What’s the Deal with Coconut Oil?

You’ve probably been seeing it everywhere- from cooking to beauty uses, coconut oil is all the rage lately. The world has recently discovered the small and large benefits it has on our bodies, skin, hair, food, and so much more. This all-natural product can be found at your local grocery or drug store and you can get a decent sized container for under $12!

And why is coconut oil such a miracle substance? The simple answer: because of its completely natural ingredients. Coconut oil is packed with vitamins and is especially high in Vitamin E and Vitamin K. It also packs iron and a fatty acid that is known to help lower and control cholesterol levels. All of this goodness in one perfect potion- read on for some of the best uses for coconut oil!

1. Coconut oil can be used to make your hair glow.

   Mix coconut oil with a bit of natural honey and spread it on your entire scalp. Let the mixture sit for 40 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. 40 minutes later your hair will be softer than it’s ever been before!

2. Makeup Remover

   Try removing your makeup with coconut oil instead of an unnatural chemical remover. Rub a small amount directly onto your face and wipe it off, along with all of your icky makeup, with a warm wash cloth. Voila!

3. Moisturize!

   Coconut oil, because of the vitamins and fats it’s made up of, is one of the deepest (and cheapest!) moisturizers around.

4. Non Toxic Cleaner

   After you’re done pampering yourself, give your house a bit of TLC, as well. Coconut oil is one of the safest, completely non-toxic cleaners. Put some on a rag to clean your shower as well as anything wooden or metal.

5. Sweeten your morning coffee the healthier way.

   Ditch your typical artificial sweetener and creamer for a small drop of coconut oil. The sweet, creamy flavor will add a delicious flavor and aroma to your beverage.

6. Lower Cholesterol

   Keep your doctor, and body, happy by lowering your cholesterol with coconut oil. The good-for-you fat that makes up coconut oil is known to increase your “good” cholesterol, HDL. Add it to your diet (give it a try in a smoothie!) and watch your doctor’s smile grow!

7. Metabolism Boost

   Coconut oil’s healthy fat can also help boost your metabolism. While it sounds goofy to say ingesting more fat can help you burn fat, it’s true! So eat up, but remember, everything in moderation, folks!

8. Lighten up your baking recipes with coconut oil.

   Coconut oil is a healthy and light substitute for butter, vegetable oil, or shortening. Typically you can substitute this at a one to one ratio, but check your recipe first just to be sure!

9. Cooking

   Do you spray your cookware with generic cooking spray filled with butter and fat? Stop! Coconut oil is the perfect pan-prepper with its light consistency and lubricating fats.

10. Have you heard of oil pulling yet?

    Many believe that swishing with various types of oil daily can pull toxins from the body. Swishing with coconut oil for 10-20 minutes a day reportedly helps remove toxins from the body, whiten teeth, and soften skin. Worth a shot!

Do you need any more convincing to head out and buy a jar of coconut oil? With just one small container your house will be shinier, hair softer, teeth whiter, cholesterol lower, and body happier!

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Manon McGovern

Manon McGovern, creator of The Traveling Trainer, is a fitness and weight management specialist who loves sharing her passion for a healthy lifestyle. She studied Exercise Science at The Ohio State University and started personal training and teaching group exercise classes to introduce herself into the fitness world. She enjoys personal training and teaching Yoga, Spinning, KickBoxing, and strength classes. Now working... Read More