By CHISOM IBEMERE
Shea butter is a seed fat that can be extracted from the nut of African Shea tree. It’s solid at room temperature and off-white/Ivory in colour. The Shea tree originated from West and East Africa. Shea butter is edible and used in some African countries in preparing food. It has been used for centuries in cosmetics as an ingredients in moisturizers and Lotion, lip sticks, lip gloss, hair conditioners.
It is known as Ori in Yoruba language, Okwuma in Igbo and Kade in Hausa language. It is extracted by crushing and boiling the ripe Shea tree fruit/nuts.
Shea butter is food for the skin and perfect for all skin types. They are rich in Vitamin A, E and F which are essential for the skin health. Shea butter has the ability to protect the skin from dehydration by retaining water and ensuring the skin is always moisturized at all times. They are perfect in Skin care routine for both dry and dull skin types.
Shea butter is loaded with ingredients like Vitamin A and E that helps to heal Skin sensitivity and irritation. Shea butter helps to treat dry patches, baby diaper rash, abrasions and sunburns.
Shea butter are perfect for Skin related problems like eczema, psoriasis because of it’s anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin A and E in Shea butter soothes the skin and makes the skin to look healthier and Youthful.
Shea butter majorly contains Oleic acids, Linoleic acids, Stearic acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which makes them viable and beneficial for the body and also perfect substitute for regular butter and other oil. Stearic acids acts as an emollient which helps to soften and smothen the skin.
Shea butter has been used traditionally in the relieve of muscle aches and swellings. They are composed of anti-inflammatory compounds called Triterpenes which helps in the relieve of arthritis and rheumatism.
Shea butter contains a lot of phytonutrients that facilitate the healing of wounds, cuts and abrasions. Shea butter shields the skin from Ultraviolet radiations of the sun due to the presence of Cinnamic acid.
Shea butter may be refined (processed) or unrefined (the purest form of Shea butter) which is the most natural form of Shea butter. This form retains all Vitamins and minerals.
