Beauty secrets: What is oil pulling, how good is it for glowing skin?

Have you heard of oil pulling? It’s a practice commonly followed by celebrities. Several movie stars swear by this routine every morning for its numerous health benefits. However, many are unsure why it's done. Let's delve into the role of oil pulling in beauty care.

What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling involves swishing half a tablespoon of coconut oil in the mouth on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. It's recommended to do this for at least 10 minutes. Afterwards, spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with water before brushing your teeth as usual. Apart from coconut oil, people also use olive oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. Remember never to swallow the oil, this is crucial.

Benefits
An ancient Ayurvedic remedy Oil pulling is an age-old Ayurvedic practice for oral health and detoxification. Its benefits extend beyond the mouth and impact the entire body in various ways.

Brighter teeth: Oil pulling offers hope for those with yellow teeth. It helps whiten teeth and eliminates bacteria.
Defined Jawline: Daily morning oil pulling can improve your jawline. It acts as a facial exercise. Practising this for 10 minutes daily can transform your facial appearance, with noticeable changes within days.
Glowing Skin: Oil pulling is also believed to promote glowing skin.
Fights Infection: Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and possesses anti-carcinogenic properties. Health experts suggest that it may even help prevent cancer. Additionally, it combats infections in the body. Oil pulling provides relief from certain types of infections and inhibits fungal growth. It also strengthens the immune system and aids in eliminating toxins from the body.

Potential drawbacks
However, there are concerns about potential downsides. Lipoid pneumonia is a condition observed in some individuals who practice oil pulling. When swishing oil in the mouth, a small amount inevitably enters the body. This ingested oil can sometimes lead to respiratory problems. Moreover, many oil pulling practitioners report experiencing stomach discomfort.