If All Else Fails...Coconut Oil

It seems as though coconut oil can be used to fix or treat almost anything these days. Often times, I find that it's a product many people keep in the back of their pantry and forget it even exists. If you're one of those people, here's a chance to educate yourself on the benefits and uses of that jar of slimy stuff.

Benefits and Uses:

Digestive Help– The high concentration of beneficial fats in coconut oil make it helpful for digestion. It also has antimicrobial properties that help fight irritation in the gut from infections such as Candida. USE: as a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe or in cooking.

Healthy Hair– Coconut oil has been used for centuries in hair, and its unique fat composition makes it especially beneficial for certain hair types. It can be used as a hair mask to treat dry ends, oil treatment, or as an added ingredient in homemade hair products. USE: create an incredibly intensive natural conditioner by rubbing into dry hair, putting a shower cap on, and leaving for several hours before washing out with 1-2 rounds of shampoo.

Mental Boost– This tropical oil is rich in beneficial fats like lauric acid and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are well known for their ability to contribute to focus and mental performance, helping to keep you focused throughout the day. USE: 1 TBSP as a coffee creamer to kick start your morning and keep you both alert and satiated.

Skin Nourishment– The same properties make coconut oil great for skin as well. Many people find that it is an effective natural moisturizer. Its natural antioxidant properties make it great for stopping wrinkles and skin irritation. USE: as a natural shave cream and after shave lotion.

Immune System– The MCTs (including lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid) have antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that make it beneficial for immune support.

Healthy Fats– Over 50% of the fat in coconut oil is lauric acid- the same substance present in breast milk, making it the richest source of lauric acid after breast milk. Getting the right kinds of fats can help balance and support the body’s natural hormone production. Now that you're aware of how to use it, you can put that old jar to use. And, if you don't have any sitting around, you can grab a variety of brands at any local grocery store, or chain stores like Target, Wal-Mart, Cub Foods, or ALDI! Thanks for reading! xoxo