The Benefits Of Coconut Oil

I've recently read about the benefits of Coconut Oil for cooking and that led me to discover the benefits of Coconut Oil on the skin!

Coconut Oil is a highly saturated tropical oil derived from coconuts... and is considered a "good fat" (think Avocados)

For Cooking

• Use instead of butter or oil to saute veggies (or anything that you would use butter or oil for in cooking)

Benefits for Cooking

• Protects against:
• heart disease
• cancer
• diabetes
• may protect against parasites found in certain water
• Other benefits
• acts as an antioxidant protecting against free radicals
• strengthens the immune system
• can relieve, reduce, or prevent infectious diseases

As if that wasn't good enough...check out the benefits on the skin

• can build up a resistance to UV sunlight
• protects the skin from invading germs dealt with on a daily basis
• can soothe and heal injuries
• has anti-aging properties and can actually reduce and prevent wrinkles
• Bonus: Can be used as a conditioner for hair!

My experiences

I've used it as a hair conditioner and as an oil for my body and I'm def In the Love!

To use as a hair conditioner:

Note: Don't plan on having any evening plans when doing this

• liquefy coconut oil and apply to dry hair
• let it sit for about 1 hour
• rinse (it will not rinse all the way out)
• go to bed
• wake up and SHAMPOO ONLY
• style as usual

Yes, it will feel kinda oily after the first rinse, before you got to bed, so put a towel on your pillow.

To use as a body oil:

• liquefy and apply to damp skin
• apply all over (even your face as a super moisturizer before bed)

This is especially beneficial if you exfoliate before you apply... you'll be super soft!

To liquefy:

I just take the whole jar into the shower with me and let the running water heat it up and it's ready when I'm done showering Or you can fill a large cup or pot with hot water and put the entire jar into it. No need to liquefy the entire jar, just enough for the amount needed (which is not that much).

You can find coconut oil in most health food stores. I get mine from Trader Joe's (it's cheaper than most other stores) and I use Spectrum Naturals Refined Coconut Oil for about 9 bucks.

LOVE

The Benefits of Green Tea

Decaf Green Tea that is!!!

I'm sure you've all heard that Green Tea is good for you. But do you know why???

Green Tea has been used in China since ancient times and these days, it seems they know best considering the Chinese follow a healthier lifestyle. Really they do! Google it!

Most Green Tea's contain caffeine and caffeine is no bueno, so get decaf!

Green Tea contains Catechin Polyphenols which is a powerful antioxidant which:

• inhibits the growth of cancer cells
• kills cancer without harming healthy tissue
• prevents tooth decay & plaque
• helps prevent food poisoning
• helps with cardiovascular disease
• helps with rheumatoid arthritis
• helps with high cholesterol levels
• prevents infection

Sounds good to me!

For a good book on Green Tea read:

Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life by: Nadine Taylor

And for Green Tea brand recommendations visit www.greenteasecrets.org

Diet Soda Is NOT Better For You!

Whether you are on a diet or not, Diet soda is not the way to go! People drink diet soda for less sugar and calories but in reality, there are a whole heap of things that you're getting more of!

Besides the fact that Diet Soda has NO NUTRITIONAL VALUE, it also contains a chemical called Aspartame (Aspartame is also in most sugar-free foods)

Here are some facts about Aspartame:

• Through animal research, (which I do not condone, but this is still a fact) scientists found that large amounts of aspartame, when given to rodents, led to brain tumors and lymphoma

According to the book Skinny Bitch, Aspartame "has been blamed for a slew of maladies like:

• Arthritis
• birth defects
• fibromyalgia
• Alzheimer's
• Lupus
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Diabetes

Methyl Alcohol is a component of Aspartame and when it enters your body, it turns into Formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen and is used in science as a disinfectant or preservative.

CARBS AND ASPARTAME

When combined, causes your brain to slow down production of serotonin, and we need serotonin to feel happy and balanced.

Also according to the Skinny Bitches, Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin, The FDA has received more complaints about Aspartame than any other ingredient to date!!!

For more information on Aspartame and the FDA click the following link:

http://www.mercola.com/article/aspartame/fda.htm

Product Label Reading 101

Checking your product labels can be super confusing because most people have no idea what they're even looking at! You'll see long words that you cannot pronounce and words that are written in Latin, then in English, numbers, colors, and the list goes on! So, you give up on trying to figure out what you're putting on your skin and in your body.

Why it's important to check your product labels:

• To see possible irritants and ingredients that you may be allergic to
• Ingredients attached to potential health concerns
• If you know the ingredients then you can compare the ingredients with that products "claim to fame" to see if that product really delivers what it promises

If you don't know what an ingredient is, then GOOGLE it!

Simple!

The ingredients listed at the top of the list have the highest concentration and as the list goes on, the concentration of the listed ingredient decreases.

Always keep an eye out for the active ingredient because they are not always listed with the other ingredients.

Also, pay attention to special storage intsructions!

If it says "Keep in a cool, dry place", then keep it in a cool, dry place. Everyone wants their products to perform to the full potential, so listen to the manufacturer's instructions!

...and don't forget to look at the directions!

You don't want to be "rubbing" when your supposed to be "dabbing", or using a dollop of product when all you need is a pea size.

Products can be expensive these days! By checking the labels you can actually save yourself some money!

• By noticing and educating yourself about ingredients, you can look for ingredients that suit your skins specific needs instead of playing the product guessing game and wondering "will this one work"?
• You'll save money because you'll know what your purchasing instead of buying a product and not liking it, then having to go buy a different product.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate in Your Hair and Skin Care Products

Sodium Laurel Sulfates (SLS) are in a good amount of hair products and body products as well as certain foods!

This ingredient has no purpose in these products except for it's foaming effect...that's it!!! Just foam!!!

SLS is highly irritating to the skin and may cause the layers of the skin to seperate and inflame. It has also been linked to toxicity of the Cardiovascular System, Digestive Tract, and Respiratory System

Some products that may contain SLS:

• Body washes (including childrens products)
• Soaps
• Shampoo
• Facial creams
• toothpaste
• eye products

Don't let the manufacturer's fool you! Here are some "alias's" for SLS:

• Sodium Laryl Sulfate
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Solution
• Sodium Layryl Sulfate
• Sodium Lauroyl Sulfate
• Anhydrous Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Irium
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
• ALS

CHECK YOUR LABELS PEOPLE!!!

I am currently doing research on Sulfate free hair and skin products but for now,

Check out:

http://killerstrands.blogspot.com/2008/01/sulfate-free-shampoo-list.html to see a hairstylists perspective about SLS.

Natural Skin Care Authority (NSA)

Skin Care Authority

Oil of Oregano

Oil of Oregano

Origanum Vulgare

A natural substance that is extracted from wild oregano plants, and two key compounds found in it are Carvacrol and Thymol, which studies have shown, have significant effects on harmful microorganisms that cause many illnesses in humans.

Oil of Oregano is known to be:

• antiviral
• antibacterial
• anti fungal
• anti parasitic

Benefits:

• pain reducer
• inflammation reducer
• can effectively fight off infections
• destroys organisms that contribute to skin infections and digestive problems
• strengthens the immune system
• increases joint and muscle flexibility
• improves respiratory health

Uses:

• skin infections
• digestive problems
• sinus congestion
• colds
• sore throats

You can find Oil of Oregano at most health food stores such as Sprouts and Mothers Market

Source: http://www.homeremediesweb.com/oil_of_oregano_health_benefits.php

Hydroquinone...Not So Safe

Many of us have pigmentation concerns. Whether it be from acne scars or sun damage, we all still yearn for an even skin tone. There are plenty of skin lighteners and skin brighteners, and creams and serums but do you really know what you're putting on your skin?

Hydroquinone

is used as a topical application for skin whitening to reduce the color of the skin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroquinone

"Hydroquinone works by decreasing the production of melanin pigments in the skin. Because the chemical lightens skin by reducing melanin, it simultaneously increases exposure to UVA and UVB rays deep in the skin (iv). This increases skin cancer risks due to UV exposure, in addition to the carcinogenic effects of the chemical itself. The chemical is allowed in personal care products in the United States in concentrations up to 2 percent... Although banned in the European Union".

The U.S. Cosmetics Ingredient Review Panel indicates that "Hydroquinone is unsafe for use in products that are left on the skin".

Hydroquinone is identified as a:

• Carcinogen
  
• Immunotoxicant
• Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant

Hydroquinone also identifies concerns regarding the ingredient's risks for various organ

systems, the Endocrine System and neurotoxicity

It is also linked to the skin condition Ochronosis.

Source: The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Cancer! Carcinogen! Neurotoxicity!!!

Why would anyone put this ingredient on their skin?