Wednesday 30 January 2013

Guest Post: Health and Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil

      Coconut oil has been used for years in India for its numerous health and body care benefits, and to some degree, it has been incorporated in mass-produced products for sale in the Western world. Coconut oil is catching on as a quick-fix for a variety of different reasons all on its own lately.

Coconut oil is made up of lauric acid and a unique form of saturated fat – a form that's actually good for your body. When buying coconut oil, choose virgin coconut oil instead of processed coconut oil. It has more health benefits.


Hair Care

Damaged and Dry Hair

Coconut oil can be used to help treat damaged, dry hair and split ends. To use coconut oil, massage a tablespoon size amount into split ends. Leave the coconut oil on your hair for about 30 minutes before showering and washing it out.

If the coconut oil is difficult to massage into your hair, try putting it in the microwave on a medium setting for 10 to 15 seconds in a microwave-safe bowl to soften it.



Dry Scalp

Coconut oil is very helpful for treating a dry scalp because it contains fat content that can moisturize hair. The process of using coconut oil for your scalp is relatively easy, but you may need to do it for a few days before you notice a major improvement.

To use coconut oil to treat a dry scalp, rub just enough of it on to coat your scalp. There’s no need to coat your hair at the same time unless it’s dry too. Let the coconut oil stay on your hair for about 20 minutes.

Re-apply the same amount of coconut oil after 20 minutes and comb out any tangles in your hair. Cover your head with a shower cap or put a towel down on your pillow to keep the oil from leaving stains.

In the morning, simply wash your hair like you normally would. Repeat the treatment for a few days if necessary.

If you find that using coconut oil helps keep your scalp from drying out, try using the coconut oil treatment about once per week. Using coconut oil about once per week can help keep your scalp from drying out altogether in many cases.


Skin Care



Severely Dry Skin

Coconut oil is moisturizing, and it can help people with very dry skin get the smooth, touchable feel that they want. Coconut oil can also be beneficial when used topically by people with eczema or psoriasis. People with normal or oily skin should avoid it – it can make the skin a bit oily if you don't really need it. 

To apply coconut oil to dry skin, apply a small amount to affected areas in the morning and evening after you shower. Applying coconut oil after you shower is best because it can help seal in moisture. Make sure you allow the coconut oil to absorb into your skin before dressing or going to bed.

Coconut oil can also be used throughout the day as needed.


Exfoliating Scrub

Many people spend a small fortune on premade skin care products like exfoliating scrubs. If you have dry skin, you can make your own effective scrub and save money in the process. 

Combine equal parts coconut oil and baking soda in a small container and bowl and thoroughly mix them together. To use the scrub, gently massage it onto your face over the skin before washing with lukewarm water.


Other Health Benefits


Weight Loss

Using coconut oil instead of other fats to cook food may be able to help you lose weight. While coconut oil does contain fat, its triglycerides don't stay in the bloodstream, and are immediately processed for energy by the liver. While olive oil is pretty healthy, coconut oil can aid in weight loss in ways that olive oil can't. 


Improved Digestion

Coconut oil may also aid in digestion and help you avoid problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Coconut oil can help improve digestion because it is anti-microbial meaning that it can actually help kill bacteria, parasites and fungi that can cause stomach problems and IBS. 


About Author: Marcela De Vivo is a health & beauty writer based in Los Angeles California. She currently writes many articles for Skintrium dealing with skin care and safe solutions for skin lightening. 




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35 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tip. I have been looking for something to help out my hair.

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  2. I love coconut oil, been using it for skin, hair and cooking for about a year now and can't fault it.xxx

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  3. I love using coconut oil in my hair! I'm going to try the scrub! Thanks for sharing.
    Theresa

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  4. I love coconut oil! DEFINITELY GOING TO TRY IT IN MY HAIR! Great post. Cheers.

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  5. Coconut oil is a very great thing and you proved it here once more ;)

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  6. Great info, thanks!
    New follower!

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  7. Great tips! Will have to try! Over from the Grow Your Blog Link Party and a new follower :) Have a great day!

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  8. Love the tips! Newest follower via the hop!

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  9. Hi Irfan,
    You always such wonderful tips posted on your blog. Thank you for linking up with us on the Thumping Thursdays Blog Hop.

    Karina
    http://momintheusa.blogspot.com

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  10. Really useful post.
    http://rumelatheshopaholic.blogspot.com

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  11. I've only used coconut oil once, and it was for a week while I was staying with my cousin, but I can't even tell you how much more soft and smooth my hair was for just that one day! I loved it. Totally a believer of it's magical hair-changing qualities :)

    I'm new from the blog hop. Excited to be your newest friend and follower!

    Brooke
    silverliningtheblog.com

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  12. Hey girl! I'm your newest follower from the blog hop : ) I have heard such great things about coconut oil, but I have never used it. Thanks for this review, it was helpful and definitely made me want to give it a try! I'd love it if you visited my blog as well!

    http://keepingupwiththecyperts.blogspot.com/

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  13. Hi, I am your newest follower from the Aloha Blog Hop. You have a great blog. I hope you will visit me at My Dream Canvas and follow me back. Have a lovely weekend.

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  14. I use coconut all the time in cooking, it's great :) Great tips!

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  15. My friend swears by coconut oil-I need to try it! I'm now following via the hop, and would love you to visit and say hi :)
    Susan
    www.mustlovejunk.blogspot.com

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  16. Thanks for the tips, have to get some coconut oil! I saw you at This Gal Cooks link and I'm a new follower. I invite you to visit me at http://www.memoriesbythemile.com/
    Have a great weekend.
    Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile

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  17. I'm sold... I'm trying it! Newest follower from the Aloha Blog Hop :) I'd love for you to stop by and follow back! Have a great weekend, and I'm looking forward to more updates!

    xo,
    Stephanie
    Diary of a Debutante
    www.stephanieziajka.blogspot.com

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  18. Interesting post with good information...
    In Sri Lanka,we use coconut oil for our cooking....also as a hair oil

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  19. I just recently learned about all the benefits of coconut oil and coconut water from ABC News and GMA in January, so this post is definitely helpful and very interesting to me! I'm totally trying it out on my hair.
    I'm a new GFC follower, here from Fun Friday hop. =0)
    ~Kim
    http://2justByou.blogspot.com

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  20. Thanks for sharing i just love the smell of coconut :)

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  21. Very nice information!

    http://www.beautyandthemist.com/

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  22. And boy, it tastest AMAZING in a smoothie, doesn't it?! It's probably my new favorite thing!

    Just found you through the GFC Collective party and am now happily following along! Please come visit www.shinethislight.com if you have the time and link up this post at my "Much Ado Monday" party. I'd love to have you!

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  23. I just bought some to try out on my hair! We will see how it goes.

    Thank you for linking up with us for Monday Mingling! :)

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  24. I need to try that in my hair! New follower via the Monday Mingle hop. :)

    Rachel
    http://www.postcardsfromrachel.com

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  25. I will definitely try the coconut oil, my hair is looking sad these days. Thanks for the tips. Follower from Nice to meet you!

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  26. oh i believe this, when i was younger my mom used to put coconut oil on my hair and i guess it helps make my hair healthier :)

    thank you for linking up with Fun Friday Blog Hop, i hope you're having fun blog hopping!

    see you next time, huggies♥
    rea

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  27. I've been hearing so much about this lately. Thanks for stopping by my blog from the Meet and Greet hop.

    I'm following back! Brie @ Breezy Special Ed

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  28. Hello!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and for commenting on the GFC Blog Hop. I'm now a new follower of yours:) Have a good evening!


    Carissa
    Lillies & Silk

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  29. Coffee with coconut oil for me, I sometimes use it for cooking. Just living a healthy life.

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  30. Thanks for these great tips!

    Thanks for following and joining the Aloha Friday Blog Hop.

    Yaya

    http://dreamitdarling.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/aloha-friday-blog-hop.html

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  31. i use olive oil that suit me better

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  32. Coconut oil is really good for all people. We can make our hair strong and oily with the help of this natural oil. I also use it.

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  33. Very informative post here. Keep it up!

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  34. nice post, thanks for sharing.
    keep up the good work always.
    for more information about health and beauty so visit Online Shop Pakistan

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