Now that holiday season is well and truly over it’s a good time to add some healthy habits to your 2020. A brilliant way to do this is to add coconut oil to your life.
Coconut oil is riding a wave of popularity so you may already be using it in your kitchen but it’s more than a fantastic pantry staple; coconut oil has a wide range of other amazing uses that promote your health and physical care.
Why We Love Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is composed of 92 percent healthy saturated fat, with two-thirds of it coming in the form of medium chain fatty acids (most fats in the diet are long chain fatty acids). Because the fatty acids are shorter the body is able to quickly metabolise them boosting fat burning and giving the brain and body an energy lift.
Another powerful component of coconut oil is lauric acid, which is recognised for its strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It even has the ability to kill Candida albicans (*1) – a common yeast infection.
Both of these points show coconut oil is great for energy, satiety, weight management, and overall health.
Here are four other uses for this versatile oil.
1. Skincare
Topical application of coconut oil is a wonderful solution for soft, hydrated skin. In addition to being a good moisturiser (*2), coconut oil helps to nourish and heal, and its antibacterial properties can be an effective treatment for acne in some people.
Compared to more expensive options, coconut oil is affordable and all natural, moreover, its antioxidant properties serve as natural protection from free radicals – gremlins who contribute to skin damage and ageing.
Tip: oil your body all-over with coconut oil and shower to wash off any excess for a full body treatment.
2. Pre-wash Hair Conditioner
For smooth hair, use coconut oil as a natural pre-wash hair conditioner. It can help treat dry scalp, promote stronger hair, and help hair retain its natural moisture. Simply rub a few drops of coconut oil into your dry scalp and leave it on for about five minutes before rinsing. Your dry and dull hair will now be softer and silkier with a healthier scalp.
3. Mouthwash
Coconut oil’s antifungal and antimicrobial properties make it a popular choice as a mouthwash. Along with sesame oil, it’s also a good choice for the ancient Indian practice of oil pulling. This involves swishing a tablespoon of oil around the mouth for 15-20 minutes for whiter teeth, fresher breath and good oral health. The jury’s out on oil pulling’s teeth whitening benefits but studies have shown coconut oil’s efficacy as a plaque inhibitor (*3).
4. Balanced Digestion
Coconut oil can be used to treat occasional or mild digestive discomfort. It improves your body’s levels of candida and helps it to effectively absorb the essential nutrients.
Tip: Be sure to use organic, unrefined, and cold-pressed coconut oil for the most benefits.
As you can see, adding coconut oil to your health, beauty and nutrition arsenal will stand you in good stead. #lovecoconutoil
