Coconut oil is mild on the skin and is widely used in the tropics to protect both skin and hair from the harsh effect of the sun. Film forming qualities allow it to act as a skin moisturizer and a protectant against moisture loss. Its natural detergency and lathering capabilities give a double purpose as a cleansing agent for soaps and shampoos.

50 million people make their living from coconuts, with 42 million coming from Asia.  

The coconut meat (the white stuff) contains saturated fats, which is bad news, increasing the risk of heart disease.  This is somewhat offset by the benefits of phytosterols, also in the coconut meat, which helps lower cholesterol.

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