5 BENEFITS OF USING NATURAL SHEA BUTTER.
Overview
Shea butter is a fat that comes from the nuts of the shea tree. Natural shea butter is usually off white in colour and can be made into different shapes.
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How is natural Shea butter made.
The shea tree is found in East and West African countries. These trees begin to blossom in the early dry season and are usually fully matured in the beginning of the rainy season, once they have reached full maturity, these trees produce some fruits with a husk inside, which is used in making shea butter.
These fruits are then put in a large pot, and is allowed to be boiled for 30-40 minutes, to remove all flesh, and to ensure the seeds are sterilized. Once boiling is complete, the husks are then spread in a large space, so they can be dried out. Once dried, they are then cracked open, either by stepping, or by using stones, to expose the shea seed that is inside, the seeds are also left to be dried before manufacturing process begin.
Before manufacturing, the seeds are washed by hand and are left to be dried again. The seeds are then crushed either by mortar and pestle, or by using a grinding mill. The crushed seeds are then roasted, to help release the shea butter oil. After roasting, the nuts are then spread out to cool and to allow moisture to evaporate before being taken for a second grind, during the second grind, the nuts go in the machines as a dry powder but comes out as a thick fluid that is almost ready to be shea butter.
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Once the grounding is done, water is being added to the paste, slowly, and consistently, as it is being mixed vigorously, so the oil can coagulate into shea butter whipping, this process is repeated until the, thick brown substance begins to change to a lighter color, and until the coagulated shea oils float to the top and the water and solids separate out creating a fluffy whiteish mass, the coagulated oils are scooped out by hand and put into large pots while the water and solids are left behind, the water is left to evaporate and the solids are dried and formed into balls. Hence, completing the manufacturing process.
5 benefits of Natural Shea butter
1. Softening Skin- due to high concentration of fatty acids, and vitamins, in natural shea butter, this makes it perfect for softening, toning, and soothing, your skin. These fatty acids composition, also help clear your skin off excess oil, as well ensuring your skin is always moisturized, this balance of oil in your skin may also help in preventing acne.
2. Natural shea butter can also provide extra sun protection and can also be used to soothe sunburn and other skin burns.
3. Act as antioxidant- Natural shea butter has significant levels of Vitamins A, and E, which helps promotes strong antioxidant activity.
4. Its an anti-inflammatory- Plant sterols in natural shea butter have been found to have anti-inflammatory effect. It can also help minimize irritation caused by the weather, as well as inflammatory conditions e.g., eczema.
5. Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles- Natural shea butter can help boost collagen levels, hence promoting new cell generation, which helps reduces the effect of environmental stress and aging on the skin.
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