Natural Hair Care

The Benefits Of Macadamia Nut Oil

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macadamia nutsMacadamia nuts are the fruit of the macadamia trees which are natives of the Australian rain forests. For thousands of years the Australian aborigines have known of the benefits of this nut and have consumed it for the nutritional benefits it contains.

One of the important benefits of macadamia nut oil is that it lowers the level of bad cholesterol in the body and is good for heart health. However, this is just one of the many macadamia nut oil benefits; it is also highly beneficial for use as a skin moisturiser. Continue reading →

How Jojoba Oil Benefits The Skin

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Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is a perennial woody shrub grown primarily in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Native Americans have long used jojoba (pronounced hohoba) oil to help heal sores and wounds. Today, jojoba oil is most commonly used for cosmetic purposes, particularly for the maintenance of healthy skin. This amazing oil (Jojoba oil is actually composed of liquid wax esters rather than oil) helps promote healing of the skin in many ways as it has antimicrobial properties, which discourage the growth of bacterial and fungal microbes that may attack the skin. Continue reading →

Coconut Oil

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Coconut oil contains a lot of nutrients which are important for good health. For thousands of years coconut products have held a valuable place in folk medicine and have been acknowledged for their valuable nutrients. Coconuts are particularly rich in lauric acid (containing about 50%). This has been proven to have antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Lauric acid in coconut is the same as lauric acid found in mother’s milk which is essential for developing babies’  immune systems. Coconut oil also helps in absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Dr. Mary Enig, Ph.D. a nutritionist/biochemist is one of the world’s leading authorities on fats and oils. She writes, “Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid.”

Coconut oil also contains saturated fatty-acids, but does not contain dangerous trans-fatty acids found in many other oils. Trans-fat is known to increase blood levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or ‘bad cholesterol, whilst lowering levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or ‘good’ cholesterol. An increase of LDLs is considered to contribute to clogging of arteries and other serious health problems. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have anti microbial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc. Coconut fats are processed directly in the liver without putting strain on the digestive system and are highly recommended for those who have difficulty digesting other forms of fat. Continue reading →