Shea Nut Butter (100% Organic) 250g

We all know the huge benefits of using coconut oil on our skin and hair, but did you also know there’s another all-star moisturiser used in over 1,980 cosmetic products around the world? And of course, we’re talking about shea nut butter.

A skin superfood derived from the seed of the fruit of the shea tree, which is indigenous to parts of Africa and naturally rich in vitamins A, E & F. It also provides essential fatty acids (roughly 60% MCT oil) and nutrients necessary for collagen production with and a natural UV protection of SPF 6 and has a long history of medicinal use for treatment of wounds and even leprosy.

Disclaimer

This content is strictly the researched opinion of BioHax Australia and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal doctor or health care professional. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither BioHax Australia nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their doctor before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

Hidden Toxicity in Most Beauty Products

Let’s face it – most store-bought skin care ingredients can be nothing short of scary once you read and research the contents included on the labels. You may not realise it, but your favourite products can be large contributors of harmful ingredients, toxins and chemicals, which can be easily absorbed through the skin’s pores causing potential harmful health effects on your body and the environment.

The price of beauty doesn’t have to cost you your health.

The good news is there are many natural ways to retain youthful looking skin without having to purchase expensive, toxic, commercial products. Natural skin care remedies have been used around the world for centuries and some believe shea nut butter was also used by famous ancient women including the Queen of Sheba & Cleopatra. Now is a good time as ever to go back to the basics with a twist of modern-day insight to understand how these existing commercial products we’re using effect our body through hormone imbalancesand are considered endocrine disruptors.

Shea Butter has been used as a natural skin product in Africa for many centuries to alleviate both skin and scalp issues. Its oil is produced from the edible nut of the fruit from the “Karite tree” (vitellaria paradoxa) grown in many regions of Africa, that produces a tiny, nut-like fruit from which the butter is extracted. The nuts picked from the tree have their outer layer removed and crushed so they can be slow roasted into butter. It’s then kneaded with water to separate the oils known as fatty acids. The butter is then removed off the top and cooled until it hardens.

The tree itself takes 40 to 50 years to mature and is also sacred to the people, playing an important role in religious and cultural ceremonies. The destruction of the Shea tree is forbidden in most parts of West Africa due to its economic and health benefits prized as an invaluable product for both internal and external body purification. Shea butter is commonly used as an after-shave, hair moisturiser for dry and brittle hair, and is also used on the top of their drums to prevent drying and cracking.

Spotlight study

A study published in the American Journal of Life Sciences claims shea nut butter boosts collagen production (collagen and elastin are major structural proteins providing skin with toughness and plumpness), resulting in anti-aging properties.

Another study from the journal of oleo science reported shea nuts and fat (butter) was found to reduce inflammation and contains a significant source of anti-tumor promoting compounds.

• Reduces skin inflammation
• Soften and strengthen skin (improve skin elasticity)
• Wrinkle reduction
• After sun exposure to replenish skin
• Pregnancy ointment to ward off stretch marks
• Under-eye wrinkle and make-up remover
• Natural cuticle cream
• On scars to help collagen production
• Base for homemade deodorant and lip balm
• Low grade sun protection
• Baby care product

Shea nut butter is also used in some cosmetics where the primary exposure would be skin contact. The nut itself is not eaten in most countries.

Scientific investigations have found that refined shea nut butter does not pose any known or likely allergy risk to consumers, including those with peanut or tree nut allergies.

The US-based Food Allergy Research and Resource Programme (FARRP) conducted a thorough search of the medical literature and stated in August 2016 that that no cases of allergy to shea nut or shea nut butter had ever been reported in the medical literature.

FARRP’s own research indicates that refined shea nut butter does not contain any detectable protein residues. It is the protein in a food that causes allergic reactions. Although another US team found some protein content in shea nut butter, this was minimal. The conclusion would seem to be that any allergy risk from refined shea nut butter is remote, although no one can say the risk is zero. There could be someone, sfomewhere who will react.”