Coming from an Asian background, the benefits of Coconut Oil are not new to me. I still remember begrudingly being smothered in the stuff when I was barely waist high!
It took me two decades of my life to really appreciate the power of the mighty coconut. Over the years, I have slowly seen this amazing product rise to super power status.
Here’s what you need to know
Coconut oil is made primarily of medium-chain fatty acids, making it easily digestible and it converts into energy in the body. It also contains lauric acid, which has been linked to amazing health benefits. It has anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal properties. When taken regularly, coconut oil has been shown to help fight candida, boost hormone production, and increase metabolism.
Coconut oil is also good for overall immunity, it reduces hypertension, helps reduce arterial injury, boosts energy, and helps with cholesterol balance. It is a great source of healthy saturated fats.
I wanted to share how I have used it for almost three decades.
My Favourite Uses for Coconut Oil
■ As a Makeup remover: Lightly dip a cotton pad in coconut oil, works wonders on mascara and eye makeup too!
■ As a body cream: smother some coconut oil on after a shower and nightly. A cost effective way of achieving baby soft skin.
■ As a Winter or Dry skin moisturizer: Coconut oil is great in colder months for extra hydration. ■ Hair: Massage your scalp & hair with coconut oil, cover with a hot towel, wash your hair after an hour. Or if you really want soft hair or to treat dry hair, then leave in over night. (minus the wet towel!)
■In food: Use coconut oil instead of other cooking oils, or add to smoothies for extra energy!
Here’s a simple, yet luxurious way to benefit your skin with Coconut Oil.
I am pretty addicted to home made face and body scrubs and this combination is one of my absolute favourites. The reason I love this is most people will have theses ingredients in their store cupboards. If you don’t have brown sugar, just replace with white sugar.
Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub:
1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup coconut oil (room temperature), and 1 tsp real vanilla extract.
Mix them all together (if you can blend the ingredients then you will get a smoother scrub) and transfer to an airtight jar. It will keep well for a couple of weeks on the bathroom shelf!
TIP: Always buy extra virgin/organic oil.