Coconut Oil: Skin benefits for life

In case you haven't heard, coconut oil seems to be the topic of conversation when it comes to the latest super food trends. Found in many common foods, this versatile oil can be used as an ingredient to boost your metabolism and immune system, as a moisturizer for your skin, and a conditioner for many hair types. In many parts of the world, using coconut oil on your hair and skin has been an ancient practice and is still used today.

As far as skin care goes, coconut oil can be a great moisturizer. Commercial moisturizers contain lots of water, which makes you feel like your skin is being moisturized. But as soon as the water dries, your skin becomes dry again. Also, many commercial brands of moisturizers contain petroleum-based ingredients that can suffocate the skin. In contrast, coconut oil provides deep and real moisture. It helps strengthen underlying tissues and helps remove excessive dead cell on the skin's surface that makes your skin rough and flaky in texture. On your face, apply as you would your normal moisturizer. While it tends to have a greasier consistency at first, it's fantastic at absorbing quickly into skin. Remember: a little bit goes a long way. A spoonful is enough for your entire body. This previous summer, my father would slather the stuff all over his skin and use it as a natural sunscreen. According to our family dermotoligist, coconut oil has a natural spf of 7-10. Apparantly father knows best!

When purchasing your first jar of coconut oil, be sure to look for extra virgin coconut oil. A brand that has not been hydrogenated, bleached, refined or deodorized will do the trick. Organic will ensure 100 percent non-GMO, which is also preferable. You don’t have to refrigerate it after opening. Store it in the kitchen cuppard or a bathroom that doesn’t get too warm. Get ready to get hooked on this afforabale and reliable ancient remedy that has limitless benefits for your body; both inside and out!

Healthy Oils Brings Healthy Skin in the New Year

This month, we're talking about the reparative effects of organic oils in our Evening Eye Repair Serum for your skin.  Did you know that eating healthy oils will bring additional positive effects for the skin and body?  We are highlighting two specifically - Omega-3 fatty acids and Coconut oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids - and particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) - are essential for healthy skin and hair. EPA helps regulate oil production in your skin. Having plenty of this essential fatty acid in your body keeps your skin hydrated and prevents it from drying and flaking. It can also protect and repair skin from UV damage by acting as antioxidant against harmful free radicals.

Omega-3s play an important role in weight loss by helping to burn calories before they become stored in our bodies, which means less extra weight carry. Ongoing research suggests that Omega-3 fatty acids may be able to directly influence important metabolic genes in our cells – genes that control how we synthesize glycogen and how we store and burn fat.

You can find Omega-3 fatty acids in cold water fatty fish (sardines, tuna, salmon, mackerel), as well as walnuts, canola oil and flax seed. We personally like to add a high quality flax seed meal to our food for nutty tasted that is easy to digest.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
According to a study published recently in the medical journal Obesity Research, diets rich in coconut oil can potentially stimulate weight loss by increasing the metabolism, and may aid in the prevention of obesity. Most of what we consume in the United States consists of artery-clogging, 'long-chain' saturated fats derived from grain-fed animals. But the plant-based medium chain fatty acids (or medium chain triglycerides - MCT as they are known in scientific circles) tend to digest quickly, producing energy and stimulating the metabolism, thereby helping overweight people reduce their weight.

A number of studies have found that the medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil are not readily converted into stored fats, nor can they be readily used by the body to make larger fat molecules. While you can cook with coconut oil (it has a high heat temperature).  We love to add tablespoon of coconut oil to a tropical fruit smoothie.

Whatever oils you use, make sure they are cold-pressed, extra virgin or direct from the source (mmm, seafood!), and always Be Natural!