Coconut oil is all the rage, and for many good reasons, but some people can not use coconut oil as they experience contact dermatitis. What to do if it’s not available, you can’t use it, or what if you just want to try something different. Never to fear there are other choices which are just as valuable such as shea butter, almond oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, rosehip seed oil, neem oil, hemp seed oil, and olive oil.
Coconut oil is highly prized for its healthy ingredients in a wide variety of products for very many good reason. It’s rich in saturated fats which can help protect the heart, it also has natural antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can boost immunity, help prevent chronic diseases, improve hair, and lessen the signs of aging. It is great for hair and skin treatments, healthy snacking and cooking, and is abundantly healthier than canola oil. All that being said it is not the only healthy choice out there with benefits.
Extra virgin olive oil is arguably the simplest and most popular substitute available. It is rich in critical minerals and antioxidants and is commonly used in cosmetic supplies and hair care products. When it comes to cooking it can be used in the same quantities and provides the same boosts to the heart health advantages in terms of decreasing dangerous LDL cholesterol levels. It is a natural moisturizer and helps decrease dandruff, scalp and hair irritations, and increases regenerative and healing properties for the skin.
Sunflower seed oil is rich in vitamins A, E, and D along with fatty acids and antioxidants that help lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and protect the heart. It has certain carotenoids that help protect the skin from sun damage and skin cancer, and can boost the appearance and luster of hair. It can be used in the same quantities in its wide range of uses.
Grapeseed oil is slightly astringent, and can help improve skin elasticity and help remove the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes with its rich antioxidant content. It contains a range of fatty acids that make it an excellent booster for heart health, and it is a natural anti-inflammatory substance when applied topically or consumed.
Almond oil is a slightly more expensive alternative than other options. It is easily absorbed into the skin without making it oily and not clogging the pores. It contains a wealth of vitamins making it an excellent hair treatment as well as skin to revitalize and strengthen. It works particularly well on irritated and inflamed skin.
Avocado oil is not very common, but it hosts a wealth of nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and volatile organic compounds that will moisturize the skin while protecting it from infections and irritation. It is not typically a cooking oil, It can be applied to the body, face, skin, and hair generally in smaller amounts than coconut oil would be.
Hemp seed oil is one of the most beneficial organic oil available. It does a great job protecting the skin from oxidation and sun damage, while helping to shrink pores, acting as an astringent to improve skin elasticity and remove the signs of aging. High levels of omega 3 fatty acids make this a great choice for cooking that will help to protect heart health.
Neem oil is a powerful oil and is rather legendary in India for many health benefits. It is used as a replacement in many natural health remedies and cooking applications. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties, and can even ward off insects. It can strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss, reduce infections, and reduce the appearance of acne.
Shea butter has become popular in the last decade and is mostly associated with skin care. But it is also a thick cooking fat that can pass on benefits internally such as soothing the stomach, protecting against heat issues and atherosclerosis while promoting fast healing throughout the body. Not only is it a great moisturizer but it also soothes eczema, burns, psoriasis, bites, dry patches, and cracked skin, and it can provide hair with luster and sheen, clearing up split ends and unexplained hair loss.
Whether you’ve ran out, can’t use it, it’s not available, want to try something new, or just want some variety, there are healthy beneficial options to coconut to give a try. Enjoy.
