Why Shea butter should be part of your cabinet.

Even with the fairly recent popularity, the benefits of shea butter particularly as they relate to human health are vital pieces of information that’s still unclear to many people. A good way to start would be by reasonably looking at the question, ‘what is shea butter?’

What is Shea butter?

The shea butter in its natural state is a creamy white to yellowish fat gotten from the nut of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa. Shea butter is largely composed of a variety of fatty acids which include stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic [1]. The proportions of these fats largely depend on the tree species. Other important constituents include;

• Vitamins; majorly A and E
• Phenolic compounds belonging to the catechin group[2]

Health Benefits of Shea Butter

Shea butter health benefits range from their effects on the human skin, hair to those on the human tissues such as the bone as well as other physiological reactions. 

Shea Butter Is an Efficient Nose Anti-Congestant

One of the common symptoms associated with several diseases such as rhinitis or common cold the blocking of nasal passage also known as nose congestion [3].

Shea butter has been found to be very effective in relieving nose congestions. A recent study has also confirmed shea butter to be a better option in activity when compared to other decongestants such as the placebo and xylometazoline [4].

Shea Butter for Eczema Treatment

According to the results of a 4-week study carried out on a total of 34 patients with eczema, shea butter extracts constitute natural remedies for eczema. Again, shea butter oils have been found to reduce itching while increasing skin hydration [5].

Shea Butter Relieves Symptoms of Arthritis

In a 16-week study carried out on 33 patients with knee arthritis, the Shea nut oil as a natural product was found to be an effective reliever of pain which is a common symptom associated with the disease. It was also found to improve muscle control [6]. Shea nut oil can be taken orally in pills.

Shea Butter Has Anti-inflammatory Properties

External factors such as allergies, UV radiations, and burns have been found to cause certain degrees of skin inflammation. Shea butter reduces skin inflammation due to its vital components such as the lupeol compounds which help in reducing the concentration of enzymes responsible for inflammatory responses [7].

Shea Butter Slows Down Skin Aging

Skin aging is a natural process which is associated with oxidation of the skin and deterioration of the tissues. The process has been found to be accelerated by environmental factors such as diet, UV radiation, stress and others [8]. However, components of shea butter such as vitamin E and phenolic compounds are excellent antioxidants which help to prevent skin oxidation and effectively slow down skin aging process.

Shea Butter helps in Acne Treatment

An excessive oil production by the skin has been implicated as the cause of Acne. So far, a lot of side effects have been associated with the modern treatment options particularly medicines. However, shea butter helps in the treatment of Acne as it contains a vital component, Lupeol, which suppresses excessive skin oil reduces acne formation [9].

Shea Butter Reduces Skin Scarring

During the process of wound healing, the original skin is gradually replaced by another tissue known as the scar. However, most times, the scar becomes larger leaving a rather rough feeling on the skin. This type of scar is referred to as the keloid type. [10]

Shea butter has been used as a remedy in the treatment of 
such unpleasant scars as it reduces the production of keloid connective tissues associated with the scar formation. [11]

Other benefits

Shea Butter has been proven to Prevent Split Ends in Hair : This follows a hair study carried out with 3 kinds of butter and 5 oils which are tested on hair tresses. The number of split ends per gram of hair was found to be significantly reduced by those containing high concentrations of palmitic acids, linoleic acids and oleic acids [12].

Shea Butter May Act as Mosquito Deterrents: Shea butter components such as the palmitic acids, oleic acids, and linoleic acids have been studied to exert significant repellent effects on mosquitoes. This is an essential property particularly in most African regions with a high prevalence of mosquitoes and their associated diseases [13].

Treatment of stretch marks: Shea butter has become a common ingredient in products used for the treatment of stretch marks due to the antioxidant properties of its components.

References:

1. http://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajls.20140205.18.pdf
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/shea-butter
3. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/89854
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1429586/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26314567
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872419/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21118697
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4495740/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25647437
10. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260063080_Inhibitory_Activities_of_Omega-3_Fatty_Acids_and_Traditional_African_Remedies_on_Keloid_Fibroblasts
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3905615/
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19450426/
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21845943