NonStop Natural

Top 10 All Natural Makeup Removers for Beautiful Skin

November 18, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

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    Ladies, we go through a great deal of trouble to look our best, don’t we? Eyelash curlers, hot rollers, hair straighteners, and makeup. If you are like us, you look for cosmetics that have a natural base to them, because who wants to put toxic stuff on your pretty skin, right?

However, when it comes to removing that makeup, what do you use? Almost all makeup removing products either don’t work (soap and water? Right.) Or they are loaded with petroleum based junk.   makeup-2

Even those “all natural” makeup removers leave a lot to be desired. Did you know, however, that there are actually makeup removers, some of them right in your own kitchen, that work like magic in getting off those false eyelashes and metallic eye shadows?

Let’s take a good look at the top 10 best, completely natural makeup removers that actually work.

 

  1. Yogurt   makeup-yogurt

This sounds strange, but it really does work. Yogurt will not only remove makeup, but it softens your skin at the same time. Use plain, unsweetened yogurt for this one, not the fruit at the bottom kind. Put some of the yogurt in a small bowl to avoid containing a larger jar of yogurt, then dip a cotton ball into the bowl. Wipe all over your face and wait just a few seconds, then rinse well with cool water. The only drawback to yogurt is that it can drip and be a bit messy, but that’s a small price to pay for beautiful skin.

 

  1. Cucumbers   makeup-cucumber

You’ve probably seen tons of cucumber based masks and lotions in stores. This is because cucumber is naturally soothing to the skin due to its natural anti-inflammatory compounds. If you often get breakouts or have red spots from other cleansers, this is the one for you.  You can blend one small cucumber, or cut a large one in half, and put it in the blender until you have a nice paste. Rub this paste over your face with your fingers and wait about 1 minute. Rinse with cool water.

 

  1. Almond Oil and Milk   makeup-almond-oil

This is a terrific combination that exfoliates the skin, while keeping it from becoming dried out. Use whole milk for this procedure as it has more lactic acid in the fat, which removes dead skin cells without scrubbing.

Simply mix a tablespoon of almond oil into a small bowl with about half a cup of milk. Dip a cotton ball in this mixture and rub over your entire face. You might want to do this twice. Then you can simply rinse it off with warm water. This is a simple, yet remarkable way to remove makeup and keep that beautiful peaches and cream complexion.

 

  1. Jojoba Oil   makeup-jojoba-oil

This oil has a funky name, but it is oh so wonderful for the skin and hair because it naturally mimics our own oil secretions. If you tend to have oily skin, this is the one to try. Simply mix two parts water with one part jojoba oil. Mix up in a little bowl, then dab on your face using a cotton ball. Use another cotton ball soaked in this same mixture and wipe away makeup and dirt all in one fell swoop.

 

  1. Avocados   makeup-avocado

While you are making some guacamole for the weekend, pick up an extra avocado for your own personal use. This method is super easy! Simply cut the avocado in half, then use a cotton ball and rub some of the inside of the avocado. You don’t need to have huge chunks; just a little hint of green will do the trick. Rub the cotton ball on your face and watch the makeup come off like magic. When you have finished, rinse with cool water. These tasty little green fruits are high in vitamin E, A, and D, so they nourish your skin at the same time they remove makeup.

 

  1. Witch Hazel   makeup-witch-hazel

One of the oldest, yet completely natural products, for removing makeup is witch hazel.  Unfortunately, witch hazel can be drying to the skin. For a terrific make-it-yourself makeup remover, simply mix 2 tablespoons of witch hazel (you can buy it in any drugstore for about $2) 2 tablespoons of olive oil or jojoba oil, and 2 tablespoons of water. Whisk together and apply with a cotton ball. Remove with a warm, wet washcloth.

 

  1. Olive Oil   makeup-olive-oil

You probably have a bottle of this in your kitchen right now. Talk about easy! No trip to the drug store, just put olive oil on a cotton ball and swipe it on your face, then rinse off with warm water. If you tend to have oily skin or suffer from breakouts, add 1 drop of tea tree oil to one tablespoon of olive oil to stop those breakouts.

 

  1. Grape Seed Oil   makeup-grape

You can find this in your supermarket, right next to the olive oil. It might cost a bit more, but it does an outstanding job at removing tough eye makeup, like those waterproof mascaras. Simply put some on a cotton ball and apply where needed, then wipe off with a cotton pad or washcloth. Rinse with warm water and you are good to go!

 

  1. Castile Soap   makeup-castile

Castile soap (sometimes spelled Castille) is a very pure soap that won’t sting your eyes if you should get a little in them. You can buy this liquid soap in just about any pharmacy for about $1. You can make a nice bottle of natural makeup remover for pennies! Simply mix ¼ teaspoon of Castile soap with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or jojoba oil into one cup of water. Just shake before using, and then apply with a cotton ball. This is one of the best, all around makeup removers that works like a charm.

 

  1. Organic Coconut Oil   makeup-coconut

Probably the best thing ever for removing even the most stubborn makeup.  Many women say that they have the best success, and don’t even need a moisturizer afterwards, by simply rubbing coconut oil into their skin, rinse with warm water, apply honey to the face, rub for a minute, then rinse. If you still see some traces of makeup, you can repeat with another coconut oil wash, but between the coconut oil to dissolve makeup and the honey to moisturize your skin, most women find this to be the perfect skin care routine.

 

There is no need to spend $25 on a makeup remover when you have so many natural choices that work equally as well, without toxic compounds.

What is your favorite way to remove makeup?

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Filed Under: Allergies, Cleaning, Hair and Skin, Healthy Living, How To, Natural, Oils, Organic, Toxins, Women Tagged With: cheap makeup removers, natural ways to remove makeup, non-toxic makeup removers, remove makeup naturally

Love Coconut Oil? We have 51 Popular Ways to Use It!

November 6, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

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Who doesn’t love, love, love coconut oil? It’s simply the best thing since sliced bread, isn’t it?  It has so many uses, too!  It’s been around for eons, but has suddenly become popular due to social media sites and the internet, during the past decade.

You probably use it on your skin and hair, but did you know that there are literally dozens of ways to use coconut oil? Even we were amazed at the things it could be used for!

We’ve got 51 ways to enjoy the healthy goodness of this coconut product, so you might want to turn on your printer! This list is a bit long!

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51 Popular Ways to Use Coconut Oil

  1. Super skin moisturizer
  2. Nourishing hair with its unique fat makeup
  3. Mix it with apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for head lice
  4. Makes a super diaper cream that is completely natural
  5. Helps to heal the perineum after giving birth
  6. Speeds healing of sunburns (use after the heat is gone)
  7. Increases mental alertness when consumed regularly
  8. Helps to shorten the duration of the flu or cold virus (mix into hot tea)
  9. Stops acne when used regularly
  10. Perfect for healing those dry, cracked heels.

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  1. Naturally clears up cold sores or fever blisters
  2. Great for homemade soaps or homemade laundry soap.
  3. Cleans and softens shiny leather items such as purses or boots.
  4. Best insect repellent has ever been rosemary oil mixed with coconut oil.
  5. Mix with clay and charcoal for a super homemade soap that is easy on the skin
  6. Make your own coconut oil based doggie treats!
  7. Terrific in homemade shampoo bars.
  8. Cheap anti-frizz hair treatment; simply rub a dime sized portion through your hair.
  9. Rub into cuticles daily to help nails grow and stop hangnails.
  10. Best all natural baby lotion ever!

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  1. Mix with a few drops of scented essential oils for a sweet smelling massage oil.
  2. Ladies, this makes a great personal lubricant.
  3. Has a natural SPF of 8, so you can use it as a tanning oil.
  4. Use in your slow cooker soap recipe for super rich lather.
  5. Mix coconut oil and sea salt for a super exfoliating scrub.
  6. Mix with sugar for a sweet body scrub!
  7. Whip coconut oil and pure Shea butter for a luscious body balm.
  8. Consumed regularly, it might help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
  9. When used regularly, it can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
  10. Helps skin to heal quickly after infection or injury when applied topically.

 

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  1. Improves circulation when consumed regularly.
  2. Used in “pulling” coconut oil can make teeth whiter and stronger.
  3. When used in food, it can support thyroid function.
  4. The perfect oil for “seasoning” cast iron pans.
  5. Replace vegetable oil in recipes for added nutrition.
  6. By substituting coconut oil for other fats in your diet, you can increase your metabolism, and lose weight.
  7. Instantly boost energy when consumed regularly.
  8. Improves your dog or cat’s skin and coat when consumed regularly.
  9. Makes a terrific coffee “creamer”.
  10. Best wood polish ever!

 

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  1. Ease the itch of insect bites within seconds.
  2. A natural lip balm that works much better than petroleum based products.
  3. Use as a moisturizing make-up remover.
  4. Fight inflammation naturally by replacing other fats with coconut oil.
  5. New mothers can stop sore nipples by using natural coconut oil. Super safe for baby, too!
  6. Removes stuck on chewing gum almost like magic.
  7. Makes a wonderful bath oil. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to some coconut oil for a super relaxing soak that naturally softens the skin.
  8. Eases the discomfort of most skin rashes.
  9. Want to jazz up some popcorn? Add a bit of melted coconut oil, rather than butter.
  10. Fade sun spots or age spots by rubbing a dab of coconut oil into the area each day.
  11. Ease hard, dry, cracked doggie paws by rubbing some coconut oil into the pads each day. Do this outside to avoid getting it on your carpet!

 

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While coconut oil might not be a “cure all”, it certainly can do more than we ever thought it could!

What is your favorite way to use coconut oil?

 

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Filed Under: Foods, Hair and Skin, Health, Healthy Eating, Healthy Living, Natural, Nutrition, Oils, Organic, Pain Relief, Truth, Weight Loss Tagged With: babies and coconut oil, Best uses for coconut oil, Best ways to use coconut oil, How can I use coconut oil, natural coconut oil, Top uses for coconut oil, what is coconut oil good for

Best 10 Essential Oil Diffusers on the Planet!

September 30, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

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  If you are just getting started with essential oils, one of the easiest ways to use them is a room diffuser. These work especially well during the cold and flu season as they kill viruses and bacteria that float through the air.

For those of you who have recently discovered that (most) scented candles release dangerous toxins into the air, but love having a home with a sweet smell, essential oil diffusers are what you have been looking for.

The two basic types of diffusers are nebulizing and ultrasonic. Nebulizing diffusers attach directly to the bottle. There is no need to add water or do anything else. You simply turn it on and you are ready to go. Some brands offer timers, which is helpful in case you forget that you turned it on.

However, nebulizing diffusers use more essential oils than ultrasonic ones. The concentration is greater inside the room, however. They can be louder than ultrasonic ones as well.

Ultrasonic diffusers use a mix of water and essential oils to cook up a mix that is released into the air. These are very quiet, cost a little less than nebulizers, and can double as a humidifier.

However, these types of diffusers take longer to set up, must be cleaned on a regular basis, and you cannot use citrus essential oils in them, such as lemon or orange.

There are pros and cons to both of these diffusers and which is the right one for you will be your decision.

We want to clue you in on the 10 best diffusers we have found this year, so that when you make your decision, you can find the best possible one for you and your family.

Top 5 Ultrasonic Diffusers

  1. The Whisper Premium Silent Misting Diffuser   diffuser-whisper-premium

This diffuser is so pretty, no one would guess it was also good for your health. It uses no heat and says that one diffuser covers about 1,000 square feet. The automatic low water level shut off is great as you never have to keep going back to check the water level. Comes in several colors to match your décor as well!

 

  1. Mist Aroma   diffuser-mist-aroma

This is a Zen looking little diffuser, made from sustainable bamboo. It runs up to 8 hours on the high setting and 12 hours on low. Shuts down automatically if the water level runs low. It has a small strip of LED lights that goes around the diffuser. There are 7 different light colors to choose from. You can have the colored lights change colors, set it to one color, or turn the lights off completely. If you want a really sound sleep and a night light combo, this is the diffuser for you.

 

  1. ZAQ Noor LiteMist Ionizing Diffuser   diffuser-zaq-noor

This diffuser is white with a top that changes colors. Lights can be turned off completely, if desired. Runs for 4 hours and shuts off when finished. This model is super quiet! Made from BPA free plastic, this compact unit covers about 300 square feet. If you don’t need a great deal of humidity, this is the perfect unit for you.

 

  1. CO-Z Ultrasonic Diffuser   diffuser-co-z

This one is so inexpensive and easy to use; you can put one in every room! This one also has 7 color changing LED lights that have a low and high setting. This one is praised for its ease of use. This allows you to run a timed mist cycle (30 seconds on, 30 seconds off) or continuous use. Made from BPA free plastic, this diffuser will run for 3.5 hours if set on the continuous mode and 6 hours on the timed mist cycle.

 

  1. Zen Breeze Diffuser   diffuser-zen-breeze

This is brand new to the market and it’s going to be a huge best seller. Made from BPA free plastic, but looks like hardwood! Has 14 color LED lights, which can be turned off, and uses to heat. This model has a timer that you can set for 60, 180, or 360 minutes. It runs about 10 hours with each fill and is super quiet. This is a cool mist humidifier, which you will really appreciate this winter.

 

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Top 5 Nebulizers

 

  1. VereLily Nova Diffuser     diffuser-verelily-nova

Wireless and waterless, the Nova diffuser charges lithium-ion batteries just like your cell phone. Unlike plug in diffusers, you can take this one anywhere you like- in your car or in the garage. This diffuser has 3 separate aroma intensity levels and is completely spill proof. This model is so quiet; you will probably forget that you have it on!

 

  1. Herba Terra Cold Air Nebulizer   diffuser-herba-terra

This tall, silver beauty offers advanced NANO technology that uses no heat and no water. NANO particles will not leave that white residue on your furniture. This unit uses far less essential oils than other models. Even when set on the continuous 8 hour mode, it uses less than 1ml per hour. While it might weigh a bit more than other units (about 3 pounds) it is super heavy duty and will last for years. Comes with a remote control so if you put it on a shelf, you can change the settings or turn it off and on from your bed! How easy is that?!

 

  1. ArOmis Orbis Nox Vitis Professional Diffuser   diffuser-aromis-orbis

If you like things a bit different than the every day, this might be the diffuser for you. This diffuser looks very much like a candle in an old fashioned holder! It has a natural Beech wood base and all glass top for true purity. This diffuser has an auto shut off after 4 hours, as well as a 10 minute on/10 minutes off timer to help save money on essential oils. Uses no heat or water and is for indoor use only. This model is very lightweight at 1.2 pounds and is best known for never clogging up! One diffuser will clean 900 square feet.

 

  1. Smiley Daisy Gardenia Nebulizing Diffuser   diffuser-smiley-daisy

If you are a no nonsense, just want the basics kind of person, then this might be the perfect diffuser for you. The Gardenia model is made to maximize the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, without the fancy, schmancy stuff. This plugs into an outlet or a USB port, so you never have to worry about running out of batteries or recharging it. It uses no water and is very lightweight. This model features a timer and covers about 500 square feet.

 

  1. doTerra Advanced Aromatherapy Diffuser   diffuser-doterra

doTerra is the number one brand of therapeutic grade essential oils, so it only makes sense that they would have just the right diffuser for them! This is a powerful, yet compact model which offers state of the art cold diffusion. This means no water and no heat is needed! Easy to use controls right on the front of the diffuser make this one a no-brainer! doTerra has included 2 bottles, so you can pour your oils directly into the bottle and insert it into the diffuser. No more wondering if your essential oil bottle will fit! Covers 300 square feet. This one costs more than others, but the doTerra name means quality, so you can count on this one working for many, many years.

 

Essential oils can bring a beautiful scent to your home or work area, keep the air clear of viruses and bacteria, while keeping humidity levels at levels that will stop dry hair, skin, and throats.  Everyone wants the best for their family and diffusers are one way you can do that with almost no effort on your part.

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Filed Under: Bacteria and Germs, Cleanse, Detox, Essential Oils, Hair and Skin, Health, Healthy Living, How To, Natural, Oils, Toxins Tagged With: Best diffusers of 2016, Best essential oil diffusers, best nebulizers, Best nebulizing diffusers, Best room diffusers, best ultrasonic diffusers, Essential oil diffusers, humidifiers and diffusers, natural diffusers, Top 10 room diffusers

Top 10 Essential Oils You Should Never Be Without!

September 20, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

essential-oil

  By now, you must have heard all the talk and excitement about essential oils and what they can do for you.

You can actually eliminate toxic household cleaning products, sleeping pills; even the need for the morning cup of Joe can all be replaced simply by using essential oils.

These distilled plant, fruit, or flower extracts are super concentrated, and therefore, super powerful. Keep in mind that you should never consume them unless you get approval from your doctor. Essential oils are for external use only!

But is there anything more heavenly than the scent of roses in the bath? The intoxicating smell of cedar on your man’s collar? Or the soothing calm that lavender brings?

Want to know more? We are going to let you in on what is known as the Top 10 essential oils that no one should be without.

 

  1. Eucalyptus Oil   essential-oil-eucalyptus

If you want a natural relief from colds, flu, coughs, and other respiratory issues, this is a must have. Not only does eucalyptus oil immediately clear up congestion, it is antibacterial, anti-viral, as well as anti-fungal. This means that while you are adding a few drops to your shower, pot of hot water, or vaporizer, you will clear up your sinuses and clean the air as well! Add a few drops to a spray bottle of water and you have a safe sanitizer for the bathroom and kitchen counters. Remember, eucalyptus oil is powerful stuff, so do not allow children under 10 to use this oil.

 

  1. Lavender   essential-oil-lavender

By far, the most popular essential oil on the planet! If you could only afford to buy one oil, this should be the one. Lavender has been used for thousands of years for everything from headache relief to a cure for insomnia, to healing insect bites, skin rashes, minor burns and even as a deodorant! Lavender is one of the most soothing scents around, so if you are looking for natural stress or anxiety relief, try taking a few good whiffs right out of the bottle!

 

  1. Tea Tree Oil   essential-oil-tea-tree

This has been called “medicine in a bottle” and for a good reason! Tea tree oil, much like Eucalyptus oil, can be used to treat all kinds of ailments, including acne, cold sores, insect bites, and eczema, athlete ’s foot, and toenail fungus. Adding a few drops to your regular shampoo makes it an instant dandruff killer and adding some to a plain spray bottle of water makes it a terrific way to clean and sanitize around the home! By the way, fleas hate this stuff, so put a few drops on Fluffy or Fido’s bedding to keep them away!

 

  1. Peppermint   essential-oil-peppermint

If you have ever had a cup of peppermint tea or sucked on a peppermint candy to relieve stomach pain or indigestion, then you know how peppermint works! Peppermint is a natural soother, so adding a few drops to a bucket of water makes one of the most relaxing foot soaks ever! You can also use it in the bath or, when adding it to a carrier oil such as coconut oil, it makes a great cough and cold balm when rubbed on the chest.

 

  1. Clove   essential-oil-clove

This common spice has been used for centuries to relieve minor pains and stop itching. Clove oil is great for mouth pain or toothaches, prickly heat rash, cuts or minor wounds, to stop the itch and sting of insect bites or stings, and so much more. Clove oil is super powerful, so you should probably dilute it in a carrier oil, such as almond oil or coconut oil, before you use it. If you have very sensitive skin, you might want to consider another oil as clove is very strong.

 

  1. Chamomile   essential-oil-chamomile

You probably have some chamomile tea in your kitchen right now. This super soothing herb has been used since at least Roman times and while a cup of tea before bed will make you sleepy, you can also use this gentle oil externally. Most people have no problem using this oil full strength to stop the pain from boils, acne, cuts, and bruises, super dry skin, eczema, even dermatitis. Put a few drops in a diffuser and watch your kids drift off to sleep naturally. Caution: if you are allergic to ragweed, this oil is not for you!

 

  1. Grapefruit   essential-oil-grapefruit

Just thinking about this scent makes your mouth water, doesn’t it? If you are feeling a little blue, try taking a few sniffs of this oil every 5 to 10 minutes. It has a super uplifting, energizing property to it! Grapefruit oil is also good to use topically for acne, swollen lymph nodes, cellulite, tension headaches, even as a deodorant. Put a few drops on any cloth and make your own refreshing deodorizer for closets, shoes, lockers, and cars.

 

  1. Oregano   essential-oil-oregano

This is a powerful oil that has anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial compounds. This is a great oil to use around the house to clean and sanitize, as well as using it topically to stop fungal infections, tendonitis, cysts, warts, shingles, Candida, athlete’s foot, and more. This works best when diluted in a good quality carrier oil, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil.

 

  1. Lemon   essential-oil-lemon

There is almost nothing this basic oil cannot do! Just a few drops added to some olive oil and you have the worlds best furniture polish for pennies! Add some to your laundry detergent, dish detergent, or floor cleaner for some super smelling, extra clean home! Put a drop or two of lemon oil with some salt and baking soda for a scrub that will make your cutting board and sink look like new and smell good too! Make your own antibacterial hand sanitizer by mixing it with some aloe vera gel. The list for this oil goes on and on!

 

  1. Frankincense   essential-oil-frankincense

This super perfumed oil has been grown and harvested since before Christ. It is currently being investigated as a possible means of stopping cancer from spreading, but while those studies continue, you can add it to your favorite liquid soap to stop acne in days. Frankincense will cleanse and purify the skin, while easing stress with its heady scent. Adding a few drops to a handkerchief and inhaling it will help clear stuffed noses. It’s even been reported to help those with allergies and asthma.

 

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should always check with their doctor before using any essential oils. Children under 5 should also avoid these oils as they can be very powerful. If you have any doubts or concerns, please speak with your doctor before using.

Beautiful, healing, aromatic essential oils – A little bit of something for everyone! Who knew?

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Filed Under: Bacteria and Germs, Cleaning, Essential Oils, Hair and Skin, Healthy Living, How To, Natural, Oils, Organic, Pain Relief, Plants, Truth Tagged With: Best essential oils, essential oil checklist, essential oils for cleaning, healing with essential oils, how to use essential oils, list of essential oils, top essential oils, which essential oil is best

Coconut Oil: Pure and Healthy? Or Purely Hype?

March 15, 2016 by Tammy Robinson 1 Comment

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Do you love coconut oil? Chances are that you have heard that this natural oil is capable of doing almost everything. With so many claims, one has to wonder – is this the real fountain of youth? Or just another “snake oil”?

A quick Google search about coconut oil will reveal more than 29.4 million hits, most of them touting almost miraculous claims about how this oil, more so than any other, can do just about anything. Whether you want to lose weight, improve your memory, improve your hair, clear up your skin, prevent sunburn, or even improve the overall health of your heart, it appears that there is nothing that this oil cannot do.

Or can it?

While dozens of celebrities and celebrity doctors can be seen on television shows and internet programs talking about the benefits of coconut oil, this oil has actually been on the list of unhealthy fats for many years due to its high level of saturated fat.

Before you head out to your all natural, organic food store and stock up on this popular item, let’s take a close look at the research related facts regarding coconut oil.

The History of Coconut Oil in a Nut (coconut) Shell

  Coconut oil is made when the white meaty part of the coconut is put through a high pressured type of press.

  Although you will find dozens of sites telling you how great coconut oil is, the truth is that there is no real evidence that coconut oil can do most of the things that people say it can.

Coconut oil was very popular for cooking in restaurants and fast food places for many years. It was inexpensive and gave fried foods a very crisp texture that Americans enjoyed. However, when it was later found to contain saturated fats, restaurants turned to other oils, even proudly proclaiming it on banners outside; “We use only pure 100% vegetable oils.”

Like all other fats, coconut oil has 9 calories per gram, which makes this a calorie-dense food. Dietary fat from all sources should be limited to no more than 35% of your daily caloric intake.

Probably one of the most important facts you should remember about coconut oil is that about 90% of it is made up of saturated fat. Trusted health experts recommend that you get no more than 10% of your caloric intake from saturated fat. If you have heart disease or if you have a greater risk of developing heart disease, your limit should be no more than 7%.

This is confusing to many people because while some experts are stating that you should greatly limit your consumption of saturated fats, other “experts” are saying that not all saturated fats are equal.

How do you decide who is telling the truth?

Clearing Up the Confusion Surrounding Coconut Oil

  Let’s take a look at short chain, medium chain, and long chain fatty acids. When humans consume plant or animal fats, we are consuming fatty acids. Fatty acids differ in their make-up in that animal fats have longer carbon chains than plant fats. For example, while butter and milk have very short chains of no more than 4 to 6 carbons, peanut oil has 20-22 carbons. Coconut oil is what many people refer to as a “medium chain” fatty acid with between 12 and 14 carbons.

It is true that fats with medium length chains (often referred to as medium chain triglycerides or MCT for short) are metabolized differently by the body than longer or shorter chains. MCT’s are sent directly from your intestines to the liver, where they are much more likely to be burned as fuel. Longer and shorter chains will often be stored as fat unless your body needs them right away.

It’s precisely this fact about MCT’s that lead people to the conclusion that coconut oil must cause you to lose weight.

Although this might make sense, if this was the only puzzle piece you were aware of, however, no source of food is a pure source of any single type of fat. For example, olive oil, often called the “heart healthy” oil because it contains monounsaturated fats, does also contain saturated fats, just smaller amounts. Most foods are a blend of all three types of fats; short, medium, and long chain. The only way to get pure MCT’s is through processing, such as for scientific research.

Research done with humans shows that when processed or distilled coconut oil is used in place of fish oil or vegetable oil, it can result in a short term increase in the metabolic rate of the body as well as increased feelings of satiety.

However, since the oil used is these studies is a highly processed oil of pure MCT’s, it would be a mistake to say that the coconut oil you buy at your store and the ones used in these studies is the same and will therefore produce the same results.

By the way, coconut oil’s main fatty acid is called lauric acid, the same type found in dairy products. This type of fatty acid has been shown to greatly increase the bad (LDL) type of cholesterol in humans. LDL cholesterol is the kind that ends up forming plaque that blocks the arteries to your heart and brain. You might have read some studies which found that coconut oil also raised the good (HDL) type of cholesterol in the body, but this certainly doesn’t mean that coconut oil is good for your heart, only that it might be, but this has yet to be proven.

In fact, one study done in 2015 at Harvard found that replacing calories from refined carbs, such as bread, and swapping them for calories from saturated fats, such as butter and coconut oil, did not lower the risk of heart disease.

Isn’t Saturated Fat Supposed to Be Not as Harmful as Previously Believed?

  The science of nutrition is constantly evolving, research and knowledge are always growing and changing. This increase in knowledge has some people questioning what we originally believed about saturated fats. You can find many websites claiming that saturated fats are not nearly as bad for your heart as previously believed. What we do know is that different types of saturated fats affect the body differently and that coconut oil is different that the types of fats found in meat or diary products, however, this does not mean that coconut oil is necessarily good for the heart.  A few studies have shown that some types of saturated fats might lower the risk of heart disease, while at the same time, other studies have shown the opposite to be true. Sites that state, coconut oil is good for the heart are only showing you the studies that prove the point they wish to make and are not telling you the entire truth. Until we know for certain what the risks are, don’t make what might be a fatal mistake and eat coconut oil to your heart’s content.

What About Studies Showing Certain Populations are Healthy, Despite Consuming High Quantities of Coconut Oil?

  The study that most people are talking about is one that was done many years ago on the Pukapuka Islands and Tokelau Polynesian Islands. This study found that, although the consumption of coconut and coconut oil was quite high (as much as 63% of total calories consumed), heart disease was very rare, even though the Islander’s blood cholesterol levels were very high.

What you aren’t being told about this study, however, is that this entire claim was based on one ECG test, not autopsy results, not on the cause of death of the island population. Although an ECG can tell us many things about a person’s heart, it is not considered to be a reliable means of assessing overall cardiovascular health. It’s important to note that, while these Islander’s consumed large amounts of coconut, they consumed little or no sugar, salt, or other types of cholesterol. They also ate a diet high in fish and fiber, maintained a very active lifestyle and used very little tobacco and alcohol.

So while this study is often talked about when touting the benefits of coconut oil, it was extremely limited in its scope and application. Keep in mind that correlation does not always mean causation. This means that there is simply no way that an uncontrolled study, such as this one, should attribute that it was coconut oil and coconut foods which contributed to their lack of heart disease, which was never really proven to begin with.

Can’t Coconut Oil Help with Alzheimer’s or Memory Problems?

  While coconut oil definitely does contain antioxidants, which will absolutely help the body fight disease, you can get a whole lot more antioxidant bang for your caloric buck by eating vegetables, whole grains, and fruit.

The idea behind the Alzheimer’s statement is that coconut oil provides an alternate, or preferred, source of energy for the brain. Unfortunately, this information comes from a personal experiment conducted by a woman whose husband had Alzheimer’s and not any scientific evidence.

Alzheimer’s disease can wax and wane, with those affected having good days and bad days. Sometimes, coconut oil has the placebo effect on the family, who want desperately to believe that this natural substance is helping their loved one.

We want to be clear that this doesn’t mean that coconut oil is ineffective or that it doesn’t work for those afflicted by Alzheimer’s; only that, as of today’s writing, there is no scientific evidence that it does work.

According to The Alzheimer’s Society, there is a clinical trial currently underway in the US which might provide us with some definitive answers.  The results of this study are expected to be announced sometime in mid-2017.

Does Coconut Oil Work Just as Well as Commercial Sunscreens?

  No, this is absolutely not true. No one seems quite sure where this myth comes from but believing that coconut oil can protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun every bit as well as sunscreen could be a deadly mistake.

Coconut oil has a natural SPF of about 8. That’s it. While we understand some of the concerns regarding ingredients such as retinyl palminate and oxybenzone, which are commonly found in sunscreen and might actually pose some health risks, resorting to using only pure coconut oil would be a serious mistake.

If you would like to know how to choose the best possible sunscreen, head on over to The Environmental Working Group page. You can find their list of tips for picking out sunscreen here.

The Bottom Line

  This article was not meant to dissuade you from enjoying coconut oil, only that you should limit how much you consume until all the facts are known. Remember that there are currently no credible studies yet proving that coconut oil can do anything more than give you some nice hair and skin conditioning.

Use coconut oil as a condiment, rather than your everyday oil for cooking or baking. A little bit goes a long way, but if you enjoy the flavor and texture, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy coconut oil, as long as you keep your consumption of saturated fats within what is considered to be the healthy range.

Like many things in life, you will find that moderation is the key. Too much water will drown you and too much sun will burn you, but without these things, life would not be possible. Even if coconut oil were found to have super health benefits, such as water does, you still would not want to consume cups of it every day.

Keep your life, including your diet, in balance, and you will find that everything works together in harmony.

Filed Under: Foods, Oils Tagged With: Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Healthy, Natural, Organic, Truth about Coconut Oil

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