With Nigeria’s ever-expanding everyday to include new dishes, Shea Butter is a natural vegetable fat that comes from processing nuts from the shea tree. It has been used for centuries as a cosmetic ingredient and a cooking oil. Among its many benefits, it is purported to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and a great moisturizer. But did you know that Shea Butter also has many health benefits when consumed internally?
Here are some reasons to consider adding Shea Butter to your diet and how to do it.
– USE IT AS A COOKING OIL. You can replace other oils or fats with Shea Butter when frying, baking or roasting. Shea Butter has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without burning or losing its nutrients. It also has a mild nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of your dishes.
– ADD IT TO SMOOTHIES OR SHAKES. You can blend a spoonful of Shea Butter with your favorite fruits, vegetables, milk or yogurt for a creamy and nutritious drink. Shea Butter can provide extra calories, fat and protein for people who need to gain weight or muscle mass.
– SPREAD IT ON BREAD OR CRACKERS. You can use Shea Butter as a substitute for butter or margarine on your toast, bagel, muffin or cracker. You can also add some honey, jam or Nutella for a sweet treat.
Shea butter is a versatile and beneficial ingredient that you can easily add to your diet. It can help improve your skin, hair, inflammation, digestion and immunity. However, be careful not to consume too much of it, as it is high in calories and fat. Moderation is key when it comes to any food, even healthy ones.
Shea butter is a versatile and beneficial ingredient that you can easily add to your diet. It can help improve your skin, hair, inflammation, digestion and immunity. However, be careful not to consume too much of it, as it is high in calories and fat. Moderation is key when it comes to any food, even healthy ones.
1. It’s anti-inflammatory. Shea butter contains triterpenes, which are compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These can help reduce inflammation in your body and protect your cells from oxidative stress. Inflammation is linked to many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and cancer. By consuming shea butter, you may lower your risk of these conditions or improve your symptoms.
2. It’s moisturizing. Shea butter is emollient, which means it helps trap moisture in your skin. This can prevent dryness, cracking and itching, especially in cold or dry weather. Shea butter also contains linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid that your body needs for healthy skin and hair. Linoleic acid can also help regulate oil production and prevent acne.
3. It’s antibacterial. Shea butter oil may have antibacterial properties that can fight off harmful microbes in your gut. This can improve your digestion and immunity, as well as prevent infections. Shea butter may also help prevent dental cavities by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay.