Three uses for Shea butter

Shea butter, an oil derived from the nuts of the karite tree - which is also popularly known as the Shea tree, has many great uses and benefits. 

For centuries, people, especially those in West Africa, have been using it for various purposes.

We take a look at some of those uses below:

Skin doctor

Shea butter has healing powers. It is known for healing the skin from eczema, sunburn, and it also reduces blemishes. This is as a result of the vitamin A found in it.

Can be used for cooking

Shea butter can be eaten! Although it may not taste that great, shea butter can be used as an ingredient in many recipes and it comes with essential fatty acids and vitamin E. It is commonly used in Africa as a replacement for dairy butter or olive oil. It is mainly mixed with garlic and green onion to make a sauce. The sauce can be poured on top of vegetables, rice, or even pasta. You can even use it as an ingredient for making ice-cream or as the cooking fat for a stir fry. 

Eye make-up remover

Unlike many eye make-up removers that can leave your skin irritated, Shea butter serves as a great alternative. The good thing is that it not only removes make-up, but it moisturises it as well. The Oleic acid in it leaves the skin smooth, firm, and glowing.

Also read: Three tasty ways to can cook with Amasi