The Complexion Perfection Face Powder sets feature our new face powder in your choice of light or dark shade. These sets are available in two sizes–10 ml serum with 1/2 face bar and one tin of face powder or 15 ml serum with full face bar and powder.

Healing Face Powder by HealingHandsApothecary.com

Check out this list of ingredients I used: Rice Powder, Sericite Mica, Kaolin Clay, Zinc Oxide, Olive Leaf, Green Tea, Rosehip Extract, Chamomile Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Sea Buckthorn Berry and Cucumber Peel Extract.

Healing Ingredients

Healing Face Powders by www.HealingHandsApothecary.com

Rice Powder

Rice Powder

Sericite Mica

Mica

I cannot find any problems with using Mica, therefore, because it looks great on the skin, and decreases the appearance of fine lines, I have included it.  One of the major drawbacks I had to using the popular mineral makeups was the fact that they sunk
into every line on my face, and made them more pronounced.  In fact, it brought to my attention lines that I never had noticed before.   This does just the opposite, and that’s what I’m looking for!  It makes lines on your face look less noticeable, and it makes your skin look really smooth.

Kaolin Clay

Kaolin Clay

This is the mildest of all clays, and even works well for people with sensitive skin.  Traditionally, clays are used to reduce swelling and inflammation, and to draw impurities from the skin. Cosmetic clays are made up of different mineral contents, and each clay type has a different effect on the skin. The high mineral content of White Kaolin Clay rejuvenates the skin while the clay exfoliates and stimulates blood circulation to the skin.  It does not draw oils from the skin, so it can also be used on dry skin types without negative results.

Kaolin Clay is high in calcium, silica, zinc and magnesium, which are beneficial for oily, blemished skin. The clay’s mildly drying and disinfectant properties help heal existing blemishes and inflammations, while preventing new ones from forming.  You can get quality kaolin clay for your own projects by clicking on this image to the right.  This will take you to “From Nature with Love”, one of my favorite sources for quality ingredients like this.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is the safest most effective single active sunscreen ingredient. It protects from UVA and UVB rays and studies show that it does not enter the body through the skin. Science overwhelmingly shows that particles of zinc oxide greater than 30nm, when applied to the skin, do not get absorbed into the body, do not enter the bloodstream, and are not a threat to human health.  I am using this as a sunscreen ingredient.  There are several studies showing that chemical sunscreen ingredients, which are molecular in size and thus significantly smaller than nanoparticles, are absorbed into the blood. The biggest concern with nanoparticles in cosmetics is the threat of inhalation with powders.  So, once again I’d like to remind you, when applying ANY face powder, hold your breath.  Do not breathe in while the particles are flying around your face.  Zinc oxide also has properties that help to decrease inflammation in the skin.  This is why you see this product used heavily in diaper rash formulations.  So if your skin is inflamed and irritated, this will actually be soothing and helpful.

There has been some talk of zinc oxide generating free radicals, however, mjost researchers and health organizations agree that since zinc oxide sits on the outer, dead, layer of skin, any free radicals generated will not affect living cells below.  Also, since every other ingredient (almost) in this powder is a free radical scavenger, they will inevitably be consumed and done away with immediately.

Licorice Extract

Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root extracts component substances have tremendous effect on anti-aging, rosacea, pigmented, sensitive and acne prone skin.

Glycyrrhizin and Glycyrrhizinic acid in Licorice Root Extract have amazing effect on anti-acne properties, and regulate oil production and eliminate bacteria on the skin. It also helps to soothe roscace & acne-prone skin, making it the Licorice Root Extract a perfect ingredient for sensitive and allergy-prone skin types.

Licorice is a prime herb used in treating rosacea. Licorice reduces inflammation and soothes irritation, thereby reducing redness. Licorice provides the added benefit of stimulating the adrenal gland to remove the bacteria that causes rosacea bumps.

It is used in skin care formulations to soothe and relax dry and tired skin. The ingredient that is responsible for the skin whitening
aspect of the plant is known as glabridin. Glabridin inhibits pigmentation by preventing tyrosinase activation. Studies have shown that it can provide a considerable skin brightening effect while remaining non-toxic to the melanin forming cells.

Glabridin which is an incredible skin whitening agent, is enormously helpful in decreasing melanin and re-balancing the dermal cells. Wonderful for under the eyes where pigment exists and gentle unlike other chemical skin brighteners. Glabridin is a potent anti-oxidant which appears to be as powerful as natural Vitamin E, that has a great ability of resisting bacteria, a GREAT bonus when it comes to acne prone skin.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive Leaf Extract contains nearly 100 phytochemicals and essential nutrients may be used in skin care preparations to soothe dry, stressed skin and restore it to it’s youthful appearance. Olive Leaf Extract is also noted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in addition to anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Green Tea Extract

Green Tea Extract

It is a rich source of antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Green tea extract is hailed in the Natural Skin Care Industry. Green tea extract is said to help repair the effects of aging and environmental factors. The active constituents in green tea are the Catechin – Polyphenols. Green tea catechins are potent antioxidants. A key component in Green Tea (eppigallocatecin gallate) has been found to reduce some forms of human cancer induced by physical and environmental carcinogens. It has strong anti-oxidant properties and works at protection against tumor development by attaching and destroying free radicals. It may be as much as 200 times more effective at doing this than Vitamin E. When applied topically it can reduce swelling.  This is a valuable addition in protecting the skin from environmental and sun damage.

Rosehip Extract

Rosehip Extract

High in vitamin C as well as 32 other minerals and vitamins such as beta carotene, bioflavinoids, calcium, citrates, citric acid, iron
malates, malic acid, niacin, phosphorus and vitamins A, B1, B2, E, K. Being rich in Vitamin C it contains natural anti-oxidant properties and is used to improve the elasticity of the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Chamomile Extract

Chamomile Extract

The active ingredient apigenin in chamomile has anti-histamic properties. Chamomile has been clinically proven to have anti-inflammatory and repairing properties. This could be useful in treating rashes and dermatitis. Double blind studies have found that chamomile also has a significant effect in decreasing wound area and assists in drying the wound out, which means that in the case of breakouts, and small open areas due to pimples, this will assist in healing those areas instead of causing further irritation!

Sea Buckthorn Berry Extract

Sea Buckthorn Berry Extract

A unique naturally occurring cocktail of vitamins, pro-vitamins, antioxidants and skin emollients. Additionally Sea Buckthorn is a
natural bactericide, anti-oxidant and analgesic and can be to improve cell metabolism and as a free radical scavenger to delay dermal aging. This extract also absorbs UVA and UVB rays and is useful for protection against the sun and rejuvenating sun damaged skin.

Cucumber Peel Extract

Cucumber Peel Extract

Calm & Cooling … Cucumber Peel extract makes a wonderful addition for its anti-inflammatory and skin tightening properties! It
is pale green in color with a light, refreshing cucumber scent. Cucumber is rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes essential for strong cell growth and repair. In addition, cucumber peel offers a natural source for a fresh, powerful antioxidant.

Cucumber Peel Extract can be used to keep the facial skin soft while providing a natural sunscreen. It also acts as a skin toner.  This ingredient revitalizes stressed and tired skin, leaving calm, cool and radiant.

Healing Face Powder available at Healing Hands Apothecary

The Benefits of Using Mineral Makeup

What makes mineral makeup different from traditional makeup isn’t the ingredients it contains, but what’s left out. That list, for many leading brands, includes preservatives, parabens, mineral oil, chemical dyes, and fragrance. These are all possible causes of irritation, one reason many dermatologists recommend mineral makeup.

“I’m very bullish on mineral makeup,” says New York dermatologist Neal Schultz, MD. “It’s much less likely to cause a reaction in women with sensitive skin. And because it doesn’t contain oil, it won’t aggravate acne-prone skin.”

Chicago dermatologist Brooke Jackson, MD, who uses mineral makeup herself, recommends it to patients with rosacea and eczema. She also suggests it to a highly frustrated group of women. “Women in their 30s and 40s will come in and say they have bathroom counters filled with products that have caused reactions because of one ingredient or another,” Jackson says. “When  they try mineral products, many are finally able to wear makeup for the first time in their lives.”

A BAD ingredient to check your mineral makeups for: Scan your labels for bismuth oxychloride.  This is the ingredient that gives makeup its pearly finish. It’s been said to cause skin irritation and acne flare-ups.  I have a feeling this is what was causing that “shiny” look I didn’t like in the mineral makeup I was using.  It could have also been the culprit in causing that prickly feeling that was MOST uncomfortable. This ingredient (of course) is not one of the ingredients in my powder.

As for so-called liquid mineral foundations, Wilson says it’s impossible to create a liquid product with a pared-down ingredients list. Because microbes thrive in water, a liquid formulation must include some kind of preservative, she says. Without it, contaminated products can lead to skin infections.

The bottom line? If you have sensitive skin, you might want to give a loose mineral powder foundation a try. Look for products with the shortest ingredients list. “

Healing Ingredients

The longer the list of ingredients,” says Jackson, “the bigger the opportunity to get yourself in trouble.”  I will go along with this statement by Jackson, unless the ingredients are ones like I’ve included in my formula:  Licorice, chamomile, green tea and rose hips, etc…

For everyone else, mineral makeup will do no harm and, with some practice of the “tap, swirl, and buff” application method, you might find yourself enjoying its camouflaging abilities.  Just keep your expectations in check. “No one product, including mineral foundation, is going to correct problems like large pores and uneven pigmentation,” Herta says. “To address those concerns you need primer, concealer, and the right skin care regimen.”  Even though I believe you should wash your face at night to remove your makeup, I wouldn’t at all mind spending the night in this powder.

The only source for these “Healing” powders is Healing Hands Apothecary.  Up and coming will be links to the sources for the materials and instructions for creating your own, should you wish to do so.

If you have questions, please feel free to post them on my Facebook page or below, and I’ll try to answer them by adding them to this post.

Questions:

1.  What are the ingredients in Bare Minerals?

Titanium Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Mica, Iron Oxide, Bismuth Oxychloride

Virgin Coconut Oil and Your Skin

Coconut Oil is the best treatment to heal, protect, and beautify your skin and hair!

Check out the audio below.
It’s an interview with Dr. Bruce Fife, author of “The Coconut Cure”

Raw Coconut Oil

Adapted from Bruce Fife’s book:  The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil.
©2001 Reprinted by permission of the author and publisher

The small molecular structure of coconut oil allows for easy absorption through the skin, giving it a soft, smooth texture.  It makes an ideal ointment for the relief of dry, rough and wrinkled skin.  Psoriasis and eczema sufferers often see great improvements in these distressing conditions.

Most commercial creams and lotions are predominantly water.  As the water enters the skin, it expands the tissues, like filling a balloon with water, so that wrinkles fade
away and the skin feels smoother.  But this is only temporary.  As soon as the water evaporates or is carried away by the blood stream, the dry, wrinkled skin returns.  No matter how hard you try people will never be able to permanently cure dry, wrinkled skin with any commercial body lotion or body care products. Besides the water, most lotions have an oil of some type.  This oil is almost always a highly refined vegetable oil or petroleum product devoid of all natural protective antioxidants. One product in our food supply and in body care products that leads to a great deal of free radicals is oxidized vegetable oils.

Our skin is made up of connective tissues.  These tissues give our skin strength and elasticity.  When we are young and healthy the skin is smooth, elastic and supple.
This is the effect of strong connective fibers.  As we age their fibers are continually subjected to free-radical attack which breaks them down.  As a result, connective tissues become hardened and lose both elasticity and strength. The skin loses its ability to hold itself together and begins to sag and become wrinkled.  Once young, soft and smooth the skin turns dry and leathery.

Once a free-radical reaction is started it can cause a chain reaction which produces more free radicals, which ultimately damages thousands of molecules.  The only way our body has to fight them is with antioxidants.  When a free radical comes into contact with an antioxidant, the chain reaction is stopped.  For this reason, it is good to have plenty of antioxidants in our cells and tissues to protect us.  The number of antioxidants we have in our tissues is determined to a large extent by the nutrients in our diet.  Having anti-oxidants in skin care products is important, too. Dr. Ray Peat, a biochemist who has written about the antioxidant properties of coconut oil, states “It is well established that dietary coconut oil reduces our need for vitamin E, but I think its antioxidant role is more general than that, in that it has both direct and indirect antioxidant activities.” Virgin Coconut Oil is especially useful in fighting free-radicals, as it is unrefined and hasn’t been stripped of any of its natural components through the refining process.

Did you realize that consuming refined vegetables oils can lead to vitamin E deficiency?

Conventional body care products that are made with refined vegetable oils which have all the antioxidants stripped from them are highly prone to free-radical generation both in and outside the body.  That is why eating processed vegetable oils can cause a deficiency in vitamin E and other antioxidants.  The antioxidants are used up fighting off free radicals causing permanent damage to connective tissues.  This is also the reason why you should be careful about the type of oils you use on your skin, and in your lotions, creams and lip balms.  If you use a lotion, or cream with a refined oil in it you are in fact causing your skin to age faster.  The lotion, though it may bring temporary improvement will actually accelerate the aging of the skin and even promote skin cancer through the free radicals that are readily formed from the refined vegetable oil.

Examples of refined oils:
Canola or rapeseed oil, soybean oil, canola oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, and peanut oil.

Refined cooking oils are made by highly intensive mechanical and chemical processes to extract the oil from the seeds. This process removes the natural nutrients from the seeds and creates a final product which oxidizes easily. The oxidation factor makes these oils more likely to break down into cancer causing free radicals within the body.

In addition, many refined vegetable oils are also hydrogenated. This hydrogenation process makes them solid at room temperature so they can be sold as margarine and shortening. This hydrogenation process further damages the fatty acids in the oils, creating trans fatty acids, which are particularly dangerous to human health.

The consumption of vegetable oils created through chemical extraction processes is linked to widespread inflammation within the body, elevated blood triglycerides, and an impaired insulin response. These oils have been linked to diabetes, cancer and heart disease in multiple studies.  If you would like to look further into the process of how these oils are treated, click here.

Age Spots:  How to prevent them – How to reduce the ones you already have.
One of the classic signs of old age is the appearance of brown, freckle-like spots or liver spots. It is a sign of free-radical deterioration of the lipids (fats) in our skin, thus the name lipofuscin.  Oxidation of polyunsaturated fats and protein by free radical activity in the skin is recognized as the major cause of liver spots.  Liver spots don’t ordinarily hurt or show any signs of discomfort.  If we couldn’t see them we wouldn’t even know they were there. But they do affect our health and our appearance.  Because cells cannot dispose of the lipofuscin pigment, it gradually accumulates within many cells of the body as we age.  Once lipofuscin pigment develops, it tends to stick around for life, but you can prevent further osication and perhaps even reduce the spots you already have by using the right kind of oils in your diet and on your skin.

The ideal lotion is one that is made from an oil that not only softens the skin, but protects it against damage, promotes healing and gives it a more youthful, healthy appearance.  Coconut oil fits that description.  Pure virgin coconut oil is the best natural ingredient for skin lotion available.  If you would like to know where I get my coconut oil, check out this link.  This is the best source I know of for unrefined, unprocessed raw coconut oil: Green Label Organic Virgin Coconut Oil – 32 oz.

It prevents destructive free-radical formation and provides protection against them. It can help to keep the skin from developing liver spots, and other blemishes caused by aging and over exposure to sunlight.  It helps to keep connective tissues strong and supple so that the skin doesn’t sag and wrinkle.  In some cases it might even restore damaged or diseased skin.  The oil is absorbed into the skin and into the cell structure of the connective tissues, limiting the damage excessive sun exposure can cause.  This was what prompted me to create the formula known as “Skin Drink”.  This is pure coconut oil, blended with a few other unprocessed oils, supercharged with a kick of essential oils that promote skin health.  To order Skin Drink, click HERE.

Skin Drink by Healing Hands Apothecary

This blend would be a good choice for anyone working in an atmosphere where germs and bacteria were prevalent.  This forms a barrier on and within the top few layers of your skin, so that when bacteria come into contact, they cannot proliferate or even survive.  An excellent defense against MRSA and the like.

Coconut oil will not only bring temporary relief to the skin, but it will aid in healing and repairing.  It will have lasting benefits, unlike most lotions.  It can help bring back a youthful appearance. The coconut oil will aid in removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. The skin will become more evenly textured with a healthy “shine”.  While doing this the coconut oil will penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and strengthen the underlying tissues.

Coconut Oil On Your Hair

What coconut oil can do for your skin it can do for your hair.  It is wonderful to use as a conditioner.  Beauticians who are familiar with coconut swear by it.  It softens the hair and conditions the scalp.  Using the coconut oil as a pre-wash conditioner can rid a person of dandruff better than a medicated shampoo. Yep!  It really can! You can use plain coconut, or, you might want to try this special product sold by Tropical Traditions: Organic Hair Oils – 8 oz. – Rosemary

If you’re looking for something more therapeutic, be sure to check out Healing Hair and Scalp Serum by Healing Hands Apothecary. The main
carrier oil is coconut, which is infused with a blend of targeted essential oils for the growth/restoration the of hair and healing of the scalp.

The protective environment of the skin and how coconut oil helps

Antiseptic fatty acids in coconut oil help to prevent fungal and bacterial infections in the skin when it is consumed and to some extent, when it is applied directly to the skin. The only way to gain entry into the body other than through the natural openings, such as the nose and mouth, is by penetrating the skin.  When the skin’s defenses break down, infections can result.  Acne, ringworm, herpes, boils, athlete’s foot, and warts are just some of the infectious conditions that can affect the skin and body.

The biggest chemical barrier to infectious organisms is the acid layer on the skin.  Healthy skin has a pH of about 5, making it slightly acidic. Our sweat (containing uric and lactic acids) and body oils promote this acidic environment.  For this reason, sweat and oil do us good.  Harmless bacteria can tolerate the acid and live on the skin, but troublesome bacteria can’t thrive and their numbers are few.

The oil our bodies produce is called sebum.  Sebum is secreted by oil glands (sebaceous glands) located at the root of every hair as well as other places.  This oil is very important to skin health.  It softens and lubricates the skin and hair and prevents the skin from drying and cracking.  Sebum also contains medium chain fatty acids, in the form of medium chain triglycerides, that can be released to fight harmful germs.

Our skin is home to many tiny organisms, most of which are harmless;  some are beneficial.  At least one variety of bacterium is essential to the healthy environment on our skin.  It feeds on the sebum, breaking down the tryglycerides into free fatty acids.  The bacteria actually feed on the glycerol part of the triglyceride.  This leaves fatty acids which are now “freed” from the glycerol unit that held them together. Medium chain fatty acids which are bound to the glycerol unit as they are in coconut oil have no antimicrobial properties.  However, when they are broken apart into free fatty acids, they become powerful antimicrobials.

So these bacteria convert the medium chain triglycerides (in the sebum or on the skin) into free fatty acids that can kill disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.  The combination of the slightly acid pH and medium chain fatty acids provides a protective chemical layer on the skin that prevents infection from disease-causing organisms.  Due primarily to the action of bacteria, the oil on the surface of your skin and hair is composed of between 40 and 60 percent free fatty acids.  The medium chain fatty acids in the sebum provide the protective layer on the skin that kills harmful germs. Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of medium chain fatty acids.

When coconut oil is put on the skin it doesn’t have any immediate antimicrobial action.  However, when bacteria which are always present on the skin turn these triglycerides
into free fatty acids, just as it does with sebum, the result is an increase in the number of antimicrobial fatty acids on the skin and protection from infection.  The free fatty acids also
help to contribute to the acid environment on the skin which repels disease causing germs.

More on The Antibacterial Action of Coconut Oil

When bathing or showering, soap washes the protective layer of oil and acid off our skin.  Often, afterwards the skin becomes tight and dry. Adding moisturizers helps the skin feel better, but it does not replace the acid or the protective medium chain fatty acid layers that were removed.  Your skin is vulnerable to infection at this time. You would think that your body would be clean and germ-free after a bath.  But germs are everywhere, floating in the air, on our clothes and everything we touch.  Many germs survive washing by hiding in cracks and folds of the skin.  Before long your skin is again teaming with microorganisms, both good and bad.  Until sweat and oils return to reestablish the body’s chemical barrier your skin is vulnerable to infection.  If you have a cut or cracked skin, this can allow streptococcus, staphylococcus and other harmful germs entry into the body.  It doesn’t take a large cut by the way, for these dangerous organisms to enter.  You can potentially have an abrasion or cut, seemingly invisible to the naked eye that MRSA could enter in through.  By using a coconut oil cream, lotion or just pure coconut oil you can quickly help reestablish the skin’s natural antimicrobial and acid barrier.  Many people use coconut oil on their skin after every bath.  This is an excellent method to keep your skin in a healthy balance.

Coconut oil will absorb easily, keep the skin soft, and yet without feeling greasy.  It is not like other oils used to soften rough, dry skin. It will help to reduce chronic skin inflammation within days and be soothing and healing to wounds, blood blisters, rashes, etc.  It is an excellent ingredient to use in healing salves and ointments.  People have used a coconut oil/crushed garlic mixture at night to eliminate plantar warts and athlete’s foot with excellent results.

In the making of soaps, the soap does not have a tallow smell nor the smell of a vegetable oil. Instead, it has a nice fresh smell and yields a nice fluffy lather.  Coconut oil is one of the most popular oils used in soap making.

How Coconut Benefits Skin with Acne
When it comes to acne and skin problems, you want something that will not cause problems with bacteria or add to your already clogged pores.  Coconut oil is antibacterial all by itself.  If I could only use one oil, I’d choose coconut over the others, because it’s so good!

So why is coconut oil so good for skin with acne?

Well, acne is an inflammatory infection caused by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a bacterium which colonizes the hair follicles and feeds on the natural oils of the skin.

Antiseptic fatty acids in coconut oil help to prevent fungal
and bacterial infections.

Coconut oil is mostly made up of MCFAs (medium chain fatty
acids) which protect your skin, especially your face, from infection-causing organisms. These extremely beneficial fat molecules help maintain a skin environment that’s deadly to microbes, including the P. acnes bacterium.  Not only will it bring relief to your skin,
but it will aid in healing and repairing. It will have lasting benefits, unlike most lotions.  It can help bring back a youthful appearance.  The coconut oil will aid in removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. The skin will become more evenly textured with a healthy “shine”.  While doing this the coconut oil will penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and strengthen the underlying tissues.  MCFA-loaded coconut oil speeds up healing of wounds, such as dark spots, including acne marks.  Basically, medium chain fatty acids are simply smaller, which allows them to go where the long chain acids cannot go.

Coconut oil works for acne because coconut oil destroys bacteria that cause acne. It pierces the skin pores to dissolve the obstructing waste, and accelerates healing to prevent blemishes.

Because they primarily contain Long Chain Triglyceride (LCT) or Long Chain Fatty Acid (LCFA) oils, most commercial oil formulations cannot enter your skin easily. LCTs are larger than MCTs, and as a result, have a hard time penetrating your skin to dissolve whatever is clogging it.

The smaller molecular structure of MCTs allow them to penetrate your skin effortlessly. They unblock your pores, clearing away grime and dirt. Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of MCTs!

There are many acne-fighting products on the market, some of which include chemicals that are available only by prescription and carry the possibility of some serious side effects (such as liver dysfunction).  Due to this, many people choose not to use such prescription based medication even though it works well for the majority of people who use this treatment.  A good choice for acne, is to combine coconut oil with some other natural substances that also work against acne, which was the idea behind Complexion Perfection2 by Healing Hands Apothecary.

Complexion Perfection2 by Healing Hands Apothecary

The important thing to realize is that acne does not begin on the surface of the skin. Acne begins inside the body, and is caused by bacteria. Therefore acne must be treated on the inside to kill the bacteria and on the outside to heal acne that has already erupted.

Acne needs to be treated orally and topically and one of the best natural acne treatments is coconut oil for the inside, and out.

THE SECRET BEHIND COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil is unique. It is unlike most other dietary oils.  It is this difference that gives it most of its nutritional and medicinal properties. What makes coconut oil different from other oils is the fat molecules that make up the oil. All fats and oils are composed of fat molecules known as fatty acids. There are two methods of classifying fatty acids. The first, you are probably familiar with, is based on saturation. You have saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. The second method of classification is based on molecular size or the length of the carbon chain within the fatty acid. You have short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), and long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs). When three fatty acids are joined together by a glycerol molecule you have a triglyceride. So you can also have short-chain triglycerides (SCTs), medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). Sometimes people use the terms fatty acid and triglyceride interchangeably.

Short-chain fatty acids include butyric and caporic acids which have carbon chains containing four and six carbons respectively. Medium-chain fatty acids include caprylic, capric, and lauric acids with eight, ten, and 12 carbons. Long-chain fatty acids have carbon chains containing 14 or more carbons.

Lauric acid is a 12 carbon medium-chain fatty acid. It is the predominate MCFA in coconut oil.

Lauric Acid

Stearic acid is an 18 carbon long-chain fatty acid. It is one of the most common fatty acids in our food.

Stearic Acid

The vast majority of the fats in our diet, whether they are saturated or unsaturated or come from a plant or an animal, are composed of long-chain fatty acids (LCF As). Soybean oil, com oil, canola oil, olive oil, lard, and chicken fat, as well as most all other fats and oils in our diet, are composed entirely of LCFAs. Some 98 to 100 percent of the fat you eat each day consists of LCFAs, unless, however, you eat a lot of coconut or coconut oil. Coconut oil is unique; it is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). It is the MCFAs in coconut oil that make it different from other oils and which give it its remarkable nutritional and medical properties.

Until recently coconut oil has not received much attention outside the research community. The reason for this is due to prejudice and a general misunderstanding about saturated fats. Many people, even now, are still confused about the different types of saturated fat. Many ill-informed writers continue to blindly lump coconut oil with lard and beef fat and label it an artery-clogging fat. But when you understand how coconut oil is metabolized by the body, it is easy to see that it does not contribute to hardening of the arteries or to heart disease. In fact, coconut oil can help protect you from heart disease. This topic is discussed more fully in Chapter 5 of (Coconut Cures).

Coconut oil is considered a “functional food,” which means it possesses health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Medical researchers have been studying coconut oil for decades and have learned a great deal about this once maligned oil. The remainder of chapter (Chapter 3) discusses some of the observed and documented effects of MCFAs found in coconut oil. References to medical studies are included to verify these statements and allow you to pursue further research on your own if you are interested.

Coconut Oil is mostly made up of MCFAs (Medium Chain Fatty Acids).

Because MCFAs are smaller then LCFAs (Long Chain Fatty Acids), they digest much more easily and have a greater solubility in water. In fact, unlike LCFAs, pancreatic digestive enzymes and bile are not even necessary for their digestion. Because of this, coconut oil can provide a quick and easy source of nutrition without taxing the enzyme systems of the body.  So, this means if you have gallbladder or pancreas troubles, you can safely consume coconut oil.  All other oils are off limits!  Isn’t that amazing?

Because MCFAs are easily digested they also tend to improve the absorption of other nutrients as well.  This is a powerful statement!

Because coconut oil can provide a quick source of nutrition without taxing the enzyme systems of the body and because it enhances the absorption of nutrients in foods, it has been recommended in the treatment of malnutrition.

Coconut Oil and Weight Loss

Because MCFAs are used to produce energy rather than be packed away into fat cells, coconut oil can be useful in weight management. In fact, coconut oil has gained the reputation as being the world’s only natural low-calorie fat. A low-calorie fat is a strange concept, but coconut oil fits that description. It has this reputation primarily for three reasons. First, coconut oil actually has fewer calories than any other fat. All other fats have 9 calories per gram. Coconut oil has slightly less, about 8.6 calories per gram. That isn’t much of a difference, but this isn’t the main reason for coconut oil’s low-fat reputation. The other two reasons are much more important.

The second reason is that coconut oil satisfies hunger better than any other fat, and probably any other food. When you add coconut oil to a meal, you become satisfied sooner and do not get as hungry between meals so you can go longer without snacking. By the end of the day you tend to eat less food and consume fewer calories. This means you have fewer excess calories that can be packed away into storage as body fat.

The third reason for coconut oil’s reputation as a low-calorie fat is that it lifts metabolism to a higher level. As metabolism increases, calories are consumed at a higher rate. Since more calories are burned up, fewer are left to be converted into body fat.

Metabolism is evaluated by measuring energy expenditure. Energy expenditure is the rate at which calories are consumed.  The higher the metabolism, the higher the rate of energy consumption.  Just adding coconut oil to a meal will essentially reduce the effective number of calories in the meal. In a study that measured energy expenditure before and after a
meal containing MCFAs, energy expenditure in normal weight individuals increased by 48 percent. In other words, metabolism increased by 48 percent. In obese individuals energy expenditure increased by an incredible 65 percent! So the more overweight a person is the greater an effect coconut oil has on stimulating metabolism. This is good news for  overweight individuals who want to use coconut oil to help them lose weight.

Researchers at McGill University in Canada have determined that if you replaced all the fats and oils in your diet that are made of LCTs, such as soybean, canola, safflower, and other typical cooking oils, with an oil composed of MCTs, such as coconut oil you can lose up to 36 excess pounds a year! You can experience this amount of weight loss without changing your diet or reducing the total number of calories you consume. All you need to do is simply change your oil. Because of these effects, coconut oil is not only being recommended as a means to manage weight but also as a means to treat obesity.

Coconut Oil and the Immune System

Every single one of us has cancerous cells in our bodies. The reason we don’t all develop cancer and die is because the immune system destroys these renegade cells before they
can get out of hand. As long as the immune system is functioning in the manner for which it was designed, we need not worry about cancer. Arthur I. Holleb, M.D.,
senior vice president of Medical Affairs for the American Cancer Society states: “Only when the immune system is incapable of destroying these malignant cells will cancer develop.” In other words, cancer can only develop in those individuals whose immune systems are so stressed or weakened that they are incapable of mounting an effective defense. Dr. Holleb doesn’t specify that the efficiency of the immune system affects only lung cancer or breast cancer or leukemia. He refers to all cancers, which means that even if we are exposed to carcinogenic substances, if the immune system is working as it should, cancer will not develop. A healthy immune system, therefore, is a key element in the
prevention of all forms of cancer.

Because coconut oil protects against cancer, some researchers believe that medium-chain fatty acids enhance the immune system. Witcher and associates tested this hypothesis and found that that monolaurin, a mono glyceride of lauric acid, stimulates the production of white blood cells, specifically T cells. T cells attack and kill anything that is foreign to the
body including cancerous cells. T cells play a significant role in our defense against cancer.

Another study shows that MCFAs can influence the fatty acid composition of tumor tissue and tumor protein kinetics inhibiting tumor growth.

From the evidence we have so far, we know that coconut oil acts as a protective antioxidant that stops the destructive action and cancer-promoting effect of free radicals. It enhances the immune system, which actively fights these renegade cells. It appears to be able to block the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Coconut oil also protects cells against the mutagenic effects of carcinogens. Since there is no harm in using coconut oil, using it internally and externally may provide a safe and effective way to protect yourself from cancer.

Detoxification

Written by a nurse who works at a natural alternative wellness
center in Missouri: I use virgin coconut oil as a foundational product for all of my clients. It is one of the most powerful supplements I have ever worked with (I have been in the healing arts for 30 years and natural approaches for 20 years) and I find it works great for all blood types and body types. My only caution is that it is very powerful and has the ability to detoxify your body quickly. A few of my clients have had to start out on a teaspoon and work up, due to the detoxification response being more intense than they wanted to experience. Most people I work with are able to use 3-4 tablespoons per day from the start with amazing results in improved immune system, energy level, stabilized blood sugar, improved thyroid function, weight loss, more mental clarity and improved emotional/mental stability. In addition to being a wonderful supplement, it is a basic food, which should replace all other oils that one has been cooking with. I don’t know of any other product that covers so many bases-and it tastes great too!

Well, the nurse in Missouri is right.  And up til now, I’ve only consumed coconut intermittently, on occasions, but after reading this, I am going to use it on a regular basis.  I’ll be looking for more ways to use it, so stay tuned.  You’ll probably see some unique recipes pop up! 

TRADITIONAL WISDOM

Coconut oil, meat, milk, and other products have been staples in the diets of the Asian, Pacific, and other island populations for generations. Over the past several decades people in the coconut growing regions of the world have been adopting Western foods and lifestyles; as a consequence, long held beliefs and practices have been fading away. As modern processed foods have become more available, traditional foods have become less popular. Like everyone else, these people have been influenced by misconceptions regarding coconut and particularly coconut oil. Believing it to be an “artery-clogging” saturated fat, coconut oil consumption and use has dramatically declined. In its place people eat margarine, shortening, and processed vegetable oils. Health problems such as heart disease and obesity that were unheard of a few decades ago when coconut was widely used are now common. This is especially true in urban areas where people are better educated and affected more by Western influences. Most of the newer generation have not been exposed to the traditional uses of coconut and know very little about it.

Back when I worked as a nurse in a cardiac unit, I one day approached the dietician to inquire as to the reason all of the cardiac patients had “margarine” on their trays instead of butter.  Ironically, this “margarine” said “heart healthy” on the label.  She looked puzzled, and asked why I wanted to know.  I told her that I wondered why the hospital seemed so concerned with cardiac patient’s diets, to the point to sending dieticians to their rooms to teach them what they should and shouldn’t eat, however they were serving them items that would clog their arteries.  She looked dumbfounded, and just stated:  “I don’t know”.  Because she knew, as a dietician that anything hydrogenated was artery clogging.  Just because something says “heart healthy” doesn’t make it so.

Fortunately, in many rural areas people still use coconut just as their parents and grandparents did. This is especially true among the poor, who can’t afford the more expensive imported oils. These people have been able to enjoy the benefits of coconut and carry on the traditions of their ancestors.

Coconut Oil was given a bad name in the 50s. Extensive studies were done on it in 1957, and in the following years, which showed that it was very detrimental to one’s health.
What they didn’t tell us for reasons we can only speculate on, was that the studies were done using hydrogenated coconut oil and not raw coconut oil. We now know that hydrogenated oils of any kind transform into trans fatty acids which are very detrimental to one’s health. Finally studies are now being done on raw virgin coconut oil and they are finding that the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil have no ill effects on the body at all, in fact it has incredible health benefits with absolutely zero adverse effects.

Now you can understand why I use coconut oil in most of my formulas! I get my coconut oil from Tropical Traditions, because of the way they get the oil.   It is processed by hand, and is considered a raw product.  Plus, they are always offering special deals! 

Now you can understand why I use coconut oil in most of my formulas! I get my coconut oil from Tropical Traditions, because of the way
they get the oil. Plus, they are always offering special deals! Green Label Organic Virgin Coconut Oil – 32 oz.

References:

Hartman, D. 1986. Free radical theory of aging: role of free
radicals in the origination and evolution of life, aging, and disease
processes, In: Free Radicals, Aging and Degenerative Diseases, Alan R. Liss, p.
3-50

Cross, C.E. et. al. 1987. Oxygen radicals and human
diseases. Ann. Intern. Med. 107:526

More coconut books and products you may want to check out:

Green Label Organic Virgin Coconut Oil – 1 gallon

Once again, Tropical Traditions is the place to go for your coconut oil. I haven’t found anyone yet who is able to beat their quality or prices.
1 Gallon Green Label Virgin Coconut Oil and 1 Gallon Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil, Non-Certified