The Magic of Coconut Oil

The Magic of Coconut Oil

There is much abuzz these days about coconut oil and all of it's healthy benefits.  Indeed it is a magical power food. Although we carry both scented and unscented coconut oil,   I would like to discuss the particular benefits of fractionated coconut oil 76.  We carry a wonderful product, coconut oil that has been fractionated- which means it have been filtered and expeller expressed to lose it's scent.  Although most of us love the smell of coconut, there are those who prefer a lighter scent, or would like to enjoy the benefits of coconut oil as a carrier oil.  With all of the health benefits of coconut oil 76 remaining, minus the strong aroma, used as a carrier oil allows you to experience all of the benefits of the essential oil that you are using, including the scent. 

Many of my patients have experienced radiation and become extremely sensitive to smell.  Our fractionated coconut oil is a perfect solution to this problem.  

Known as being very rich in lauric acid and solid at at temperatures below 76º F, coconut oil is probably the single most popular oil in cold and hot process soap making because it produces a thick wonderful lather.   This product is All Natural.  This Product is Cold Pressed and Hexane Extracted. Coconut oil helps the soap retain more moisture while at the same time hardening and whitening the finished product. 

Natural and Healthy Cooking

Our RBD coconut oil is made from the dried coconut kernel. This purified product is an excellent addition to a healthy home menu (or commercial) cooking needs. Coconut oil is very heat stable, which means that it is great for high temperature cooking, like sautéing or frying. It is also very slow to oxidize and resists rancidity, which gives it a long shelf life without getting that “stale” taste. Much effort was put into adding a longer shelf life to other vegetable oils - in the 19^th century, chemists discovered trans-fats by bubbling hydrogen gas through vegetable oil in the presence of a nickel catalyst. Coconut oil is a saturated fat, which means that it’scompletely trans-fat free while promoting good cholesterol. Not to mention that it acts as a natural antibiotic and aids in nutrient absorption.

A Healthy Complexion

While we all know that a healthy body starts from within, it’s also important to have a complete approach, including the outermost part of our body – the skin. Double-blind controlled clinical trials have found coconut oil effective in improving skin hydration, increasing skin lipid levels, while at the same time showing no irritant effects. This should be no surprise, as people in the tropics have used it as a traditional moisturizer for centuries, maintaining smooth healthy skin while continually exposed to the sun and the salty sea air. Add it too a spray bottle and enjoy a natural moisturizer that rubs in easily and doesn’t leave an “oily feel”.

These benefits can also be harnessed by incorporating coconut oil into soaps and lotions with some, perhaps unexpected, but wonderful benefits. Simply put, soaps will be harder, retain more moisture, and will also lather more easily. Lotions will help the skin retain moisture naturally. Coconut oil has become a staple for the personal care industry.

Silky Smooth Hair

On the other hand, many people are yet to understand that their daily routines can actually be harmingtheir hair. Coloring, drying, teasing, combing and bleaching can all put stress on the cuticle (outermost layer of the hair follicle) and create split ends. Combing wet hair also causes significant damage; when wet, hair follicles absorb water and swell. This causes the cuticle to be even more susceptible to damage during combing or brushing. A study published by the Journal of cosmetic science found that application of coconut oil significantly reduced the amount of damage to hair, by every day beautifying rituals, compared to other products. Their conclusion states, “ This study has firmly established the superiority of the protective effect of coconut oil on hair damage in grooming processes when it is used as a pre-wash conditioner…. Coated on the fiber surface, it can prevent or reduce the amount of water penetrating into the fiber and reduce the swelling. This, in turn, reduces the lifting of the surface cuticle and prevents it from being chipped away during wet combing…. ”

Natural Living, Everyday

Snack Time

Heat two (2) tablespoons of coconut oil in a large bottomed pot. After it’s hot, drop a couple kernels of popcorn in it and wait until they pop. Then add a half (½) cup of popcorn and cover and gently shake until you stop hearing the popcorn pop for four (4) seconds. Remove from heat and remove lid (carefully). Drizzle two (2) more tablespoons of coconut oil on top of the popcorn, shake and season to taste.

Dry Skin?

For dry skin – apply to skin twice a day. Use a mild cleansing soap. Use as a base with an Essential Oil and put into a spray bottle for added convenience. It’s as simple as that.

Healthy Hair Starts at the Ends

Everyday life takes a toll on your hair. Prevent split ends and let natural beauty shine through by protecting it, naturally. More effective than modern and expensive hair care products, coconut oil will prevent when applied before your traditional routine, a protective barrier that keeps your hair’s cuticles from lifting and being susceptible to damage.

Natural Cleansing and Vitality

Is dry skin not necessarily one of your concerns? Then liberally use coconut oil in your soap to make soap with a rich lather that cleans extremely well. Want a mild soap for your face? Then use coconut oil sparingly to add moisturizing properties.

Afterwards, use to make an all-natural deodorant. Mix ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of cornstarch in a bowl. Then mix in six (6) tablespoons of coconut oil until mixed (adding essential oils are preferred). Although not an antiperspirant, it will absorb wetness without the use of harsh chemicals.

You can find our pure, organic coconut oil at www.gentlemoonessentials.com