Tag: Shea butter safety

According to WebMD, shea butter is “LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods,” confirming that yes, a person can eat shea butter, but with important considerations. While known primarily for cosmetic purposes, this fatty substance derived from the nut of the African shea tree has a long history of use in food across Africa.

For centuries, shea butter has been a staple edible fat in many parts of West Africa, used for cooking and traditional remedies. The question, "Can shea butter be consumed orally?", is often asked by those in other regions, and the answer is yes—but with important distinctions between food-grade and cosmetic-grade products.

For centuries, shea butter has been used as a traditional cooking fat in West African cuisine, providing a rich, nutty flavour to various dishes. This practice raises a common question for many: can shea butter be used internally, and what are the specific considerations for safe consumption?

Shea butter is a traditional cooking fat in West Africa, where it has been safely used in cuisine for centuries. This fact often leads people to question: can you lick shea butter that is intended for cosmetic use, and what are the potential risks involved?

In West African cuisine, shea butter is often used as a traditional cooking oil, suggesting its edibility in certain forms. This practice raises a common question for those outside the region: is it safe to drink shea butter, or to consume it in other ways?