Coconut oil is pressed from coconuts and is widely applied for cooking, medicine and production. Fractionated coconut oil is a special type of oil. It differs from the ordinary coconut oil in some peculiar features that are worth describing.

What is fractionated coconut oil?

Coconut oil contains mainly medium-chain fatty acids, namely lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. During fractionation the lauric acid is separated from coconut oil. Thus, fractionated coconut oil is a fraction of coconut oil. They remove long-chain fatty acids as well. The process of separation takes place without chemicals addition. So there is one quarter of capric acid and three quarters of caprylic acid in fractionated coconut oil. The fractionated coconut oil is often called as MCT oil. When fractionated, the oil’s color becomes clear to yellow and the oil becomes fluid at room temperature. According to CoconutOilfacts, the advantages of fractionated coconut oil are its long shelf life, non-greasy and light texture and high stability. And of course, it keeps a lot of health benefits of the whole coconut oil.

SEE ALSO: Enjoy Grapeseed Oil Benefits

Uses

Fractionated coconut oil is applied for cooking, in medicinal preparations, in health products and hair and skin care products, according to Organic Facts.

Since it is fractionated it is stable and ideal for cooking especially at high temperatures. The impurities are removed in fractionated coconut oil so its taste will be purer. It is almost odorless. Read a delicious coconut oil popcorn recipe.

Fractionated coconut oil is applied in body care products, lotions, cream and soap.  It penetrates the skin easily and doesn’t make your skin greasy. Its texture is thinner than unrefined coconut oil has. This makes fractionated coconut oil better for massage. Fractionated coconut oil is ideal carrier oil for essential oils. It helps essential oils absorption into deep tissues of the skin. Find how to make a coconut oil shampoo. 

Fractionated coconut oil is widely used in pharmaceutical industry.  It is liquid that’s why it is applied for soft gelatin encapsulated preparations. It is easy for digestion and helps resist oxidation.

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Due to its benefits, fractionated coconut oil is used for patients with malabsorption syndrome. It is a part of premature infants’ nourishment as well. However, fractionated coconut oil may be allergenic. Always test coconut oil and MCT oil applying it on a small area of your skin.

Grapeseed oil extract is the strong means of struggle against free radicals and all the health problems that they cause. It is made from the seeds of wine grapes. It takes everything useful from grape seeds and keeps it in the concentrated form; these are powerful antioxidants, flavonoids, Vitamin E, fatty acids (linoleic acid mostly). 

Free radicals are harmful for DNA and they can even cause cell death. Besides, they are responsible for the accelerating of aging process. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a study proved that consuming grapeseed oil extract significantly increased the amount of antioxidants in blood, especially powerful oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs).

Grapeseed oil extract health benefits

The University of Maryland Medical Center claims that there is the clear evidence of the grapeseed oil extract benefits for treating circulatory disorders (e.g. venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids and edema). Swelling, fatigue and pain seem to go away faster as high quality studies have shown.

Some studies (mostly in animals though) also show that grapeseed oil extract acts against bacterial infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Promising results were achieved by another study on lowering cholesterol, conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center. 40 volunteers with high cholesterol were under supervision for 2 months. The group which consumed the combination of grapeseed oil extracts and chromium lowered their “bad” (LDL) cholesterol to the highest degree. Find out how krill oil regulates cholesterol.

In test tubes grapeseed oil extract prevented the reproduction of breast, prostate, colon, lung and stomach cancer cells. However, there is no good prove yet whether it works in humans.

A few studies discovered that grapeseed oil helped maintain weight. Maastricht University, the Netherlands, published the study (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2004), according to which grapeseed oil extract might reduce energy intake in overweight subjects. Study in Spain (Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 2010) found that grapeseed oil extract corrected insulin resistance. The research of Diego A. Moreno, Ph.D. (Nutrition, 2003) suggested that grapeseed oil extract might be useful for limiting fat absorption and the accumulation of fat in adipose tissue. Read more about grapeseed oil uses.

SEE ALSO: Argan Oil for Face

Grapeseed oil extracts beauty benefits

There is some evidence (study of Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Sweden) that grapeseed oil extract can be used as hair loss treatment. Still it is not approved for hair loss by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Combine it with grapeseed oil for hair care.

Rich antioxidant content in grapeseed oil extract improves over-all skin appearance. It reduces wrinkles and improves the elasticity of skin.

Linoleic acid in grapeseed oil extract may benefits for treating acne, dermatitis and itchy skin.

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Consumption

The dietary supplement of grapeseed oil extract can be found at drug stores and health food stores. They come in the forms of capsules, tablets and liquid extracts. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises to prefer products that contain 40 – 80% of proanthocyanidins or not less than 95% of OPC. Grapeseed supplements (not whole grapes, however) are not recommended for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Grapeseed oil extract can potentially act as a blood thinner and affect medications broken down by liver. Therefore, if an individual has bleeding disorders or takes any medications, he should consult his physician prior to consuming the extract.

Fish oil is used mainly because it is high in vitamins A, E, D and omega-3 fatty acids. They use fish oil in bodybuilding as all of these nutrients are useful not only for people who don’t train but for athletes as well. There are a number of properties of these ingredients, which are important for bodybuilders, as Bodybuiding.com states.

Fish oil benefits in bodybuilding

• Vitamin D. Stimulates the uptake of phosphorus and calcium. Phosphorus is a part of the nucleic acids. In other words, this vitamin is of great importance in the process of cell division and growth of muscle tissue. Calcium is essential for bone structure; its adequate intake for child’s body is a necessary condition for the growth and strengthening of bones. It is especially important when going in for bodybuilding starts at the age of 16-17 years old. Moreover, calcium is one of the most important second messengers in the regulation of contraction of the muscle tissue. The lack of it leads to power loss and the emergence of seizures. Vitamin D together with vitamin A serves to prevent osteoporosis (bone abrasion), bone fractures and deformities. This property is very important for athletes, the bones of which experience significant dynamic and static load. Read more about fish oil and vitamin D.
• Vitamin A (retinol) is involved in numerous metabolic processes, regulates protein synthesis, has immunostimulatory effect. The adequate intake of retinol helps to build up muscle mass more efficiently and fight infections, which have a great influence on the intensive growing organism. Vitamin A takes part in the synthesis of steroid hormones, acts as an antioxidant, and helps to fight cancer. Vitamin A is especially useful for bodybuilders with blurred vision: their heavy exercise can lead to serious consequences. Retinol is a powerful tool in the struggle of preserving eye health.

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• Vitamin E. Possesses antioxidant properties, prevents the degeneration of nerve tissue, improves the saturation processes of cells (including muscle tissue), strengthens the walls of blood vessels. It is also involved in several metabolic processes in cells.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. They reduce the burden on the central nervous system, decrease inflammation and have a positive impact on the rate of recovery of the micro traumas of muscle tissue. According to American Heart Association, these acids are beneficial for the work of cardiovascular system, lead to better muscular work and better absorption of minerals, and reduce the level of cholesterol. Find out how fish oil lowers bad cholesterol.

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What is a daily dose of fish oil?

There are a lot of points of view on the question about the daily intake of fish oil. The American Heart Association recommends low dose – 0.5 to 2 g per day. There is an opinion that daily dose should be 1 g, for each percent of body fat. However, the most optimal reception is – 1 – 2 g of fish oil with food 2 – 3 times a day. If you are short of fish oil or cannot take it you may combine replace it for flaxseed oil for bodybuilding.

Photo credit: flickr

Nowadays cosmetologists recommend using castor oil for wrinkles. Due its moisturizing and emollient effect, castor oil has been applied as a skin and hair care product for several ages. It was known in China, India and Egypt from the ancient times.

Castor oil and skin care

Castor oil is extracted from the castor beans. They are the seeds of the castor oil plant, Ricinus communis. The oil is pale, yellow in color. It is thick so it is easy for application on the face. When you choose castor oil for wrinkles pay attention to buying cold-pressed castor oil beneficial for skin care. It is mechanically pressed so it doesn’t contain harmful ingredients. Moreover, it doesn’t lose its valuable nutrients during the process of pressing.

SEE ALSO: Castor Oil for Stretch Marks

Benefits of castor oil

Castor oil for wrinkles prevention and removal is effective due to the presence of the ricinoleic acid in its composition. According to Wikipedia the ricinoleic acid is an omega-9 unsaturated fatty acid. Thus, it is an excellent moisturizer and emollient. As the skin ages it needs more nutrition and moisturizing because it loses its elasticity, becomes thinner and more vulnerable to external harmful conditions. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil is absorbed in the skin cells and hydrates them. It retains moisture and coats the skin with a thin film that protects it from becoming dry. So using castor oil helps prevent the appearance of new wrinkles and can even make your wrinkles less vivid. The oil nourishes the skin giving it a youthful appearance and preventing the skin aging. Castor oil for wrinkles makes them less pronounced as the skin becomes smoother. Castor oil is a good alternative for people sensitive to chemicals, fragrances and dyes present in commercial creams and anti-wrinkle products. Combine the oil with almond oil for skin.

RELATED: How to Use Almond Oil for Lips

Warning

Before using castor oil for wrinkles conduct a patch test applying a small amount of castor oil on your forearm and leave for 24 hours. Make sure that you are not sensitive to the oil.

Photo credit: wikimedia

Castor oil and pregnancy have a long history of relationships. For over a century castor oil has been used to induce labor when the due date of delivery is over.  It was used when people had no medications to cure themselves. Nowadays there are new modern drugs safe and effective for use during pregnancy. Should women today use castor oil while pregnant?

Castor oil and pregnancy

The use of castor oil during pregnancy is limited to the intake of castor oil to induce labor. When women have more than 40 weeks of pregnancy they sometimes need to induce labor. In these cases castor oil is used. Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from castor beans. It is rich in the ricinoleic acid as Wikipedia states. This fatty acid can irritate the muscles of the intestines stimulating bowel movements and contraction of muscles. This induces labor.

SEE ALSO: Why to Use Fish Oil during Pregnancy

Is it safe to use castor oil while pregnant?

As castor oil possesses such an effect to stimulate labor it is forbidden for use by pregnant women before the delivery date.  Pregnant women often suffer from constipation and seek for a natural laxative remedy. Castor oil is an effective laxative agent, but it is forbidden for pregnant women. It may not only have a laxative effect but also induce pre-time labor and womb contractions according to Mayoclinic.  Pregnant women are better to avoid castor oil. Pregnancy is not a good period for it.

How to use castor oil to induce labor?

As we see women are allowed to take the oil after the delivery due date. The oil has an unpleasant taste and may induce nausea or vomiting. Sometimes women dilute it in juice. The good idea is to take castor oil and after that drink a lot of water or smoothie. If you love ice cream blend it with castor oil. They say that cold drinks make castor oil more effective.

The dosage of castor oil depends on every person. Some need a small amount of it, others take the oil twice in the amount of several ounces. You should consult the doctor before taking castor oil.

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Is castor oil effective?

There is no enough scientific evidence proving the fact of castor oil effectiveness. It does work in some women, others complain of severe side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea and gastrointestinal disorders. Some women simply feel nothing. The worst thing is when women suffer from side effects without any labor.

The side effects of castor oil for inducing labor are:

• Strong dehydration. Castor oil leads to the dehydration and women feel thirsty.  Sometimes the intake of liquids is forbidden in hospitals during the childbirth and women may suffer.
• Castor oil may cause severe side effects. Women experience nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal disorders.
• Meconium passing. Castor oil may induce the passing of meconium in babies and it may enter the lungs.

Although you may find different ways to induce labor including medications a lot of women prefer castor oil.

Photo credit: flickr

Jamaican black castor oil is a wonderful product for DIY recipes. It is so rich in benefits so you may incorporate it in all skin and hair products and not only in them. What are the most popular Jamaican black castor oil uses?

Jamaican black castor oil is pressed from the roasted castor beans. This oil is organic and pure castor oil. Simply they roast castor beans and add ash after the oil extraction, so the oil becomes black brown. It is proven that this ash increases the benefits of Jamaican black castor oil. This oil is also rich in ricinoleic acid, the main and very beneficial component of castor oil as Wikipedia states. Let’s see how to use Jamaican black castor oil to enjoy its benefits in full.

Hair mask

Jamaican black castor oil uses are numerous in hair care. The oil can recover dry and thin hair; it can stop hair loss and prevent hair from knotting. The best way of how to use Jamaican black castor oil for hair care is to do a hair mask. For this apply some amount of the oil on your hair roots and scalp. Avoid putting the oil on all the hair as the oil is very dense and difficult to remove. Put on a plastic cap and leave for 40 minutes. This hair mask is great for hair recovery. It can make your hair shiny and strong after several applications. You may also use it together with combine it with a macadamia nut oil hair mask.

Hair softener

Jamaican black castor oil is also a good way out for unmanageable hair. According to castoroil.org black castor oil makes the hair softer. It retains the moisture inside the hair. If you apply a few drops of Jamaican black castor oil after shampooing hair when the hair is still damp it will prevent it from knotting, let you get rid of split ends and unmanageable hair. The oil is stick, don’t apply too much of it.

SEE ALSO: Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Hair Growth

Scalp treatment

If you want to treat your scalp diseases with natural products you must try Jamaican black castor oil. Massage the oil onto the scalp when you wash your hair. Leave it for a half an hour and rinse. The oil stimulates blood circulation, kills bacteria and fungal infections. It is a well-known remedy against dandruff and hair loss as the oil removes all reasons for it.

Skin cleansing

Another way of how to use Jamaican black castor oil is to apply it as a face wash. As the oil is high in unsaturated fatty acids it can remove all impurities from your pores. Besides, the oil balances the oil level of the skin so it can be used for dry and for oily skin.

Skin treatment remedy

One of Jamaican black castor oil uses is healing skin diseases. Undecylenic acid in the oil has the antifungal effect. Jamaican black castor oil may treat your fungal diseases and remove skin moles and warts. It has even better effect than simple castor oil for skin moles.

RELATED: Castor Oil Face Wash Recipe

Eyebrows and eyelashes balm

Black castor oil is a natural balm for eyebrows and eyelashes. As the oil is beneficial for hair it also nourishes eyelashes and eyebrows. It will make them less brittle but stronger and thicker.

Back pain killer

Try Jamaican black castor oil as a pain killer. The oil is natural and safe for use and it can help you with your back pain and arthritis pain.

Photo credit: wikimedia

Almost all natural oils have a number of benefits, and sea buckthorn oil is not an exception. There are numerous sea buckthorn oil uses, and in this article we will have a glance at the most popular ones.

Medical use

The medical value of sea buckthorn oil has been known in Russia and China long time back. Even though America recently started discovering sea buckthorn oil benefits, the oil has already become quite popular due to its beneficial features, which are listed by Blue Sage Naturals.

• Elimination of skin diseases

Acne and rosacea, as well as dermatitis are among skin diseases that can be treated using sea buckthorn oil. It significantly reduces inflammation, kills parasites and smoothens and moisturizes the skin (read more about sea buckthorn oil as a rosacea treatment remedy).

• Improvement of immune system

A number of diseases come from misbalanced immune system. Consumption of sea buckthorn seed oil can help you improve your immune system and therefore prevent some diseases that are related to it.

• Cure of gastrointestinal disorders

When sea buckthorn seed oil is consumed internally, it forms a protection layer on the stomach interior thus protecting it from unfavorable effects of pathogens. As well the oil aids in regulating digestion process.

• The healing of wounds

Sea buckthorn oil greatly assists in accelerating the process of wound healing. It can be applied to any wound type, from deep cuts to even burns. It is obvious that treatment has to consist not only from the oil but also to certain medications or procedures, recommended by the doctor.

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Cosmetic use

Sea buckthorn oil can also be used as a body care product, according to Nature’s Gift. It is a perfect natural moisturizer and vitamin-full package.

• Skin care

Not only does sea buckthorn help in skin disease treatment, it also can be used as a great skin care product. It moisturizes the skin and keeps satisfactory water level in skin cells making it elastic and strong. Unlike many other lotions, sea buckthorn oil does not dry the skin, block the pores or make it greasy, so it can be considered a right choice to make your skin beautiful and hydrated. Combine this oil with sunflower oil (find out benefits of sunflower oil).

• Dental care

Among the features of sea buckthorn oil is also teeth whitening. It is so because of a number of vitamins and antioxidants present in this oil. As well sea buckthorn oil consumption contributes to overall teeth and gums health, killing microbes, eliminating inflammation and strengthening teeth. 

• Hair care

To stimulate hair growth and improve the state of skull skin, you can use sea buckthorn oil externally. The oil helps in collagen formation thus improving hair structure and giving them healthier look.

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Summary

As mentioned above, there are many ways sea buckthorn oil can be used. However, due to some side effects of this product, it is always a necessity to consult a specialist first and find out whether it is okay for you to consume this oil. Any natural product has side effects and also affects different people in individual ways. Therefore, if you decide to start consuming sea buckthorn oil, it is advised to make a plan with your doctor so that the oil would benefit you the most.

Safflower oil uses are numerous because of its endless benefits. High linoleic safflower oil is considered as healthy polyunsaturated oil with delicate flavor suitable for almost any recipe as a good oil substitute. Safflower oil is extracted from seeds of safflower plant, a natural source of linoleic acid. This essential omega-6 fat is not generated by the body and should be imported from nutrition – it is essential for the body functioning. High oleic safflower oil is derived from seeds rich in monounsaturated acids omega-9s. 

Nutritional supplement

One of the most common uses for safflower oil is cooking with it. Safflower oil is used for salad dressings, sauces, marinades, baking and frying. Polyunsaturated unrefined safflower oil has a comparatively low smoke point; it is used for low-heat cooking and in a raw form. Refined oleic safflower oil smokes only at very high temperatures over 510°F, so it is the best option for frying, roasting and other high-heat cooking. It doesn’t lose its healthful properties and isn’t converted into trans fats. Read more about cooking with safflower oil.

The wide culinary uses of safflower oil are caused by its light texture, delicate flavor and numerous benefits for our health. Why is safflower oil good for us? Our bodies produce all saturated fats and cholesterol they need but cannot manufacture polyunsaturated and monounsaturated essential fatty acids in order to balance the level of total cholesterol. Thus safflower oil helps the body regulate cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that linoleic acid present in safflower oil lowers body fat and raises lean muscle. So bodybuilders use safflower oil as a nutritional supplement to their diets.

Safflower oil is produced mainly in liquid form but it is possible to find safflower oil pills and gel capsules.

SEE ALSO: All about Sunflower Oil Benefits

Skin care

Cosmetologists value safflower oil for its benefits for skin and call safflower oil a moisturizer suitable for any type of skin, including sensitive one. Fatty acids in safflower oil hydrate and nourish the skin. They make it smooth and soft retarding the process of aging. Safflower oil easily penetrates the skin and helps recover and maintain moisture in dry skin. Safflower oil is rich in vitamin E, which antioxidant properties let widen use for safflower oil and it is included in products for skin care and massage creams. You may make massage oil at home, just mixing safflower oil with 4-5 drops of lavender oil.

RELATED: All Possible Ways to Use Sunflower Oil for Skin Care  

Chinese medicine

The use of safflower oil in the Chinese medicine is traditional.  It is used for treatment of several diseases. It is believed to invigorate blood, used in cases of traumatic injuries and for pain relief. Safflower oil is combined with such components as angelica and red piony and acts as the primary calmer.

Historical use

Historically safflower oil was used in oil painting. Its properties make the oil a wonderful bonding medium.  Safflower oil was mixed with artist’s paints, water and solvent.

Photo credit: wikimedia

Walnut oil is received from the English walnuts by mechanic pressing. Walnut oil is light in color and has a delicate nutty aroma and flavor. There are three main walnut oil uses. 

Culinary use

Walnut oil is edible oil. It is not as widespread in food preparation as other oils because it is expensive. However, as the oil is high in monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fats ad antioxidants this oil is very beneficial and we should add it to our diet. Walnut oil is not allowed to heat because its fatty acids break down and the oil becomes bitter and harmful. In addition, as Wikipedia notes, the heat destroys antioxidants abundant in walnut oil. This oil adds a specific tasty flavor to dishes and the culinary uses for walnut oil are numerous. The oil is used for:

• salad dressings (try tasty walnut oil salad dressing recipes),
• pasta sauces,
• meat and fish sauces,
• baking and desserts,
• cheese and bread dipping.

Remember adding walnut oil at the end of the cooking process when the dish is ready.

SEE ALSO: Find out Your Favorite amongWalnut Oil Recipes

Aromatherapy and skin treatment

Unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants present in walnut oil make it a perfect choice for body massage. The oil possesses nourishing and moisturizing properties. It dries quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling. Antioxidants protect the skin cells from harmful conditions and slow down the aging processes. One of widely-applied walnut oil uses is aromatherapy. The oil can be applied alone or in combination with other essential oils and acts as carrier oil. Walnut oil is considered to have a balancing effect on the nervous system. It is often diluted with tea tree oil (tea tree oil benefits are endless) and applied on wounds or used for treatment of skin diseases, for example, fungal infections, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema and warts. The oil is also used in skin and hair care products. It moisturizes and calms down the skin, prevents inflammation and dandruff.

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Artistic use

Artistic use is also mentioned in Wikipedia among the uses for walnut oil. The oil was used by the Renaissance painters. It was applied as a brush cleaner and paint thinner. Nowadays refined walnut oil is used to improve the gloss of paints; woodworkers prefer using walnut oil as a finish for goods that will be in contact with food, for example, wooden bowls or cutting boards. Walnut oil is mixed with beeswax in a proportion of 1:3. The oil is valued for its edibility.

Black walnut oil uses

Black walnut oil is derived from the different tree, but its properties are similar to the ones of walnut oil. So it can be used in the same way. We should only remember that the taste and flavor of black walnut oil is a bit stronger. That’s why one of the most popular of black walnut oil uses is flavoring desserts and bakery. It is added to cakes, muffins, smoothies and ice-cream. Some companies producing ice-cream admit that black walnut is their third-selling flavor.

If you decide to try one of the uses for walnut oil remember that the oil has a short shelf life after it is opened. So buy small bottles of it and keep in a refrigerator after opening.

Photo credit: flickr

Hemp seed oil being a rich source of many useful nutrients and vitamins, nowadays is widely consumed for both health and cosmetic purposes.  Therefore, there are a lot of hemp oil uses in medicine for a number of diseases and in body and hair care.

Medical consumption of hemp seed oil

 “What can hemp seed oil be used for? What are the uses for hemp seed oil?” These understandable questions should not bother you anymore since we are going to tell you how and what this magic oil can be used for!

In this section we will take a closer look at a few examples of these diseases and how exactly does hemp seed oil work on them. The information is provided by Hemp Health, Nutrition&Metabolism Journal, Guide to Hemp Seed Oil.

• PMS syndrome

Most of the women during their premenstrual syndrome experience huge pain, muscle tension, depression and irritation. Scientists found out that these women have a fatty acid metabolism disorder during their PMS, where the conversion of linoleic acid into GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) is worse than it should be. Due to the presence of GLA in it, hemp seed oil can significantly reduce the symptoms and therefore ease the pain and the flow of PMS.

SEE ALSO: Benefits of Flaxseed Oil for Women

• Cardiovascular diseases

The reason for the majority of cardiovascular diseases is arterial plaque that is formed mainly by LDL cholesterol. Such plaques block the blood flow and may result in strokes or arteriosclerosis. Consumption of hemp oil, due to the present GLA, may decrease the level of LDL and total cholesterol really fast.

• Neurodermitis

Patients with neurodermitis suffer from constant itching and dry skin. They do not have enough fatty acids in their body, while these acids are responsible for controlling water loss and whole body functioning. Since hemp seed oil is rich with fatty acids (and also linoleic and gamma-linoleic acids, see hemp oil nutrition data for more details), it helps improve and cure the disease by balancing the level of water in the body and regulating its loss through the skin. In neurodermitis treatment, hemp oil can be applied externally (on the skin) or consumed.

RELATED: How to Consume Hemp Seed Oil – Recipes of Tasty Dishes

Cosmetic uses of hemp oil

It has been proved that linoleic acids and GLA have therapeutic and biochemical effects on our skin, and as was mentioned above, hemp seed oil contains both linoleic acid (50%-60%) and gamma-linoleic acid. In addition, the EFA profile of hemp oil closely resembles the natural lipids of our skin.

Therefore, this oil is by far considered one of the best products against dehydration and degreasing due to its moisturizing effect. In addition, hemp seed oil can help defeating acne, which is most commonly observed among young people, aged 12-17. Acne is caused by hormone imbalance, which can be improved by GLA and LA. And obviously, since hemp seed oil is so rich in nutrients and EFAs, it greatly improves keratin formation in the hair (keratin is the hair’s most important protein and is responsible for its structure). It is recommended to use hemp oil for hair. The oil’s lipid content also affects volume, shine and elasticity of the hair.

Photo credit: flickr

So you have heard a lot about hemp seed oil benefits and would like to purchase it? Where to buy hemp oil? Firstly, you have to define what will be the reason for the usage.

The purposes of usage

• Medical

In case you need hemp oil for treating some disease or just to improve your health, first you can consult the doctor and find out whether you may consume the oil. Hemp oil has side effects. If the answer is positive, you can purchase the oil in a special store or buy it online. As well, according to your country of residence, hemp oil may be provided by the local Health Organization (like in Canada). It is so because in some countries/states hemp oil is still not considered a legal medicine, therefore certain difficulties in getting it may occur.

SEE ALSO: Does Hemp Oil Treat Cancer?

• Cosmetic

Hemp oil is considered beneficial for skin. If you want to use hemp oil as a body care product, you can find it practically everywhere, in the stores or online. However, the oil will be refined and in some cases, it will have an addition of other substances and oils.

RELATED: Wonderful Effect of Hemp Oil for Hair

Stores and brands

In this section we will give you more information on certain brands that provide hemp seed oil and also on some stores, where you can find it.

• Nutiva

Nutiva is a leading American company that promotes and provides healthy and organic nutritious food. It has a selection of hemp products such as: organic shelled hemp seed, organic cold-pressed hemp oil, organic hemp protein and organic hemp protein fiber, and also organic hemp shake. The oil that Nutiva offers is non-refined, and the shake comes in three flavors (Chocolate, Vanilla and Super Berry).

The stores can be found in the Unites States only, but online shopping is also possible (again, shipping only for US citizens). Good news is that recently Nutiva started direct shipping to Canada, offering few packages by your choice. You can read more about them and Nutiva company on the website.

• GOOD Hemp Food

This English company provides only hemp products, which you can also find both online and in stores. If you go on the website, you will see a list of stores, where you can find the products. Clicking “In Stores” button opens a list of shops with detailed list where exactly you can find certain product. For example, Sainsbury’s has both Hemp Oil and Hemp Milk, while Holland & Barrett has only Hemp Protein. Also the company has online shop and delivery, which is free in UK if you order £20 or more.

• Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market is an American chain of supermarkets that emphasizes natural products. It is well known for actively participating in environmental programs and encouraging customers to purchase eco-friendly products. Speaking about hemp products, the supermarkets offer a wide range, a major part of which comes in a form of snacks, like granolas, bars and even tortilla chips. The stores are located in Canada, US and UK, and there is a detailed site map on their website, that provides a lot of useful information for the customers and even has a forum, where clients can communicate and share recipes, ideas and opinions.

Avocado oil uses are both culinary and cosmetic. There are numerous products from avocado oil on the modern beauty products market. Most of them show quite impressive results, some of them are less effective. Obviously there is always an option to make a lotion, cream or shampoo from avocado oil at home. In this way you will get the product you can fully rely upon, made by yourself for yourself and feel the thrill of discovering self made cosmetics, which probably our ancestors used to feel in ancient times.

Avocado Oil Properties

According to American Oil Chemists’ Society Web site, avocado oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids and different vitamins which are essential to our health. One of the prominent examples of important vitamins, which avocados contain is Vitamin E. This vitamin is well known as an antioxidant, which is very efficient in slowing the aging processes. Due to this quality of vitamin E, combined with other components, your hair and skin becomes soft, smooth and gentle even after a short usage of avocado oil.

Avocado Oil Uses in Cooking

Avocado oil possesses almost the same properties like olive oil when used for cooking. It has high smoke point and mild flavor. It can replace any oil you ordinarily use for cooking. It goes well for salads, fried and baked food and cookery. What is also important, avocado oil is heart healthy as it consists of monounsaturated fatty acids. These fats reduce the cholesterol level in your blood and balance the blood pressure thus preventing the risk of heart attack. Using avocado oil for cooking will vary your daily menu and provide extra health benefits.

INTERESTING! Avocado Oil vs Olive Oil – Which Is the Best?

Avocado Oil Uses in Beauty Care

• Avocado Oil for Skin

Avocado oil is a well-known skin moisturizer. Due to a high amount of fats and other useful elements in perfectly nourish the skin leaving it soft and smooth. Vitamin E generously contained in avocado oil provides anti-inflammatory properties as it is a highly effective antioxidant. It is extremely helpful in treating such inflammatory skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.  It soothes dry and itchy skin treating the very cause of illness so your skin becomes cleaner and renewed even after a short usage. What is more avocado oil prevents the skin from premature aging, reduces the chance of wrinkles appearance and make your skin look young and fresh.

SEE ALSO: Avocado Oil for Skin: 5 Reasons Why and a Super Mask Recipe

• Avocado Oil for Hair

Avocado oil uses include being a part of lots of hair care products either homemade or commercial. It deeply penetrates the hair and makes it strong and shiny. It also promotes hair growth and prevents its loss. Lifeless and dry hair will come alive again after being treated with avocado oil. Proteins richly contained in avocado oil contribute both to nourishing and straightening the hair. 

Grapeseed oil is derived from grape seeds and so most of their valuable qualities pass to the oil. It has a very light “nutty” flavor, fine texture, rich nutritious content, high smoke point. All of these define versatile uses for grapeseed oil from cooking and treating to skin and hair care.

Grapeseed oil uses in cooking

Grapeseed oil properties make it possible to use it no matter what and how you want to cook. The major features, which influence various grapeseed oil uses in the kitchen are the following, as Wikipedia states:

• High smoke point of minimum 385 F. So grapeseed oil is used for deep-frying, sautéing and baking without the danger of releasing free radicals.
• Mild neutral flavor. It makes grapeseed oil a good choice for baking and salad dressing use as the natural flavor of other ingredients and herbs can come through. That is not easy with extra verging olive oil, for example.
• Rich healthy content. Grapeseed oil is welcomed by any diet. It has been shown to raise good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

SEE ALSO: A Guide to Healthy Frying: Can I Fry with Canola Oil?

Grapeseed oil uses in skin and hair care

Grapeseed oil contains a large amount of Omega-6 fatty acid, natural antioxidants and Vitamin E. These compounds are useful not only for inside consumption, but no less for external skin and hair applications. Mathilde Thomas, founder of a skin-care brand Caudalie praised the moisturizing and antioxidant powers of grapeseed oil a lot.

The oil benefits from the following activities (“International Journal of Molecular Sciences”, 2010)

• anti-inflammatory;
• anti-bacterial;
• deeply moisturizing and nourishing;
• anti-aging.

Grapeseed oil can be used even for oily skin and hair as it does not clog pores and it is also easily absorbed by the skin. It is recommended adding grapeseed oil to creams and shampoo or to apply the plain oil once or twice a day. The oil is an excellent base for homemade cosmetology remedies (exfoliates, masks, soups, moisturizes, cleanses). 

INTERESTING! Grapeseed Oil for Hair – Surprising Benefits and Treatment Recipes for Hair Growth and Conditioning

Grapeseed oil for massage

Grapeseed oil is one of the most beneficial products for massage as it possesses the following features (by WikiHow, LiveStrong):

• it gives a good glide, but it is not too slippery;
• it is of medium weight so can be use for relaxing or deep massage;
• it is easily absorbed by the skin; it does not leave the skin sticky or greasy;
• it has high nutrient value what makes the skin healthy and clean;
• does not cause allergic reactions so massage therapists recommend parents use grape seed oil when massaging their infants.

Grapeseed oil can be used as lubricant not only while massaging, but also while shaving and even having sex. Natural Remedies for Skin Care claims that grapeseed oil can be used instead of a shaving cream or an aftershave product. The oil will calm and soothe irritated and dry skin.

According to the researchers at Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion, about a third of young women experience vaginal dryness. Grapeseed oil is as personal lubricant is a good choice. It won’t irritate sensitive skin and will give just enough moisture. But note that it does not come together with condoms since the oil can erode latex quickly.