Q. What the benefits of coconut oil?
A. Let me start off with stated… I wish I got onto this sooner. But as they all say, better late than never.
So… what’s the big deal about coconut oil? Well, these are a good reason…
HEALTH BENEFITS BEAUTY USES
Dandruff remedy
Acne treatment
Cold sore healer
Boosts metabolism
Fades Keratosis Pilaris
Aids weight loss
Heals cuts and scrapes
Kills bacteria
Curves food cravings
Frizz tamer
Conditioning hair mask
Anti-wrinkle eye cream
Eye makeup remover
Facial cleanser
Lip balm
Massage oil
Natural deodorant
DIY body butter
Sunscreen
Cuticle oil
Bath oil
Stops stretch marks
Shaving salve/cream
Skin moisturiser
Softens and smooths cracked feet
So, as you can see it’s good for a multitude of things for both your health and very useful in all aspects of beauty.
But WHY is it so good?
Well… coconut oil isn’t the same as trans fat oils. Coconut oil (which, let’s face it… is fat – but a GOOD one) and trans fats (ie. BAD fat) don’t behave the same way. While trans fats are linked to a number of health problems such as cardiac issues, increased cholesterol and depression, coconut oil metabolises fats in the liver and instead of turning it bad fat which is stored and doesn’t move, it immediately turns it into fuel for our brain, heart and muscles.
It is recommended to have 1-4 teaspoons of coconut oil per day. If you’re starting off, it’s wise to start with one teaspoon and gradually work yourself up to four. One teaspoon will set you back approx. 120 calories.
But remember, combine this with exercise and healthy eating will also help in weight loss and adding coconut oil only boosts your metabolism and DOESN’T change it forever.
Add to things like salads (as dressing), cooked with some eggs in the morning, add to yoghurt, and smoothies. It can also be added to protein shakes, if you have them and straight off the spoon – just make sure it’s a flat teaspoon of coconut oil. Eaten straight from the jar it’s brilliant at curving your food cravings or that sweet tooth you might get after a meal.
I’ve heard you can add it to your coffee, provided that it’s extremely hot otherwise it will float (acts like a flavoured syrup) but I personally haven’t tried it in coffee.
The coconut I’m currently using is this…
Although there are many coconut oil versions out there, I went with the most common.
Coconut oil is a pretty soft oil. I remember when I first bought this, the oil was completely solid in the shelf but once I had it in my hands and carrying it around looking at other things in the health food shop it quickly melted around the sides leaving the center much solid and opaque but quite soft.
When left alone it will solidify again. If you live in a warmer climate, your coconut oil could very well remain a liquid even though it’s on a shelf.
Things to note when buying coconut oil are:
Fresh-pressed – You want to make sure that you’re getting the ripest coconuts available
Virgin – Over processed products diminishes it’s quality
And when available, fair trade and organic isn’t bad either.
The one pictured I bought from a health food store in Kings Cross for $16.20 for a 414mL jar, which I think is great value.
The first day I bought it, I decided that I was going to try it out as a eye makeup remover and I can’t tell you how impressed I was. It didn’t sting, didn’t burn and removed all of my makeup effortlessly. Sure, it took two cotton pads per eye to remove everything, but I wear a lot of eye makeup anyway. I’m sure if I was just had my brows done, mascara and eyeliner I would have cleaned in one for both eyes.
I don’t think I’ll ever go back now that I’ve started using coconut oil, especially as makeup remover. I’m so impressed what it does health-wise and as a multi-function beauty product. BIG thumps up!
Have you used coconut oil? What is your favorite use for it? How do you like to eat it?