Shea butter is a skin superfood that comes from the seeds of the fruit of the Shea (Karite) tree and that is naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F. Shea butter is a yellowish fat obtained from the nut of the African shea tree. Well-known for its beneficial effects on the human skin and hair, shea butter can help the body with some of the most common skin defects like inflammation, burns, and wrinkles. It also has a long history of medicinal use, such as in wound care and even treating leprosy. It’s also not uncommon in that part of the world to eat shea butter as well, much as we use palm oil in products. There’s differing opinions on whether or not it’s healthy to eat, and since some studies suggest that ingesting shea butter may interfere with the digestion of other proteins, I use it externally only.
Health Benefits of Shea Butter
Shea Butter treats Eczema
Shea Butter Is an Efficient Nose Anti-Congestant
Shea Butter may Relieve Symptoms of Arthritis
Shea Butter Slow Down Skin Aging
Shea Butter Treat Acne
Shea Butter Prevent Split Ends in Hair
Shea Butter Aid in Wound Healing
Shea Butter Compounds Act as Mosquito Deterrents
Moisturizing: The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in shea butter makes it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for skin. It is often used to remedy dry skin and to help protect the skin’s natural oils.
Reduces Inflammation: A 2010 study found that due to its cinnamic acid & other natural properties, shea butter was anti-inflammatory. One compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations.
Skin Smoothing: Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic, and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying.
Side Effects
Refined Shea Butter may Cause Several Side Effects
Shea Butter may Increase the Risk of Bleeding
Shea Butter Is Usually Expensive
Raw Shea Butter Has a Distinctively Bad Smell