The Benefits of Natural Products

Photo+courtesy+of+Ellie+Yoo.

Photo courtesy of Ellie Yoo.

Vanessa Le, Photojournalist

If you have been keeping up with the world recently, especially in Southern California, you would notice that there is a health craze going around town. It’s all about green juices and working out. But there is so much more than that. You know the trend’s going around, but what you don’t know is how it is actually beneficial to you! That is why I am here for you today–to inform you of what the many products of nature are good for.

 

First off, we have the infamous coconut oil. Not only is it good for healthy cooking, but coconut oil is known to “hydrate your skin, fight [frizzy hair], and reduce premature signs of aging” (www.health.com). It can be used in many various ways, but people mostly use it as hair masks, lip balms, body moisturizers, and even makeup removers! Caralee Ellis (12) says, “I use coconut oil for literally everything. Cooking, tanning, getting rid of scars, removing makeup, teeth whitening. I swear by it!”

 

If you decide to try out at least 1 method of coconut oil, definitely try using it as a hair mask. Grab a dab of oil on the palm of your hand, rub both hands together, and apply only to the ends of your hair; don’t massage it into your scalp or else you’ll get a really greasy look. Remember, a little goes a long way and you can always grab more if needed. You will be expecting rejuvenated, moisturized, beautiful hair in no time!

 

Another craze going around involve ridiculously healthy drinks, a.k.a. green juices and infused water. Green juices are blended drinks consisting of different types of vegetables and fruits and other lovely bits. They are great for supplying your bodies with the necessary antioxidants and vitamins. If you don’t like to eat fruits and vegetables deliberately, drinking green juices is the perfect way to get those vital supplements without needing to eat “5 pounds of fruits and veggies,” as Caralee would say. She also notes, “I feel like my body just loves me after I drink one.”

 

As a word of advice, Kristi King cautions that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. ” “It should be used as part of an overall, well-balanced diet and not for ‘cleanses’ or ‘detoxes,’ as that is what we have kidneys and livers in our bodies for” (www.time.com).

 

Last, but not least, we have our infused water. “Infused water can generally be any combination of fruits, vegetables, and herbs immersed in cold water” (www.loseweightbyeating.com). Scientific studies have proved that “water naturally boosts your metabolism.” If you are bad at keeping yourself hydrated with water throughout the day, adding fruits, vegetables, or herbs will only help you drink a tastier beverage that will still give you the healthy benefits. Water is much needed for your body to properly function, and if not ingested regularly, you will unfortunately suffer the consequences. Long story short, drink infused water because it is tasty and good for you!

 

That is all for today’s feature on the one and only, Mother Nature. Not saying that you should, but incorporating these natural products into your lifestyle will only help you feel as lively and healthy as ever.