Author Archives: Nilisha Ferrao
The Best Natural Ingredients for Great Skin
Oily skin and dry skin come with their own set of challenges. On one hand, oily skin is prone to acne, pimples. Similarly, dry skin is prone to wrinkles, flaking and ageing faster. Both my sisters have oily skin and I have dry skin and I can say that challenges with dry skin are far easier to handle :). With a little TLC, using quality products like virgin coconut oil and a skincare regimen, dry skin can be easily tackled.
In this blog, we will show you a list of natural ingredients available right in your kitchen which you can use almost effortlessly to revive your dry skin, therefore, making it soft and supple.
1. Bananas
While this wonder fruit is good for you internally, it is a real miracle worker for your skin. My personal favourite method is to mash a banana mix it with coconut milk and honey and apply it to the face. Wash after 20 mins. Alternatively, you can mix bananas and some cold-pressed virgin coconut oil and apply it for about 15 mins. It makes a great mask for dry skin.
2. Cold-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil
A magic potion for dry skin. It acts as a cleanser, moisturiser, restorer and healer. By using it all over your body before a shower, you won’t need a moisturiser after your bath. In addition, coconut oil protects against skin infections because it is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal in nature.
3. Honey
Honey acts as a humectant, attracting moisture and sealing it in your skin. Make a paste with orange juice to make a super moisturising pack for your face. Wash it after a few minutes to get soft, supple skin.
4. Aloe Vera
Mix the pulp of aloe vera with cold-pressed virgin coconut oil and apply it all over your body for at least 10 minutes. The aloe restores the moisture and coconut oil helps seal it in. But be sure to cut off the sides of the aloe plant before scooping the pulp off.
5. Chickpea Flour
Chickpea Flour or besan is a long known ingredient for smooth, soft skin. Mix it with a little turmeric and milk and apply. Wash off after 20 minutes for best results.
Apart from these, keeping showers short, using handmade soaps, drinking plenty of water and eating lots of fruits & vegetables will keep your skin hydrated well.
Do you have dry or oily skin? Do you use Virgin Coconut oil for great skin? what are your top tricks for natural skincare? Comment below
A Beginners Guide to Coconut Flour
Coconut flour? What is that? Is it like desiccated coconut?
This is often the excited and quizzical response I get when I introduce our coconut flour. So here is a basic introduction to coconut flour
What is coconut flour?
Coconut flour is made from the coconut pulp which has been extracted from coconut milk. It is gently dehydrated and dried at low temperatures and is finely milled into a soft, sweet-tasting flour with a heavenly aroma and a fine texture.
It is a by-product of the cold-pressed coconut oil making process and has to be done with great care to avoid rancidity.
It is not desiccated coconut which is full fat dehydrated coconut, is not milled and is of a coarse texture. Nor is it coconut powder (which is full fat and higher is carbohydrates than the flour)
So what makes coconut flour special?
Coconut flour is completely gluten-free and nut-free (though its from a ‘cocoNUT’) so it is a great alternative for people with gluten sensitivities and nut allergies.
It is extremely rich in fiber and makes for the perfect ingredient for persons on a ketogenic and paleo diet. Or generally trying to cut down carbs. It is rich in mono-saturated fat of omega 3 making it a healthy alternative for wheat.
How can coconut flour be used?
Coconut flour is very versatile in nature. Here are some of the top uses
Bake with it:
Coconut flour can be used in breads, cookies, cakes, pancakes and more. You need to substitute between ¼ to ½ of coconut flour. Add an equal amount of liquid (eggs, mashed bananas, apple sauce) for each portion used.
The easiest way to start using coconut flour is to make pancakes to understand the consistencies
Bread It:
You could coat chicken, fish and more with coconut flour, then bake or fry.
Health drinks and smoothies:
You can add 2 tsps. of coconut flour into your favourite smoothies and soups for a naturally thickening fiber boost.
Coconut flour is a new and different medium and will take some experimenting and getting used to but it is totally worth it for its flavour, texture and health benefits.
In our next blog, we will share the tips and tricks of experimenting with coconut flour.
Till next time, loads of #cocolove to you from Goa !