coconut Archives

When I turned fifty a year ago, I realized that the clock was ticking faster than it had been. Great memories flooded my mind and I began to look at my life in a slightly different way. I also noticed some physical changes that were somewhat troublesome.

Although I have been conscious of the aging process for some time, turning fifty really hit home. I was aging, yes, and looking a little older each year, but I was also confident that I was not going to let my age define my outlook on life nor stop me from taking the best care of my body. I am a firm believer in being a great steward of what has been given to me, including my mind, spirit, and body.

The aging train chugs onward

Perhaps you, like me, have taken a glance at yourself in the mirror only to notice a few more fine lines around your eyes, forehead, and cheeks, or maybe some creases in your neck that were not there before. If so, welcome to the aging process.

The reality is, as we age our skin begins to lose it firmness, elasticity, and also its moisture, which all contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Added culprits that hasten your skin aging include sun exposure, stress, and lack of sleep. This is a naughty trifecta for me. I have spent a great deal of time in the sun, I don’t handle stress really well, and since the onset of perimenopause, I don’t sleep too well either.

In my search for a natural way to reduce fine lines, especially around my eyes, and be kind to my aging skin, I turned to my old favorite standby — coconut oil. When I discovered the benefits of this tropical treasure about eight years ago, I began to use it for everything. I dumped all my cooking oils and replaced them with coconut oil. I began to investigate all of the wonderful ways that this healthy saturated fat could improve my health and the health of my family and pets.

Why coconut oil?

If you are hesitant to put coconut oil on your skin, let me give you just a few reasons why I am in such an intense love affair with this rich and creamy substance.

Coconut oil is the main reason why people in the tropics can be in the sun and not experience skin cancer, and also have flawless looking skin. Its healing, antioxidant powers protect the skin from free radical damage. In addition, using coconut oil on the skin helps our bodies absorb other nutrients more effectively, such as vitamin E, which is another skin-protecting antioxidant. Studies have shown that people with dry skin can improve the moisture and fat content of their skin by using a little coconut oil daily.

What this means for wrinkles

I have used coconut oil on my arms, legs, and feet for quite some time, but was a bit leary of putting it on my face for fear that I might break out. However, I was wrong about that and for the last year, I have been enjoying the therapeutic benefits of unrefined coconut oil on my face, especially around my eyes (where my age is really starting to show).

After some experimenting, I was able to come up with my own recipe for my tired eyes. In addition to coconut oil, I chose to use lavender essential oil not only because I love its calming and sweet aroma, but because of its therapeutic value. Lavender oil is loaded with potent antioxidants that are strong enough to combat the daily damage done by environmental pollutants while calming my skin. Also, lavender oil also reduces inflammation and improves blood circulation.

I also use vitamin E oil in my eye cream because of its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. The antioxidants in vitamin E also protect skin cells from harmful UV rays and other free radicals that break down collagen. Like coconut oil, vitamin E oil penetrates the skin quickly and goes to work to hydrate the epidermis — this helps keep new wrinkles from forming.

This eye cream works

After using my anti-aging eye cream for the past year, I can attest to the fact that it works. I use it each evening before I go to bed and can see a noticeable difference in the appearance of my skin around my eyes.

I believe in this cream so much that I want to share the recipe with you. It is an easy-to-make way to revitalize the sensitive areas around your eyes and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Again, while we can’t stop the aging process, we can do our best to love the skin we are in!

Ingredients:

2 tbsp coconut oil
¼ tsp vitamin E oil
6 drops lavender essential oil

Supplies:

Small container — I use an Altoid tin

Instructions:

Measure all ingredients into a small bowl.
Mix really well.
Using a small spatula, put the mixture into your container. Cool until hardened. I put my container in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.
Use every night before bed. Apply with your ring finger for the least amount of pressure on the tender skin around your eyes.

This takes 5 to 10 minutes to mix up. It takes about 15 minutes for it to cool to a hardened state.

-Susan Patterson

I love the way coconut water tastes. It is so refreshing and gives me energy and quenches my thirst. I have been enjoying coconut water before and after my workouts for the last five years and feel like it helps me make it through even the toughest workout.

Coconut water is the juice from the center of a young, green coconut that helps to nourish the fruit. The average green coconut makes about 0.5-1 cups of coconut water. As the coconut matures, some juice remains and the rest becomes coconut meat. Do not confuse coconut water with coconut milk which is actually made by adding water to grated coconut meat. Coconut milk contains 50% water and is high in coconut fat while coconut water is 94% water and a very small amount of fat.

What is in coconut water?

One cup of coconut water contains the following:

Carbs: 9 grams.
Fiber: 3 grams.
Protein: 2 grams.
Vitamin C: 10% of the RDI.
Magnesium: 15% of the RDI.
Manganese: 17% of the RDI.
Potassium: 17% of the RDI.
Sodium: 11% of the RDI.
Calcium: 6% of the RDI.

Antioxidant Power

You may have heard about free radicals, the unstable molecules that are produced in cells during metabolism. Production of these molecules increases where there is stress or injury. Too many free radicals in the body create a state of oxidative stress. This can damage cells and increase the risk of disease.

Research conducted on animals has indicated that antioxidants in coconut water can modify free radicals so that they no longer create a dangerous environment. In one study, rats with liver damage had significant improvement in oxidative stress when they were treated with coconut water compared to those that had no treatment. In another interesting study, rats were fed a high-fructose diet and were then treated with coconut water. Free radicals declined and the rats also experienced a significant decrease in blood pressure, triglycerides, and their insulin levels dropped.

Diabetes

Coconut water can lower blood sugar levels and is also a good source of magnesium which is known to improve insulin sensitivity. In one study diabetic rats were treated with coconut water and it was found that they maintained better blood sugar levels than other diabetic rats not treated.

Heart Health

Millions of Americans suffer from heart conditions that lead to comprised living and even early death. Amazingly, adding coconut water to your diet can help maintain a healthy heart. Researchers have found that consuming coconut water daily can reduce cholesterol as significantly as statin drugs. This is a great finding in light of the fact that statin drugs can cause some pretty serious side effects.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is important, especially after working out. Using coconut water to hydrate and replace electrolytes is one of my favorite ways to start and finish a workout. Electrolytes are minerals that help maintain proper fluid balance.They include potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium. Studies have found that coconut water is actually better than water and equal to high-electrolyte sports beverages for after exercise hydration.

So, the next time you reach for a refreshing beverage, try coconut water. You will be surprised at good it makes you feel.

-Susan Patterson

This Anti Aging Eye Cream With Coconut Oil Really Works

Top Reasons to Drink Coconut Water