hydrating

A jar of coconut oil, used as an organic skincare product

10 Reasons Organic Coconut Oil Should Be Part Of Your Life

Coconut oil should be part of your life as it is definitely a superfood. Derived from the meat of mature coconuts it has become incredibly popular because of its many health benefits. Coconut oil can provide quick energy to your body. It’s a rich source of healthy fats which support heart health and brain function and also promote sensible weight management plans.

Besides being a health food coconut oil has other a great number of other uses. Coconut Oil is in fact one of the most versatile natural products on the planet, something everyone needs to have as part of their stock. Lots of people swear by it as an amazing cooking oil, or have you ever used it to condition your tools? Try it, you will be amazed.

When stocking up make sure it is extra virgin coconut oil, that it is raw, organic, cold pressed and unfiltered.  Unlike refined coconut oil, extra virgin coconut oil is more nutritious and also lasts longer in storage.

So, here are 10 uses for extra virgin coconut oil:

  1. use to promote normal wound healing – coconut oil has many amazing, beautiful, useful properties that can support the body’s natural ability to heal. The oil stimulates the body’s natural collagen production, which supports healthy wound healing. The oil helps to increase antioxidant levels. Antioxidants support wound healing by protecting your skin cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals.
  2. use to soothe bug bites or bee stings –  Coconut oil is rich in natural useful fats, such as lauric acid. Lauric acid soothes skin irritation and itching, so it is often used as an ingredient in topical skin remedies. Lauric acid’s soothing properties also help reduce redness and swelling.
  3. use to clean, polish or lubricate tools and other objects – coconut oil can be classed as a multipurpose oil which is always awesome to have at hand. Use it to clean your grill, remove spots and stains, as well as gunk left behind by tough stickers. Polish furniture and lubricate objects that are prone to rusting, such as bicycle chains and garden tools, and even your guns. 🙂
  4. use as a substitute oil for cooking and baking – so make sure it is raw, organic and extra virgin. It is not only healthier than most conventional cooking oils, it also has a longer shelf life and is rich in flavour. So if you like to enhance your cooking or baking, this is for you. Due to its unique fat content, coconut oil is highly resistant to oxidation at high temperatures. So for high heat, this oil is ideal for cooking and baking.
  5. use as a carrier oil – carrier oils are totally naturally occurring oils that come from the seeds, kernels or nuts of edible plants. They are used in aromatherapy to dilute essential oils as well as to help “carry” them straight into the skin. We can easily say that it is one of the best carrier oils for essential oils because it is quickly absorbed by the skin. And the natural fatty acids and plant compounds help nourish your skin and give it an amazing glow.
  6. use as an energy source for your body – the oil is a natural supplement which supports healthy energy levels. It contains well known medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and provides your body with an energy source that it can use immediately. If you fancy a quick pick-me-up, simply add a tablespoon to a cup of warm water and drink. You will notice a difference.
  7. use as a mouthwash and oil pulling – the beneficial properties help protect healthy gums and teeth from external threats, so use as a mouthwash and of course oil pulling. Swish it around inside your mouth for a minimum of 10 minutes every day to maintain optimal oral health. Do not swallow. Just spit it in the bin!
  8. use to make candles for lighting – did you know that you can make candles using coconut oil? It’s quite simple and easy. You need a glass jar, a small piece of cord or wooden wick, coconut oil and some soy wax flakes. That’s all. (1 part of coconut oil and 3 parts of soy wax flakes).
  9. us as a hair conditioner – due to the fatty acids present in coconut oil, it can support healthy, glowing hair. Just rub a little bit between the palms of your hands and massage into the ends of your hair, or the whole scalp and hair. Awesome for split ends!
  10. use for your dogs – one benefit of coconut oil for your best friend and companion is the fact that it has potent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a perfect choice to treat skin conditions. Use to hydrate dry skin, clear up eczema or relieve uncomfortable skin rashes caused by allergic reactions. Natural tick prevention. Use on paws and snout, scratches and bites. Feed a 1/4 teaspoon daily for amazing fur from the inside as well as for parasites and worms.

SO many reasons why coconut oil belongs in every kitchen larder. So many uses, so many benefits, so many properties. And if you check our products you will find coconut oil in various of our skin care range. We wouldn’t want to be without it. 🙂

Cucumbers, a great natural skin care product

Cucumbers Have Many Amazing Health Properties!

Do you love cucumbers? 

Cucumbers, you love them or you hate them. Personally they are one of my favourite foods. So delicious and versatile. Cucumbers are amazing for hydration. Without hydration we can suffer with dizziness, sickness, dry skin to name but a few. Dehydration is all else but good for your system. In more serious cases you can even end up in hospital.

A quarter of your daily intake of water comes from various food you eat. Cucumbers are about 95% water, so an excellent source of water. Your cells just love them.

Maintaining Healthy Weight!

Cucumbers give you a sense of not feeling hungry. They fill you up and at the same time the water content hydrates your cells. Myself I don’t count calories, but if you do, a whole cup of sliced cucumber has less than 17 calories so they are very low “energy density.” So when you feel the need to eat grab yourself a cup or two of cucumber and you will find it easier easier to lose weight.

Cucumbers Are Full of Nutrients!

Cucumbers are packed with nutrients. Eating a cup of cucumber slices a day gives you 14-20% of the vitamin K. Along the way you also get a good amount on the B & C Vitamins along with minerals like copper, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.

Suffering With Blood Sugar!

High blood sugar is on the rise and can be responsible in creating too many cell-damaging substances known as ROS and ROC. Many control their blood sugar issue with consuming a good amount of cucumbers. The water content flushes the system and keeps ROS and ROC at bay.

Cucumbers Heart Health And Antioxidants!

Antioxidants are feisty little chemicals. They support and help protect your cells from cell damage due to substances that form in your body called “free radicals.” Cucumbers are amazing! They have a unique set of antioxidants which include flavonoids, lignans, and triterpenes. BUT they don’t only protect cells, they also lessen inflammation that’s linked to conditions like arthritis and other long-term conditions.

Cucumbers are good for your heart. They are a must in a well-balanced diet. Their antioxidant level helps slow down and even stop heart-related illnesses. Cucumbers and their unique mix of nutrients in cucumber seeds can improve your cholesterol numbers, which in turn have a direct impact on heart health. So make sure not to go for the “seedless” but to go for the real thing!

Make Fermented Pickled Cucumbers!

Fermented cucumbers are full of nutrients let alone good bacteria such as probiotics. Probiotics help the body to fight off germs, absorb nutrients, aid in digestion and yes, they can even control anxiety issues. To ferment just slice them and add RAW Organic Vinegar (with the mother). Add some mustard seeds, some fresh ground pepper, fresh dill if you wish and a good pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt. You can add anything. Be adventurous. Your body will thank you for the GOOD bacteria.

 

Benefits of drinking water for your skin!

Drinking water is beneficial for skin health! Love it laced with fruit and vegetables!

Drinking water and the benefits for your body let alone your skin are endless. Skin cells like any other cell  in your body are made up of water and that’s one of the reasons why it is vital to drink adequate amounts of water on a daily basis. It’s very important for our overall good health. Drinking water is needed for digestion, circulation, absorption and yes, even excretion.

 

The skin, your mirror!

Drinking water naturally regulates the body temperature, keeps skin cells hydrated and some swear that it keeps wrinkles away as the water plumps up the skin cells. Flushes out impurities and toxins from our system and keeps us feeling fresh and clean from within, which ultimately shows on the outside. That’s why they say that the skin is the mirror of your internal health! Beauty comes from within.

I have to admit!  Drinking water is beneficial for skin health! Love it laced with fruit and vegetables!

Don’t really like saying, I’m ALL else BUT good at drinking water. To me it has no taste and I find it hard going, and I know that some would disagree, but most people I have spoken to agree. But we all know that water keeps us hydrated. It keeps the skin (not only your face!) smooth and fresh looking. Is ph-balancing, alkaline, and gives us energy.

So for me to drink ‘good’ amounts, my charcoal water is laced with fruit or veg. Not only refreshing, but also tasty. To name but a few, I use anything from raspberry, strawberry, loganberry, blueberry, cherry, lemon, grapefruit, lime, orange, mint, cucumber, ginger to apples and pears. I have no favourite as they are ALL absolutely DELICIOUS, Vegan and Organic! 

The Body is AWESOME!

We’re constantly losing water from our bodies, mainly via urine and sweat, so drinking water feeds our body and is essential for proper circulation of nutrients in the body. When we are hot and dehydrated, water serves at the body’s transportation system. There are many different opinions about the amount of water we need to drink, so I am not going into what’s ‘right’. Just listen to your body. There is no one rule that fits all!

Watermelon, an alkalising, immune boosting, detoxifying cleansing amazing fruit!

Watermelon, an alkalising, immune boosting, detoxifying cleansing amazing fruit!

Watermelon one of the MOST alkalising, hydrating, detoxifying and cleansing fruits for the whole body. Immune booster and amazing for strengthening vision.  

MORE about Watermelon!

Watermelon is a fruit AND a vegetable with amazing qualities. The fruit has been known to protect from cancer of the lung / mouth / breast / pancreatic / endometrial / prostate / colon due to the richness of vitamins A, C, lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein as well as zeaxanthin. 

 

…and did you know that…                                                                Watermelon, an alkalising, immune boosting, detoxifying cleansing amazing fruit!

  • watermelon reduces inflammation
  • helps with weight loss
  • flushes the system
  • prevents constipation because of its water and fiber content
  • promotes regularity for a healthy digestive tract
  • helps with edema
  • relieves muscle soreness
  • lifts depression
  • is loaded with antioxidants
  • aids in the prevention of many chronic illnesses
  • contains far less sugar than an apple
  • contains magnesium and Potassium
  • Vitamin B6 and  Vitamin A

DON’T discard the rind!

The rind is as beneficial as the rest of your watermelon. Natures best sources of chlorophyll and it contains one of the highest levels of natural sodium there is. Juice the rind for a delicious, refreshing let alone healing drink. Make sure it’s organic though!

Seeds, seeds, seeds!

Consider it your lucky day when your delicious organic watermelon has black seeds. You can add them to your melon juice and blend them up at the same time. They are awesome in relaxing the body and nervous system. The seeds are full of protein, zinc, fibre and iron and they are amazing at lowering high blood pressure.

Fun Fact!

Watermelon is over 90 percent mostly water. So with the summer on its way eating watermelon is an awesome way to stay hydrated to avoid dehydration. But remember, it’s NOT a substitute for drinking lots of fresh filtered water.

This for sure is one of my favourite juices in the summer!