Coconut oil is obtained from the kernel of coconut which is the fruit of the coconut tree. This tree grows abundantly in tropical coastal areas like southern parts of Asia. Coconut oil is found to be an effective skin and hair oil. It is also used as cooking oil by the natives of South Asia.

Good For Skin And Hair

Coconut oil has many cosmetic and medicinal properties. It has natural antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties which makes it an effective treatment for skin problems like rashes and acne. It is also a rich source of antioxidants which help to counter environmental factors like pollution which cause ageing.

Coconut oil is an effective massage oil as it is rich in vitamin E. It also gets readily absorbed into the skin making it soft and smooth. Regular use of coconut oil on the skin helps to keep wrinkles away. It also helps to reduce dark circles around the eyes. Coconut oil is widely used in a variety of skin care soaps, creams and lotions. The pure oil is very good for lightly massaging babies as it makes skin soft and also keeps nappy rashes away.

Coconut oil is widely used in hair care products. Massaging coconut oil on the hair and scalp improves hair growth as it gets readily absorbed and stimulates the hair follicles. Daily application of warm coconut oil repairs dull and damaged hair and improves its texture. Due to its antibacterial properties, coconut oil keeps the scalp free of hair problems like dandruff and lice.

Good For Health

Coconut oil also has many health benefits. Earlier, it was considered to be harmful for the heart as it contains high amounts of saturated fats. But research has shown that the saturated fats in coconut oil are not harmful as those found in other vegetable oils. Consumption of coconut oil does not increase the bad cholesterol or LDL in the body.

In fact coconut oil has a very high percentage of lauric acid which increases the immunity of the body against different diseases including heart diseases. The other rich source of lauric acid is mother’s milk which is known to provide natural immunity to babies.

Coconut oil is easy to digest and does not put much pressure on the liver and pancreas which carry out the work of digesting the oil. As a result, it improves the condition of the liver and pancreas.

Coconut oil is found to keep the body weight in control. This is because the oil naturally increases the metabolism rate of the body which helps to burn the extra calories. That is why people in the coastal areas are generally not found to be obese.

To experience the benefits of coconut oil it is best to purchase virgin coconut oil which preserves all its natural goodness.