Does anyone else feel like they woke up one day and all of a sudden coconut oil was getting more attention than Bieber fighting paparazzi? I didn’t know what to think of it so I looked into what all the buzz was about.
Coconut oil was initially thought to be an unhealthy cholesterol booster and heart disease magnet due to its high saturated fat content. Though roughly 90% of coconut oil is saturated fat, it is mainly comprised of medium-chain fatty acids which are easier to digest than the long-chain fatty acids that are found in other oils and butter. Coconut oil can also help build up a resistance to viruses and bacteria that can cause sickness, as well as help battle yeast and fungus.
I decided to look at 10 different uses coconut oil was good for, because it’s not just for cooking :)
- Eye make-up remover. The fatty compounds in the oil break down the make-up, making it a more gentle product compared to the harsh chemicals in soaps and other removers.
- Prevents age spots and stretch marks during pregnancy when rubbed directly on the skin.
- Apply topically when you are suffering from yeast infections. The fats in the oil are a strong fighter against yeast.
- When applied with apple cider vinegar it gets rid of head lice. Apply vinegar to dry hair and wet completely. Do not wash out and let hair dry (this unglues the eggs from the hair). Then pour the oil over the hair and massage completely into hair and scalp. Wrap hair in shower cap and leave on for the whole day. Rinse out and then shampoo as normal.
- Alleviates allergy symptoms. Rub on the inside of your nostrils to feel quick relief.
- Use as a natural lubricant and massage oil. It will taste better for those sweet kisses, doesn’t feel oily on your skin, and it won’t stain your sheets like some other store bought oils.
- Mix with salt and use as a foot scrub. The salt helps break the dead skin down while the oil helps smooth out the skin.
- Improves digestion. Taking a tablespoon before each meal will help improve digestion. The medium-chain fatty acids in the oil are easier for your body to digest allowing this benefit to be passed on to the rest of the meal your body is digesting.
- Natural moisturizer. Unlike many store-bought lotions, coconut oil does not contain water in it. The oil is able to penetrate deeper into the skin strengthening the deeper layers while removing the dead skin from the top layers.
- Gets rid of cradle cap. Simply rub on to your baby’s head, leave it on for a few minutes, then gently rinse off with a warm wash cloth.
There are so many other different uses of coconut oil. It has a high smoke and burn rate which makes it the best oil for stir fry’s, baking, and other high heat cooking. It can be used as a natural conditioner, deodorant or toothpaste, while also helping to boost your metabolism and immune system. Sounds like this thing is worth the buzz!
Showing you the difference between liking and loving your body,
Nicole Maryse
