Coconut – a modern pearl
A great deal has already been said and written about coconut oil, yet despite all the information out there, many of us are still sometimes sceptical. What are its benefits? When and how can we use it? Which coconut oil is genuinely good quality? We will answer all these questions and, once and for all, win over even the biggest doubters.
Before we dive into all its wonderful uses, let's start the story at the beginning. The coconut palm, scientific name Cocos nucifera, is highly valued in many cultures, both for its fruit and for its many traditional uses, which is why it is often called the Tree of Life.
Coconut oil is by nature a processed product, as it cannot be obtained from the tree in oil form. The coconut consists of a thin exocarp, a fibrous mesocarp and a hard endocarp with a large seed. The seed is filled with nutritive tissue, which is liquid at first (coconut water) and then turns into firm white flesh as it ripens. The dried white flesh is called copra and is used to make coconut milk and coconut oil.
Coconut oil – a pearl for beautiful hair!
It is worth pointing out that coconut oil has also come under the scrutiny of scientists working in dermatology and cosmetic science. Several studies have reported that regular use of coconut oil can reduce protein loss in both damaged and undamaged hair. Lauric acid easily penetrates the hair structure and cares for it from the inside out. For soft, shiny hair, we recommend applying coconut oil both before and after washing.
Before washing, coat your hair with the oil, wrap it in a towel and leave it on for an hour. During that hour, the minerals the oil contains, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron, will soak into your hair. After shampooing, your hair will be soft and shiny, and with regular use it will look and feel noticeably better; if you have curls, they will regain their smoothness and bounce.
You can also apply coconut oil to washed and dried hair. A small amount is quickly absorbed and, above all, will not leave your hair feeling or looking greasy. With these pearls of coconut oil, your hair will hold on to moisture and feel pleasantly soft to the touch.
What about the face?
Many sources say that people with oily or blemish-prone skin should avoid coconut oil. But before blindly following everything you read, we recommend testing it for yourself, as every skin reacts differently.
Just as on hair, coconut oil does not leave skin feeling greasy, as it is absorbed very quickly. After use, skin is moisturised, soft, radiant and supple. You can use it as a morning mask or as night-time care before bed.
On these cold autumn days, temperatures outside are dropping and our skin is exposed to dry air from central heating and to harsh weather such as fog and wind, and snow will soon be on its way too. We will enjoy all the pleasures of autumn and winter all the more if our skin and lips are in perfect condition. Coconut oil is also the ideal companion on autumn walks.
And let's not forget hands and feet!
We love to pamper ourselves and enjoy every touch of cream on our face. Hands and feet deserve just as much attention. Mix coarse salt into coconut oil and rub the scrub into your hands and feet. The salt will remove dead skin cells, while the oil will moisturise and nourish the skin so it glows in all its beauty.
Which oil should you choose?
There is plenty of choice on the shelves, so before you make your final decision we warmly recommend checking the manufacturer. It is important to choose 100% organic coconut oil. In our online shop we offer oil from the Akamuti brand, which comes from a fair-trade community on an Indonesian island in the Pacific Ocean. There, family farms harvest the coconuts and press them immediately after picking to obtain coconut oil. This ensures the highest quality oil and sustainable, zero-waste production – every part of the coconut is used.
