non-essential Aminos Arginine ~ Alanine ~ Aspartic acid ~ Cystine ~ Glutamic acid ~ Glycine ~ Hydroxyproline ~ Proline ~ Serine ~ Tyrosine ~ Methionine ~ Phenylalanine ~

Hair Loss

This is a very natural phenomenon and all of us do experience loss of hair. Too much of hair loss is a matter of concern. This usually happens after a long illness, extreme climates, too much of stress and bad eating or sleeping habits.

Tip 1:

Wash the hair with Tender Coconut water every other day for weeks.

Tip 2:

Add the paste of fresh Curry leaves to Shikakai powder and wash hair with this on a regular basis.

Tip 3:

Wash hair with coconut milk

Tip 4:

Dry some basil leaves and Margosa leaves. Add some Bay leaves and powder all 3 together. Add 1tspn of this powder to 50 ml. of water and apply for ½ an hour Wash.

Dandruff

Healthy glowing hair is a crowning glory for a woman today. To keep it this way is not very simple given to-days living conditions. The heat and dust and also working for long periods in air- conditioned surroundings. The hair treatments like perms, tinting, and hot rollers also affect the healthy luster of your hair.

The best way to atone for this would be to go "Totally Natural" from time to time. Just like plants hair too needs proper nourishment. You need to eat a proper protein rich diet.

The scalp should be clean before oiling the hair. Do brush hair as a daily routine, with firm downward strokes. Wet hair should not be brushed, as hair is weak when it is wet, and breaks easily. Take care and the time to massage the scalp while oiling hair, as this will increase the blood circulation around the roots.

Dandruff is the shedding of dead cells from the scalp. It sometimes leads to boils and pimples too. These are some ways in which we can get rid of dandruff.

Tip 1:

Keep the scalp clean. Oil hair on alternate days and shampoo.

Tip 2:

Mix 2 tspns of Brandy in 1 cup of water. Apply with the fingertips to the roots of hair. Wash after ½ hour with shampoo.

Tip 3:

Mix 1 egg with 1 cup of yogurt and apply on the scalp. Leave for ½ an hour and wash.

Tip 4:

Mix 1 tblspn of Olive oil with 1 tspn of limejuice. Apply well on the scalp and cover the head by tying an old scarf. Keep it on overnight and shampoo the next morning.

Tip 5:

1 tspn of Fenugreek seed powder mixed with an egg. Apply and leave for ½ an hour before shampooing the hair.

Tip 6:

1 tspn fenugreek seed powder mixed with 1 cup of yogurt. Apply and leave for ½ an hour before washing.

Tip 7:

Take 2 tblspns of Beetroot juice and add 1 egg and 1 tspn limejuice to this. Apply and leave for ½ an hour before washing.

Tip 8:

Oil hair well before going to bed. Next morning mix 1 tspn limejuice with ½ tspn salt. Rub this on the scalp with the peel of a lime turned inside out. Leave for 1 hour before shampooing.