Shea butter (karite)

The beneficial properties of the fruits of the shi tree or karite, which grows mainly in the territory of the African continent, have been known to mankind since ancient times. It is noteworthy that the vast majority of the population of the planet Earth believe that shea butter (karite) is used only for cosmetic purposes. This statement is only half true, since karite oil is not only used in cosmetology.

Few of the inhabitants of our latitudes know that shea butter (karite) can be eaten, like the vast majority of other types of vegetable oil. In addition, they produce both refined, act and unrefined shea vegetable oil. This unique natural product is obtained during the processing of shea tree fruits. It is noteworthy that it is the seed of the plant that is enriched with essential oils, which have distinctive beneficial properties that are of particular value for the health of the human body.

The fruit of the shea tree resembles an avocado, only differ in its more compact size. In its appearance, shea butter is a solid fat-containing substance, which is distinguished by a light nutty aroma. The color scheme of shea oil can start from light white and end in cream. It is noteworthy that at room temperature, shea butter (karite) becomes convergent with melted butter. In the chemical industry, the oil is obtained by an extraction process in which hexane is used as a chemical reagent.

Composition of shea butter (karite)

The beneficial properties of shea oil (karite) are primarily due to the chemical composition of the product. Triglycerides can be found in the composition of shea butter (karite), and in addition, non-saponified fatty compounds. The chemical composition of shea oil (karite) contains such natural compounds as paltmitic, stearic, linoleic, myristic and oleic acids. For the inhabitants of the African continent, shea butter is sometimes the only source of natural fatty acids that the human body needs in the process of life.

The distinctive properties of shea butter (karite) are used in cosmetology, since the product has protective and skin-softening abilities. Interestingly, in the course of studies that were carried out more than half a century ago, it was found that nationalities using shea butter both as a food and a drug practically do not suffer from skin diseases. Shea butter is used to protect the delicate skin of newborn children in the hot and rather harsh climatic conditions of Africa.

Non-saponified fatty compounds included in shea butter help protect the skin from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. in this case, the natural components of karite oil act as a powerful UV filter. Little shea activates the protective and also regenerating capabilities of the skin. Regular use of shea butter for cosmetic purposes contributes to the renewal of the skin, and also really slows down the natural aging processes.