Hey people, it’s our Independence Day edition, yaay!! I decided to write about beneficial natural oils we have here in Nigeria. If you know me well, you know that I can not go a day without using any of these oils.
Growing up my grandma called Kernel oil “Eluaki”. And it’s so funny how she would use this oil for any and everything.
I remember my little cousin convulsing and dear grandma reached out for her almighty “Eluaki” rubbed it all over her body and before I could say ‘Jack’ my cousin was fine. I called this oil grandma’s anointing oil and as a child, I would often fall and start shaking in front of her when we went to visit her so she would rub me some Eluaki but grandma did not buy my gimmicks. Many years later when I become a grown baby girl I realised that “Eluka” is kernel oil and it is one of my greatest beauty tips.
Please read and thank me in the hallway!!!
Palm Kernel Oil
Palm kernel oil is an edible plant oil derived from the kernel of the oil palm Elaeis guineensis. It should not be confused with the oil from two other palm fruits.
Benefits of Kernel Oil
- Zero calories
- Loaded with anti-oxidants with enough amounts of vitamin C.
Shea Butter
This is the fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree. It is usually yellow in colour when raw, with more processed versions being ivory or white in colour. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer, salve or lotion. Shea butter is edible and is used in food preparation in some African countries.
Benefits of shea butter
- Moisturises dry skin
- Treats acne and blemishes
- Reduces skin inflammation
- Anti-aging and anti-free radical agent
- Provides relief to itchy and peeling skin
- Restores skin elasticity
- Reduce razor irritation and bumps
Coconut oil
Also known as or copra oil, is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It has various applications. Because of its high saturated fat content, it is slow to oxidize and, thus, resistant to rancidification, lasting up to six months at 24 °C without spoiling.
Benefits of Coconut Oil
- It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium
- Internally as part of the protocol to help remineralize teeth
- Is an immediate source of energy when eaten that isn’t stored as fat
- It can help improve sleep when taken daily
- When used in food, it may support healthy thyroid function
- Some studies show that it can help improve insulin levels when consumed regularly
- Topically, it helps skin heal faster after injury or infection because of its beneficial fats
- When used consistently on the skin, it can help get rid of cellulite
- When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production
- Can relieve the pain of haemorrhoids when used topically
- Coconut oil makes an excellent eye-makeup remover on its own
- It may help lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
- Can help soothe psoriasis or eczema
