Coffee essential oil: a powerful ally for your health

Like other types of beans, when they are still green, before going through the roasting procedure, coffee beans are rich in compounds known as natural oils. In order to extract these essential oils, a process called cold pressing is necessary.

From then on, this oil, also known as green coffee extract, will be ready to use. According to dermatologist Tarcila Taborda, this extract has been used for several years in the area of ​​dermatology for its effects and benefits on the skin, where a wide variety of products focused on skin and hair treatment use it in their composition. “It is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, known for their antioxidant effects, more potent than vitamin C and green tea, in addition to having a skin lightening effect.”

Coffee, a fruit originally from the Ethiopian region, was used in Arabia, then to Egypt, Syria and Turkey. There are reports and studies that the discovery of this oil dates from the same time that other vegetable oils such as linseed, olive oil and sesame were discovered, around the year 450 BC. Ç.

According to Maria Vasconcelos, gastronome, postgraduate in functional nutrition and responsible for Love2Cook, this oil contains several beneficial properties to our health and aesthetics, which is the main reason for its popularity today.

7 health benefits of coffee oil

The gastronome explains that, depending on the extraction method and where the coffee was grown, coffee essential oil can have up to 800 different compounds, as well as terpenes (natural substances) and alcohols, being rich in different types of essential oils.

Among its compounds, Maria highlights the presence of stearic acid, an oil widely used by companies in the production of cosmetics, oleic acid, better known as omega-9, linoleic acid, which helps to seal the skin and make it waterproof. 2,3 -dimethylbenzofuran, compound responsible for the characteristic scent of coffee beans and coffee essential oil.

Check out some of the benefits provided by coffee oil to health and well-being according to professionals:

1. Natural antidepressant

Due to the presence of dihydrobenzofuran, by inhaling a little of the aroma of coffee oil on a cotton ball, it is possible to stimulate the production of serotonin in the brain, providing an instant feeling of well-being.

2. Improving the appearance of cellulite

“As one of its compounds is caffeine, it acts on the skin by increasing microcirculation, in addition to having an antioxidant effect, having a good response as an adjunct in the treatment of cellulite”, reveals the dermatologist.

3. Prevents aging

The gastronome reveals that due to the presence of chlorogenic acid and vitamin E, coffee oil is considered a potent antioxidant, being essential in the fight against free radicals, preventing premature aging and the appearance of stains on the skin.

4. High hydration power

Due to the high concentration of vitamin E, Tarcila explains that this oil has a high power of hydration, being very suitable for the treatment of cracks and dryness of the skin. “There is a curious story about the discovery of the benefits of green coffee: it was observed that the hands of people who picked coffee on the foot looked younger than the face. This is due to the moisturizing and rejuvenating effect of vitamin E”.

5. Helps in glucose control

Ideal for the prevention of type 2 diabetes, this oil has chlorogenic acid, which will act in the control of glucose, reducing the amount of sugar in the blood.

6. Aids weight loss

Due to the presence of caffeine and theobromine, green coffee extract has thermogenic action, where there is an increase in body temperature, requiring the metabolism to accelerate to compensate, thus consuming a greater number of calories to achieve balance.

7. Shinier and more resistant hair

“When used on the hair, it increases the shine and resistance of the wires by improving the cohesion of the keratin”, teaches the dermatologist.

How to use coffee oil

The ways of using oil are varied. Whether in its pure version, to be used in aromatherapy or in the manufacture of cosmetic products, this compound proves to be a versatile ingredient. Here are some possibilities for using coffee oil:

Aromatherapy: in aromatherapy it is possible to find it in its concentrated version, which can be diffused or used in the form of steam, seeking to facilitate the inhalation of the compound. Another option is to mix it with other essential oils and massage the product.

Topical use: widely used for skin and hair hydration, the dermatologist recommends applying it to the desired area of ​​the skin up to 3 times a week. In the case of hair, it is possible to apply it to the locks before going to sleep, seeking to avoid contact with the scalp. When you wake up, just wash your hair, removing the excess. Repeat this process every 15 days.

Oral use: there are still versions in capsules or in its pure form, indicated for oral use. For the indication of the ideal dosage, medical follow-up is recommended, seeking to avoid possible problems due to its excessive use.

How to make your homemade coffee oil?

Although it is easy to purchase coffee oil through online stores or places that specialize in reselling natural products, it is possible to produce your own oil at home. Check out the step by step of this process indicated by the gastronome below:

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons of freshly ground coffee
• 1 cup extra virgin coconut oil

Way of doing

• Bring the mixture to a boil until heated through. Turn off the heat before bringing to a boil. Store in a covered glass container in a dark place for up to 7 days.

Side effects and contraindications

The dermatologist warns that, even if it is a product of natural origin, it can cause some undesirable effects. “As the base of the product is oil, its application should be avoided in areas prone to acne, for example on the face, back and neck of people with oily skin”, he warns. This guideline should also be followed by people with oily hair or problems such as seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, as its use can worsen the condition.

Another issue is the presence of caffeine, as Maria emphasizes, some people can have extreme reactions to it, with symptoms such as agitation, arrhythmia, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, and, in more severe cases, diarrhea, abdominal pain, head and malaise.

“Children and pregnant women should avoid coffee essential oil or use it only under the guidance of a health professional, as well as people suffering from hypertension, agitation, hyperthyroidism, ulcers, gastritis, liver and rheumatic problems”, emphasizes the gastronome. .

Essential oil with potent antioxidant and moisturizing action, coffee oil has been shown to be a great adjuvant in weight loss, in the fight against cellulite and signs of age. Versatile, it is still used in alternative treatments, being very famous in aromatherapy. Prove its effectiveness now!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.