Benefits of Coconut Oil

The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc. Coconut oil consists of more than ninety percent of saturated fats (Don’t panic! First read to the last word. Your opinion may change), with traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Virgin Coconut Oil is no different from this. Let us have a bit detailed study of this.

•The Saturated Fatty Acids: Most of them are Medium Chain Triglycerides, which are supposed to assimilate well. Lauric Acid is the chief contributor, with more than forty percent of the share, followed by Capric Acid, Caprylic Acid, Myristic Acid and Palmitic.
•The Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Linoleic Acid.
•The Monounsaturated Fatty Acids: Oleic Acid.
•The Poly-phenols: Gallic Acid, which is phenolic acid. These poly-phenols are supposed to be responsible for the fragrance and the taste of Coconut Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil is rich in these poly-phenols.
•Certain derivatives of fatty acid like Betaines, Ethanolamide, Ethoxylates, Fatty Esters, Fatty Polysorbates, Monoglycerides and Polyol Esters.
•Fatty Chlorides, Fatty Alcohol Sulphate and Fatty Alcohol Ether Sulphate, all of which are derivatives of Fatty Alcohols.
•Vitamin-E and Vitamin K and minerals such as Iron.


Let us now explore the benefits of coconut oil in detail:

Hair Care: Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair providing them a shinny complexion. Regular massage of the head with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff, lice, and lice eggs, even if your scalp is dry. Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian sub-continent for hair care. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. It is therefore used as hair care oil and used in manufacturing various conditioners, and dandruff relief creams. Coconut oil is normally applied topically for hair care.

Stress Relief: Coconut oil is very soothing and hence it helps in removing stress. Applying coconut oil to the head followed with a gentle massage helps in removing mental fatigue.

Skin Care: Coconut oil is excellent massage oil for the skin as well. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Further, unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin with the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. Therefore coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of various body care products such as soaps, lotions, creams, etc., used for skin care.

Premature Aging: Coconut oil helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties.

Heart Diseases: There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for the heart. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. However, coconut oil is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful as it happens in case of other vegetables oils. It does not lead to increase in LDL levels. It also reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.

Weight Loss: Coconut oil is very useful in reducing weight. It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. It is also easy to digest and it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzymes systems. Further, it increases the body metabolism by removing stress on pancreases, thereby burning out more energy and helping obese and overweight people reduce their weight. Hence, people living in tropical coastal areas, who eat coconut oil daily as their primary cooking oil, are normally not fat, obese or overweight.

Pancreatitis: Coconut oil is also believed to be useful in treating pancreatitis.

Digestion: Internal use of coconut oil occurs primarily as cooking oil. Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have anti microbial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc., that cause indigestion. Coconut oil also helps in absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Immunity: Coconut oil is also good for the immune system. It strengthens the immune system as it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.

Healing: When applied on infections, it forms a chemical layer which protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil is most effective on bruises as it speeds up the healing process by repairing damaged tissues.

Infections: Coconut oil is very effective against a variety of infections due to its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil kills viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, etc. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, etc. Coconut oil is also effective on fungi and yeast that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, etc.

Liver: The presence of medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids helps in preventing liver diseases as they substances are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, thus reducing work load on the liver and also preventing accumulation of fat.

Kidney: Coconut oil helps in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases. It also helps in dissolving kidney stones.

Diabetes: Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar, and improves the secretion of insulin. It also helps in effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby preventing and treating diabetes.

Bones: As mentioned earlier, coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important minerals. These include calcium and magnesium which are necessary for development of bones. Thus coconut oil is very useful to women who are prone to osteoporosis after middle age.

Dental Care: Calcium is an important element present in teeth. Since coconut oil facilitates absorption of calcium by the body, it helps in getting strong teeth. Coconut oil also stops tooth decay.

HIV and Cancer: It is believed that coconut oil plays an instrumental role in reducing viral susceptibility of HIV and cancer patients.

Finally, coconut oil is often preferred by athletes and body builders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this being that coconut oil contains lesser calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil helps in boosting energy and endurance, and enhances the performance of athletes.

Tracey Edmonds

Born: February 18, 1967, Los Angeles, California

Company: Edmonds Entertainment Group, Inc./Our Stories Films

Position: President, CEO, COO

Industry: Media

Country: United States


Tracey E. Edmonds, birth name Tracey McQuarn, is the President and CEO of Edmonds Entertainment Group a company she owns with husband Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds (currently separated).

As president and CEO of the Edmonds Entertainment Group, she oversees the Yab Yum music publishing and record label, as well as Edmonds Management, whose client roster includes Kirk Franklin, actress Loretta Devine and actor Mekhi Phifer.

Edmonds' first feature film, Soul Food, was produced for $7 million and grossed over $43 million at the box office, spawning a triple platinum soundtrack and a popular Showtime television series of the same name that ran for five seasons.

Our Stories Films, the film studio created by Robert L. Johnson and The Weinstein Company, named Tracey as its president and chief operating officer in August 2006.

Tracey has also produced some of the most popular television shows to ever appear on BET, including the first African-American reality series, "College Hill," now in its fourth season, debuted in 2004 to set a network record as BET's highest rated series premiere in 25 years. Edmonds created and executive produced "Lil Kim: Countdown to Lockdown," which currently stands as the top-rated series debut in BET history. Edmonds also produced the popular "DMX: Soul of a Man" for BET.

Producer - filmography

•Good Luck Chuck (2006) (announced) (producer)
•Robbin Hoodz (2006) (announced) (executive producer)
•"Lil Kim: Countdown to Lockdown" (2006) TV Series (executive producer)
•"College Hill" (2004) TV Series (executive producer) (producer)
•Maniac Magee (2003) (TV) (executive producer)
•Josie and the Pussycats (2001) (producer) "Soul Food" (2000) TV Series (executive producer)
•Punks (2000) (producer)
•Light It Up (1999) (producer)
•Soul Food (1997) (producer)
•Hav Plenty (1997) (executive producer)

Yesterday

Betrayal

The feeling of being in love is so intense that it feels like it will last forever. We can't believe that the other person doesn't feel the same way. We can't believe that this sacred relationship has been betrayed. You may have been sure that you were in the same wavelength and that you understood each other. Meanwhile, you have been walking on parallel and eventually divergent tracks the entire time. The feelings of betrayal and hurt may take many years to heal.

Source: Betrayal Poems - Poems about Betrayal http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/sad_love/betrayal-poems.asp#ixzz0gnFt9ZSx

Black Women Entrepreneurs on the Rise

These women have carved out niches for themselves in their respective fields, while creating new million dollar enterprises. NO LONGER RELEGATED SOLELY TO SUCH traditional business as catering, child care and hair care, women entrepreneurs are now thriving in fields where few women have gone before--from engineering to construction to computer design. Many of these trend setters and trailblazers are doing more than just holding their own in these male-dominated industries: Their businesses are generating millions of dollars in revenues and employing hundreds of people.

In fact, women own more than 30% of the 21 million businesses in the country. Their earnings are rising twice as fast as the rate of all other companies, according to the National Association of Women Business Owners in Silver Spring, Maryland. These women-owned businesses currently employ one-quarter of America's entire workforce.

Despite these newsworthy breakthroughs, black women business owners, with their bold and inspiring success stories, have not been given their due. Even in publications designed to highlight the achievements of women in business, black women are sorely underrepresented.

Against this backdrop, BLACK ENTERPRISE profiles seven women whose enterprising instincts and results simply cannot be overlooked. Their businesses range from floral design to nuclear engineering. Each has been in business for between three and 10 years, and has annual sales of at least $1 million and 10 or more employees. They have all dodged a different set of slings and arrows to establish their unique niche in the marketplace. Sharing that never-say-die entrepreneurial spirit, they aim to reach the top of their field--and are all well on their way.

By: Margie Lewis

Bottom line on health care summit: Dems push ahead

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama strongly signaled that Democrats will move forward on a health care overhaul with or without Republicans, preparing his party for a fight whose political outcome will rest with voters in November.

Delivering his closing argument at a 7-1/2-hour televised policy marathon Thursday, Obama told Republicans he welcomes their ideas — even ones Democrats don't like — but they must fit into his framework for a broad health care remake that would cover tens of millions of uninsured Americans.

That's the deal.

It's a gamble for Obama and his party, and it's far from certain that Democratic congressional leaders can rally their members to muscle a bill through on their own. At stake are Democrats' political fortunes in the midterm elections and the fate of Obama's domestic agenda pitted against emboldened Republicans.

"The truth of the matter is that politically speaking, there may not be any reason for Republicans to want to do anything," Obama said, summing up. "I don't need a poll to know that most Republican voters are opposed to this bill and might be opposed to the kind of compromise we could craft.

"And if we can't," he added, "I think we've got to go ahead and some make decisions, and then that's what elections are for. "

To the nearly 40 lawmakers in the room with him, the message was unmistakable.

"Frankly, I was discouraged by the outcome," said Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. "I do not believe there will be any Republican support for this 2,700-page bill."

Democratic leaders — who preside over majorities in both chambers_ were having none of that.

"It's time to do something, and we're going to do it," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada.

Still, no participant publicly called the daylong exercise a waste of time. Despite flare-ups now and then, they had a remarkably civil debate on an issue that has divided Americans and polarized political partisans.

Sen. John McCain said Friday that Republicans are still willing to negotiate changes in the health care system with Obama, but only on a "step-by-step" basis.

McCain said on ABC's "Good Morning America" he believes the White House summit on the medical care system was beneficial and many people learned a lot from it.

But he also said it is time "to start over. What we're saying is, let's start out on the areas we agree upon." The Arizona Republican said the GOP would be "seriously interested" in negotiating a less complex, less sweeping health care bill with the Obama administration.

Obama's plan would require most Americans to get health insurance, while providing subsidies for many in the form of a new tax credit. It would set up a competitive insurance market for small businesses and people buying coverage on their own. Other changes include addressing a coverage gap in the Medicare prescription benefit and setting up a new long-term-care insurance program. The plan would be funded through Medicare cuts and tax increases.

At the summit, there were some areas of agreement, including barring insurers from dropping policyholders who become sick, ending annual and lifetime monetary limits on health insurance benefits and letting young adults stay on their parents' health policies into their mid-20s or so.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who has a track record of working across the political aisle, said he would try to broaden common ground. Obama said he was willing to incorporate medical malpractice changes into his plan.

Yet on the core issues of how to expand coverage and pay for it, the divide was as wide as ever. Democrats argue a stronger government role is essential, and with it higher taxes and new rules for private companies.

"We have a very difficult gap to bridge here," said Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, the No. 2 House Republican. "We just can't afford this. That's the ultimate problem."

A Democrats-only strategy is no slam-dunk. The House would have to pass a Senate bill that many House Democrats find unacceptable. Indeed, House Democrats appear to hold the key to the success of Obama's gambit.

To make the Senate bill more palatable to the House, both chambers would pass a package of changes. In the Senate, that would be done under special budget rules allowing majority Democrats to get around the requirement for 60 votes to shut off bill-killing filibusters. Democrats are one vote shy.

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., asked Democrats to swear off the tactic, known as "reconciliation." Reid defended it.

Obama said Americans want a decision on health care, and most think "a majority vote makes sense."

Yet a USA Today/Gallup survey released Thursday found Americans tilt 49-42 percent against Congress passing a health care bill similar to the ones proposed by Obama and Democrats in the House and Senate. Opposition was even stronger to the idea of Senate Democrats using the special budget rules, with 52 percent opposed and 39 percent in favor.

Congressional aides said top Democrats will take a few days to gauge the summit's impact on the public and, perhaps more importantly, on moderate House members who will likely determine whether any health care bill will pass.

If the effort fails, Democrats may try a scaled-back plan to insure about 15 million more Americans, rather than the 30 million covered under the congressional bills. Among other things, the fallback plan would require insurance companies to let people up to age 26 stay on their parents' health plans.

How Much Exercise Do You Really Need?

How Much Exercise Do You Really Need?

Bipartisan Health Care Summit (Live).

I am a Christian

When I say "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I am saved."
I'm whispering "I get lost"
That is why I chose this way.
When I say "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need someone to be my guide.

When I say "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I am weak
And pray for strength to carry on.

When I say "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are too visible
But God believes I'm worth it.

When I say "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
Which is why I seek HIS name.

When I say "I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority
I only know I'm loved.

by Maya Angelou

African Americans and HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in African American communities is a continuing public health crisis for the United States. At the end of 2006 there were an estimated 1.1 million people living with HIV infection, of which almost half (46%) were black/African American. While blacks represent approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population, they continue to account for a higher proportion of cases at all stages of HIV/AIDS—from infection with HIV to death with AIDS—compared with members of other races and ethnicities. The reasons are not directly related to race or ethnicity, but rather some of the barriers faced by many African Americans. These barriers can include poverty (being poor), and stigma (negative attitudes, beliefs, and actions directed at people living with HIV/AIDS or people who do things that might put them at risk for HIV).

As the impact of the epidemic among African Americans has grown, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local public health agencies, and African American communities have stepped up efforts to address the crisis. One of their efforts includes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. For 10 years, a group of national organizations, in partnership with CDC, have created and implemented activities focused on motivating African Americans to get tested and learn their HIV status, as well as educating community members about the importance of HIV prevention, early detection, and treatment.

This year’s theme focuses on encouraging African American communities to actively think about HIV/AIDS, its impact on the community, and prevention efforts and strategies available. A wealth of HIV prevention information is available, and African Americans need to receive that information to better protect their health and the health of their loved ones. A collaborative response by many is necessary to decrease the burden of HIV/AIDS in the African American community. Therefore, CDC and African American leaders from business, civil rights organizations, entertainment, government, and the media are speaking out and taking action. When people affected and infected by HIV take collective action against the spread of this disease, our power to control this disease increases.

Together, we can prevent HIV/AIDS, one voice, one experience, one community at a time. What Can You Do?

•Learn About HIV/AIDS. Educate yourself, friends, and family about HIV/AIDS and what you can do to protect yourself.
•Get tested for HIV. To find a testing site near you, call 1-800-CDC-INFO, visit hivtest.org , or, on your cell phone, text your zip code to Know IT (566948).
•Speak Out against stigma, homophobia, racism, and other forms of discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.
•Donate time and money to HIV/AIDS organizations that work within African American communities.

Black History Month

Black History Month Tribute

True Colors For Women of Color

Women of color have often felt ignored by cosmetics companies. Many ethnic women have had trouble finding foundation and makeup colors that are flattering . African-American women usually have sensitive, oily skin that scars easily. Products that are powdery can look ashy and chalky on darker complexions, and pink pigmented products are unflattering to ethnic skintones.

In the beginning, there was Fashion Fair. Founded in 1973 and aimed at African-American and Carribean women, it offered darker colors, not available at the time. It is still around, and can be purchased at a handful of stores across the country. The line seems a bit old-fashioned to me. There is a skincare line that includes bleaching cream and oil reduction products. Color choices are conservative, and I could not find a product with a sunscreen (we should all wear sunscreen) . Still, it is a no-frills line for dark- skinned women. www.fashionfair.com.

In 1994, fashion model Iman, tired of mixing her own colors and formulas, started her own cosmetics line. I-man is geared to all women of color, and it really succeeds in its goal. It is a line with multi-cultural appeal, and no unnecessary products. She has pared it down to a wonderful range of essentials. The products are creamy, and blend well. I like the pressed powder, which leaves a dewy finish. The skincare line is excellent. I recommend Hydrator SPF 15, and Drench, a rich but light moisturizer. Both are $35.00.

Iman has two websites. www.i-man.com is her personal site with info about the products, and her makeup philosophy. It projects the image of a funky urban drama queen, fitting for the wife of David Bowie. Her line can be purchased at www.imanbeauty.com, a very user-friendly site with descriptions of all the items, and easy checkout. I-man is also available at most JC Penneys stores.

For women who want a large line with many flattering color options, I suggest Nars, and MAC. Nars has dark lipsticks in lovely shades of brown and burgundy. Nars is available at www.neimanmarcus.com and at major department stores. At the MAC shop I visited recently, there was a lovely dark-skinned makeup artist, with her brushes in a large tool belt around her waist. She was willing to take the time to assist customers with their choices, and she knew the line well. MAC uses women of color as models. Go to www.maccosmetics.com for store locations.

I am a multi-racial woman. I am not Asian, but with my very yellow undertones, I find that Shiseido works well for me. I have always been drawn to the dramatic palettes and unique products. I have been wearing makeup since I was 13, and when I want color, Shiseido has never let me down. Find Shiseido products at most major department stores.

Women of color now have more options, as companies realize the potential of a powerful consumer base. Ideally, cosmetics companies should consider the ethnic market. Most women are willing to pay for quality products and good service, especially if the products are tailored to her needs. A woman of color wants to feel welcome at the cosmetics counter. Consultants should be aware of her needs, and the company should feature ethnic faces in their advertising.

by Cheryl Duffey

Black Women Mental-Health Needs Unmet

Sixty percent of African American women suffer from depression, but few seek professional help because of the communal stigma and because there are few providers specializing in African American issues. Now, new mental health initiatives are reaching out

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (WOMENSENEWS)--"There's a fear of putting our business in the street . . . of somehow revealing too much," said Latonya Slack, executive director of the California Black Women's Health Project, an Inglewood, Calif., community-health organization. "Black women can perceive going to a therapist as something we don't do," she added.

Lorraine Cole, president of the Black Women's Health Imperative, the Washington, D.C.-based parent organization of the California BlackWomen's Health Project, agrees. "There's a deep-seated feeling that going to seek professional help is a sign of weakness," she said.

In California, African American women have the shortest life expectancy among women of all racial and ethnic groups in the state. They also have the highest mortality rate for heart disease and stroke and the highest prevalence of high blood pressure and obesity. Recent research indicates that mental health plays a role in these health disparities in California--and across the nation. But while many black women know and discuss the threats to their physical health, when it comes to mental health, there's silence and inaction.

Slack and Cole, both African American women, are leading efforts to address the physical, mental and spiritual health needs of black women. Both have commissioned studies that revealed many black women are struggling with mental health issues but are not seeking professional help. They and others see improving black women's access to mental health treatment as a crucial element to addressing the serious, but often manageable, illnesses plaguing their physical health.

By Shauna Curphey

The Differences Between Ethnic and Straight Hair

Curly/ Coily hair is delicate
Contrary to popular belief, hair that is curly/coily is much more delicate than hair that is straight. Straight hair has as much as twice the amount of cuticles than curly hair. The cuticle is important. On healthy hair the cuticle lies flat. When they lie flat you hair shines. Heat styling, using chemicals, shampoo, and improper combing or brushing all can contribute to making the cuticle rough. Which will in turn make the hair tangle and hard to manage.

Curly/ Coily Hair is Drier
The individual hair follicles produce natural oils (sebum) to keep the hairs lubricated. The curlier your hair, the harder it is for the sebum to get all the way down to the ends. Also there are less individual hair on a curly haired person than on a person with straight hair. That means that there are less sebaceous glands to produce oil.

Curly/Coily Hair is Flatter and finer
If you were to look at a cross section of straight hair under a microscope, you would see it is round like the rings of a tree. Wavy hair is oval which gives it its gentle bends and waves. Curly hair is flat. Coily hair is the flattest of all and the most delicate.