Shea butter - a valuable ingredient for health and beauty
The wild tree, the paradoxa, which grows in the African savanna, produces fruits rich in essential nutrients, such as proteins, fatty acids, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, tocopherols, flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols and saponins. Due to these active components, shea butter is recognized for its exceptional healing properties.
The extracts from the fruits of this tree are used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry, and the waste resulting from the processing process are reused for the production of biofuel or in the construction industry.
Traditional shea nuts:
- Cooked, using shea butter as vegetable fat.
- Manufacture of traditional cosmetics.
- Treating sprains in combination with other medicinal plants.
- Care of the skin of newborns and removal of the umbilical cord.
- Protecting the skin against the cold, applying butter directly to the skin.
- Lubrication of mobile parts (hinges, bicycles, etc.).
- Preparation of oil lamps and traditional candles.
- Waterproofing of homes and as an accelerant for igniting fire.
Use of shea butter in antiquity:
In ancient Egypt, shea butter was used due to its anti -inflammatory and emollient properties.
- Treat rheumatism, nasal congestion, leprosy, sprains and minor wounds.
- It was used for body massage and sensitive skin care.
- It protects irritated skin and prevents skin infections.
- It was used as a natural insectifug.
Shea butter currently - multiple uses:
- Cosmetics: It is one of the most appreciated cosmetics, being used in balms, moisturizing creams, sunscreen, shampoos, soaps and hair care products.
- The pharmaceutical industry: Due to the anti -inflammatory, antiarrritic and hypocolesterolemic properties, it is used in various treatments.
- Food industry: Shea butter is used as a cooking ingredient and as a replacement for cocoa butter in chocolate production.
- Other industries: Used for the manufacture of candles, as an industrial lubricant and stabilizer in various nutritional supplements.
A remarkable feature of shea butter is its high content of
unspatible substances, much larger than in other butter and oils
vegetables.
The benefits and actions of shea butter
The properly processed shea butter has multiple beneficial effects on
The body:
- Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.
- Improves blood circulation.
- It protects against sunburns and helps regenerate the skin after sun exposure.
- Deeply moisturizes the skin and treats various dermatological conditions
(irritations, minor wounds, excessive dryness). - It stimulates collagen production, keeping the skin firm and elastic.
- It has anti -inflammatory and analgesic effects.
- Prevents allergic reactions and has regeneration effect
cellular. - It improves hair health, preventing dryness and fragility.
- Helps prevent and reduce stretch marks.
- It has an emollient effect, being suitable for sensitive and dry skin.
- Contributes to inhibition of melanoma (skin cancer).
- Helps heal wounds, especially in combination with olive leaves (Olea Europaea).
- Rich in vitamins and minerals, essential for skin health.
Helps eliminate pigment stains and uniforms the skin tone.
Conclusion: The shea butter, extracted from the walnuts of the paradoxical calf, is an extremely valuable ingredient at the global level.
Due to its rich nutrient composition, exceptional healing properties and its versatility, shea butter is used in:
- Food industry
- Cosmetică și dermatologie
- The pharmaceutical industry
- Various industrial and artisan applications
- It is a sustainable ingredient, and its extraction process contributes to the protection of natural resources and the development of local communities in Africa.
Article written by Gyöngyi Tascau, nutritionist & dietitian license
