THE HEALING BENEFITS OF MANGO, SHEA AND COCOA BUTTER

Shea, mango and cocao butter are natural vegetable fats that have been used for hundreds of years for cosmetic purposes. Although they are different in composition, they all contain vitamins and antioxidants. The following paragraphs elaborate on the healing benefits of these butters.

SHEA BUTTER

Shea butter is made from the nut of the African shea tree. This tree is also called the ‘tree of Life’, because almost all parts of it have useful characteristics. Shea butter has a pale yellow color and a distinctive nutty aroma. It is known for its skin softening effects and is naturally rich in vitamin A and E. It also contains the ingredient caffeic acid. Researchers at the Annamalai University in India found that caffeic acid provides a slight protection against UV radiation. Furthermore, a study of the Nihon University in Japan found that shea butter also has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.

People who are allergic to latex and nuts, can also be allergic to sheabutter.

COCOA BUTTER

Cocao butter is made from the seeds of the fruit of the cacao tree. It has been used for thousands of years in chocolate recipes and is also a valuable ingredient in skin care products. Cocao butter has a pale yellow color and a distinctive chocolate scent. It is known for its moisturizing properties and contains a high level of vitamin E. The component cocoa polyphenol ensures that cocoa butter has a beneficial effect on skin disorders, such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Traditionally, this butter has also been recommended for the prevention of stretch marks. Unfortunately, a study conducted by the American University of Beirut Medical Center in 2008 found that cocoa butter during pregnancy does not work better than a placebo cream.

MANGO BUTTER

Mango butter is made from seeds of mangofruit and contains high levels of vitamin A, C, E and allantoin. It has a softer texture than cocoa and sheabutter and is better absorbed by the skin. Mangobutter contains the component mangiferin, which according to researchers of the Medical University of Wroclaw provides protection against UV radiation.

QUALITY OF BUTTER

It is important to purchase good quality butter. The product label should state: unrefined, raw or cold pressed. This means that the vitamins and antioxidants are preserved and not lost by overheating.

SOURCES

• http://www.livestrong.com/article/191769-benefits-of-shea-mango-cocoa-butter
• http://www.ehow.com/about_5534587_benefits-shea-mango-cocoa-butter.html
• http://www.sheainstitute.com/asbi-library/21reasons/
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18715434
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19386510
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_butter
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23190031
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20484832