Uses of Coconut Oil:Coconut oil is most commonly used as an ingredient in foods like non-dairy creamers, baked goods, popcorn and infant formula. It has also been used as fuel. In terms of health and beauty, coconut oil is often used as a moisturizer in dry skin, to strengthen hair, as a lubricant and as a main ingredient in soap making. For a free 2 oz sample, click here |
History of Coconut Oil
The coconut has been a staple for vast populations all around the globe long before written history. Indigenous peoples, who relied on it for their primary source of food, also knew about the amazing usefulness of its oil. Dubbed the “Tree of Life” by pacific islanders, many believed it to be a cure for all illnesses.
The ancient natives of Hawaii anointed Captain Cook with coconut oil during their Makahiki festival. This ho’okupu (offering to the gods) was a time of spiritual cleansing.
The coconut was harvested two (2) to three (3) thousand years ago in ancient India, making it the oldest traditional crop grown. Featured in many Hindu epic stories (like the Mahabharata) it was also mentioned in the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Ramayana, as being a part of King Ravana’s dream.
Coconut Oil Supplier – Uses and Benefits
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 19th 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’s completely 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.
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