Cooking

Avocado Oil: Benefits for Skin, Hair and Healthy Cooking IMPORTANT: Avocado oil is generally very well tolerated and considered safe both in food and applied to the skin. However, people with a known allergy to avocado, to latex (there is a latex-fruit cross-reactivity) or to bananas and kiwi should avoid both eating it and applying it externally. Before the first cosmetic use, always do a patch test on a small area of skin (the inner forearm) and wait 24 hours. If you have metabolic conditions, follow a strict weight-loss regimen or have special dietary recommendations, discuss the appropriate amount with your doctor or nutritionist, since avocado oil is very calorie-dense. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a specialist. ...

Sumac: Benefits, Uses and How to Use the Tangy Spice IMPORTANT: Edible sumac (Rhus coriaria) is safe for most people when used as a food in the usual culinary amounts. However, take care: there are species of poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) that have nothing to do with the spice and must never be foraged or eaten. Always buy sumac from trustworthy sources, clearly labeled as a food spice. People with an allergy to fruits in the Anacardiaceae family (cashews, pistachios, mango) should be cautious. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as people taking diabetes medication or blood thinners, should talk to their doctor before using sumac in large amounts or as a supplement. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. ...

Coconut Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Apply It for Skin, Hair and Cooking IMPORTANT: Coconut oil is generally safe for external use (skin and hair), but for internal consumption it should be used in moderation, as it is very high in saturated fats. People with high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, or those on restricted diets should talk to their doctor before including it daily in their meals. When applying it to the skin, always do a patch test on a small area (the inside of the forearm) 24 hours beforehand, especially if your skin is acne-prone, because coconut oil is comedogenic and can clog pores in some people. Do not use coconut oil as a lubricant with latex condoms, as it can degrade them. This article is informational and does not replace the advice of a doctor, dermatologist, or nutritionist. ...

Sesame Oil: Benefits for Skin, Hair and Health, Plus How to Use It in Cooking IMPORTANT: Sesame oil is generally safe for most people, but sesame is one of the most common food allergens in the world. If you have ever reacted to sesame seeds, tahini, halva or any product containing sesame, avoid sesame oil completely, both internally and on your skin. Before any cosmetic use, always do a patch test on a small area of skin (the inner forearm) and wait 24 hours. People with very low blood pressure, those on diabetes or blood-thinning medication, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to a doctor before using large therapeutic amounts. Sesame oil is not a substitute for medical treatment; it is a food and a skincare product, not a medicine. ...

Ghee: Benefits, Uses and How to Consume It the Right Way IMPORTANT: Ghee remains an energy-dense fat (about 9 kcal per gram, like any pure fat), so it is not a “free” food you can eat without limit. People with high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, pancreatitis or gallbladder problems should talk to their doctor before making it a regular part of their diet. Although ghee contains very little lactose and casein, those with a severe milk-protein allergy should be cautious and choose certified products. Ghee is not a medicine and does not replace any prescribed treatment. Used in moderation, as part of a balanced diet, it can however be a valuable cooking fat. ...

Virgin Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil: Benefits and Uses IMPORTANT: Coconut oil is generally a safe food and cosmetic product, but it is very high in saturated fat. People with high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, or who follow a doctor-recommended diet should talk to their physician before consuming large amounts of it daily. On the skin, always do a patch test on a small area before the first use, especially if your skin is prone to acne, because coconut oil is comedogenic for some people. Do not replace prescribed medical treatments with coconut oil remedies, and consult a doctor for serious skin or scalp conditions or in case of a known nut allergy. ...