Page 88 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 5

AFRIKA IS GOD’S

COCONUT OIL

Chioma Phillips

Once again Afrika, you had it all along and didn't know it! Unrefined coconut oil made from the flesh of non-
GMO coconuts (yes, there are GMO coconuts now) provides you with a healthy source of fats that your
body can use to process into energy. Depending on where you live in Afrika, this oil will either be a clear
liquid or a white solid fat at room temperature. You want to look for the one that has been processed as little
as possible without using bleach or chemicals.
According to researchers, coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids which are great for your metabolism.
Coconut oil is said to support healthy heart function as well as healthy functioning of your brain, kidneys,
liver, gallbladder, pancreas, skin and your skeletal, digestive and immune systems. It is also great for your
skin, which is your largest organ and absorbs what you put on it, so you need to think about what you're
applying on that.

You can use coconut oil in many different applications:

Meal preparation - it has a high smoke point so you can cook with it. You can also bake with it, use it as a
spread, melt it and incorporate it into a smoothie or drop a little into a cup of black coffee to take the edge
off and add a little yum.
Skin and hair care - Using coconut oil on your skin and hair is greatly beneficial, helping you avoid lab-
processed chemical products that can affect your hormones and cause your system all manner of problems.
You can combine it with your favorite essential oil or other natural oil to create a beautiful fragrance.
Hygiene - As a body odor neutralizer in place of aluminum-laden antiperspirants and deodorants. Apply a
little coconut oil to your armpits after your shower. If you want, mix it first with some really pure bicarbonate
of soda.
Lip balm - You can use it to keep your lips happy and moisturized.
Body scrub - Mix it with some salt or sugar and maybe a little honey for a fun body scrub.
Belly button massage – Use on cotton wool to clean and massage your belly button area, which has its own
interesting benefits that you should look into.
Dental health - As a dental cleansing agent where you put a small amount of coconut oil in your mouth and
hold it, swill and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes and then spit out into a toilet bowl (DO NOT
SWALLOW. DO NOT SPIT DOWN YOUR SINK OR YOU COULD BLOCK IT). This is beneficial to both
your teeth and gums and your breath.

88 | heal . restore . rebirth . Afrika