In a recent lecture in German, titled 'Coconut oil and other nutritional errors', a Harvard professor Karin Michels (an epidemiologist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health) stated that coconut oil is 'one of the worst things you can eat' and 'pure poison'. Her lecture said that coconut oil has high proportion of saturated fat, increases LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels, and enhances risk of cardiovascular disease.
Ironically, in the Harvard Health Letter, a doctor at Harvard School of Public Health, Walter C Willett, had stated that 'coconut oil is not all bad' as it boosts good cholesterol (HDL).
Best-Kept Wellness Secrets: Add These Essential Oils To Your Beauty Regime
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Lavender, rosemary, neroli oils, are some essential oils that can be added in your daily skin care routine for better results, say experts.
Puniti, Beauty Expert and Director, 7 Shades by Puniti Unisex Salon, points out "essential oils have amazing properties which are also used in aroma therapy and naturopathy".
Vijay Singhal, Senior Consultant Dermatologist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, feels essential oils are carrier oils and should only be used with agents which can be moisturisers, body lotions and hair oils or even water.
"Use of these essential oils more than in quantity of more than three or four drops may cause irritation and even skin damages. The best property of these oils could be that they can be used in every season throughout the year," he added.
Partap Chauhan, Director Jiva Ayurveda, also said: "Massaging the scalp and hair with warm oil, preferably infused with hair nourishing herbs, is the best way to nurture the scalp and hair topically... Not only does the massage work wonders for your hair, but it also relaxes the mind and nervous system."
Lavender, rosemary, neroli oils, are some essential oils that can be added in your daily skin care routine for better results, say experts.
Puniti, Beauty Expert and Director, 7 Shades by Puniti Uni..
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Lavender oil
Most commonly used for its relaxing effects on body. The aroma of the oil is relaxing and helps releasing stress. A drop or two when rubbed in the temples helps in better sleep. Used with coconut oil, lavender oil helps getting rid of lice and their eggs as well. Adding a drop or two in your regular moisturiser helps healing sunburn.
Lavender oil
Most commonly used for its relaxing effects on body. The aroma of the oil is relaxing and helps releasing stress. A drop or two when rubbed in the temples helps in better sleep. Used wi..
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Tea tree oil
Helps in getting rid of pimples and their marks. It can also help in eliminating toenail fungus. Use of tea tree oil with your regular hair oil helps one get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp.
Tea tree oil
Helps in getting rid of pimples and their marks. It can also help in eliminating toenail fungus. Use of tea tree oil with your regular hair oil helps one get rid of dandruff and itchy s..
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Rosemary oil
Extremely beneficial for hair growth and has properties which help in mkaing your hair thick. Rosemary oil helps in improving memory and is beneficial for liver detoxification.
Rosemary oil
Extremely beneficial for hair growth and has properties which help in mkaing your hair thick. Rosemary oil helps in improving memory and is beneficial for liver detoxification.
Sandalwood oil
It works as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and as a disinfectant. It is most effective during monsoon when the chances of getting infections are the most. Fill a large bowl with steaming water, add one to two drops of sandal wood essential oil and use the same for face spa. It's not only refreshing but will help getting rid of blemishes.
Sandalwood oil
It works as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and as a disinfectant. It is most effective during monsoon when the chances of getting infections are the most. Fill a lar..
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Neroli oil
The interesting thing about this bitter orange oil is its beneficial properties for getting sound sleep and be stress free. It is a natural remedy for anxiety, depression, hysteria, panic, shock and stress. Wet a cotton ball, add a drop of neroli oil and lightly dab it on your skin to help treat acne. You can also mix it with skin cream to help regenerate your skin.
Neroli oil
The interesting thing about this bitter orange oil is its beneficial properties for getting sound sleep and be stress free. It is a natural remedy for anxiety, depression, hysteria, panic..
So, there are both sides to the story. While coconut oil has natural saturated fats which increase the levels of good cholesterol in the body, it can also turn into a less harmful form of bad cholesterol.
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Due to its power-packed nutritional values, coconut oil is applied on skin and hair. It is an effective moisturiser and protects against any damage. Fatty acids present in coconut oil help kill harmful pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and fungi, preventing from potential infections. Nonetheless, coconut oil is highly effective in reducing belly fat, and fights against the abdominal cavity in and around the organs.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) are referred to as 'healthy fats' found in coconut oil that protect the overall health. PUFAs and MUFAs have been proven to be an essential part of a balanced diet.
Including MUFAs in your diet can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. MUFAs are composed of high vitamin E and antioxidant content that keeps the body healthy by protecting cells from damaging.
When eaten in moderation, PUFAs can help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease, just like MUFAs. PUFAs can be divided into two categories - omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids - that play an important role in body growth and development, proper brain functioning, regulating metabolism, stimulating hair growth, and keeping reproductive system healthy. The key to getting most of these benefits is to consume both PUFAs and MUFAs in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil kills the viruses that cause measles, SARS, influenza, herpes, hepatitis, and other sombre health issues. It also kills bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, ulcers, pneumonia, throat infections, and gonorrhoea. Moreover, MCTs found in coconut oil improves the cognitive abilities of Alzheimer's patients as it is an excellent source of ketone (associated with improving memory).
Conclusion: Coconut oil has been regarded as one of the healthiest oils since ancient times. However, keeping in mind recent findings, we should try to incorporate coconut oil in moderation (a couple of tablespoons a day) so that we can derive its numerous health benefits.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)
