London - The beauty industry loves a “super ingredient”. From pomegranates to goji berries, these nutrient-packed beauty boosters promise a multitude of benefits. And the latest “super ingredient”? The humble coconut.
Celebrities such as Madonna and Demi Moore guzzle its water by the gallon. Model Miranda Kerr credits a diet rich in coconut oil with helping her post-pregnancy weight loss, while cosmetic companies are also promoting its benefits when applied topically to the skin.
“Coconut oil, milk and water have exceptional moisturising and nourishing properties for the skin,” says Lena Korres, brand development director of Korres, which uses coconut milk in its showergel. “Coconut milk derived from the fruit’s pulp is rich in nutrients, so it works to nourish and hydrate. At the same time it eliminates impurities thanks to its natural antimicrobial properties.”
Celebrity dermatologist Dr Nicholas Perricone (whose clients include Eva Mendes and Jennifer Lopez) is also incorporating coconut into his latest line. In September his “Super” range hits the UK and includes two coconut-based products.
And a host of other beauty brands are on the coconut trail, too. Clinique’s new Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector (£18, clinique.co.uk) and Correcting Serum (£36.50) are infused with pore-cleansing coconut acid.
But a word of warning. Coconut oil is not suitable for all skin types - some will break out in spots, but others respond well to the natural anti-inflammatory properties.
If in doubt, experts advise that those of us susceptible to breakouts should steer clear from overly rich products.
“It might be an effective moisturiser, but skincare containing high amounts of coconut oil can be strongly comedogenic -meaning it can clog pores,” says dermatologist Dr Samantha Bunting.
So how about eating it? Is coconut really a super food? Despite being a key component of Indian and Thai diets for centuries, people in the West have frowned upon consuming coconut because of its high saturated fat levels.
“Coconuts and coconut oil have the highest saturated fat content of any food on the planet,” says nutritionist Zoe Harcombe. “But, contrary to popular belief, there is nothing wrong with saturated fat. Saturated fat is the most stable of all the natural fats and is therefore best for cooking with, as it doesn’t oxidise when heated.”
Although it’s high in saturated fat, several published clinical studies in recent years have found that coconut oil can help to reduce abdominal obesity and increase calorie burning for those who cook with it regularly too.
Miranda Kerr claims to consume four tablespoons a day - in salads, cooking and cups of green tea - crediting it with helping her lose baby weight.
Coconut oil is also used by athletes, including the England rugby union team and Premier League footballers.
“Coconut oil is a medium-chain saturated fat that doesn’t need the liver and gallbladder to digest it - so it provides instant energy and an increased metabolic rate. It also targets the thyroid, beefs up the metabolism and melts abdominal fat quickly,” says Dr Perricone. However, a word of warning - with coconut oil packing such a saturated fat punch, some experts point out that consuming too much can cause serious health problems.
“Coconut oil contains more saturated fat than butter,” says Dr Elisabeth Weichselbaum, a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation.
“A high intake of saturated fat is associated with increased risk of high blood cholesterol levels.”
Feeling inspired? It’s really easy to make your own deliciously scented body scrub.
Ingredients
1.75oz (50g) coconut oil (solid)
2tsp (10ml) macadamia oil
10 drops orange essential oil
5 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops lime essential oil
2oz (60g) unrefined brown sugar
Equipment
Small glass bowl, teaspoon,
Airtight 3.5fl oz (100ml) jar
Add coconut oil to bowl. Add the macadamia oil, stir until soft and fluffy
Add essential oils and stir. Add brown sugar gradually. Stir.
Put in jar. If you add vitamin E oil, the scrub should last six to 12 months.
To use
Massage into damp skin while in the shower, paying special attention to knees and elbows. Be gentle with the delicate skin on the collarbone and chest. Rinse off the scrub and you will be left with a layer of coconut oil, which you can massage into your skin to leave it soft and supple. - Daily Mail
* From A Green Guide to Natural Beauty by Karen Gilbert, published by CICO Books