Coconut Oil

Scientific Name: Cocos nucifera

Type: Drupe

The Versatile coconut is a Drupe that finds its origins in tropic and subtropical climates. The Coconut has been a part of the human food and toolbag providing us with potable water, high caloric flesh, fiber for rope making and a rich, nutritious oil. A highly sustainable, resilient tree, the coconut dna today sheds much light on us with history dating back to prehistoric times¹.

Virgin Coconut oil, used here in 13Vegan products, is extracted from the coconut milk obtained from fresh coconuts as opposed to ordinary coconut oil obtained via milling of dried coconut kernels.

Some Beneficial Properties

Reduced Hair Protein Loss
In an extensive study on hair damage comparing mineral oils, sunflower oil and coconut oil, it was recognised that coconut oil was the only oil capable of preventing protein loss in both damaged and healthy hair profiles². This was also largely attributed to the fatty acid profile and molecular weight of coconut oil. The unique profile of coconut oil further made evident its ability to penetrate the hair shaft to do its work.

Antioxidant
Virgin coconut oil contains medium chain saturated fatty acids and polyphenolic antioxidants. It has been shown that VCO is capable of effectively protecting cells from pro-oxidant activity³. This antioxidant activity has immense benefit for the immune system, heart and even mood disorders when taken internally. Used externally, it is capable of aiding in counteracting the damaging effects of free radicals that are contributors to sunburn, premature aging and skin cancers.

Anti-inflammatory
Virgin Coconut oil is a good emmolient (ability to make the external layers of skin softer and more pliable).
Along with this quality, VCO has been shown to be effective in tests on patients with atopic dermatitis which causes defects and inflammation in the epidermal barrier. More than 92% of Patients showed a moderate to excellent improvement in their dermatitis⁴. With its strong anti-inflammatory fatty acids, VCO proves to be an effective natural oil for barrier repair and in lowering the inflammation in contact dermatitis or rashes⁵.

Anti-Bacterial
Along with VCOs powerful efficacy against inflammation or dermatitis, VCO has also been proven to be effective against some strains of bacteria. Skin infections such as Impetigo are largely caused by bacteria and is common in young children⁶. One of the known primary causes of such infection is Staphylococcus aureus. VCO has been shown to be effective as a proactive treatment against this strain with twice daily applications over a period of 4 weeks.

References