Everywhere you look, people are talking about the amazing health benefits of coconut oil. This once bad guy of saturated fats now has a growing band of supporters from scientists to health gurus’. This Gem of the Tropics gives us all the necessary elements we need to improve our skin, hair, health and even fight disease there’s almost nothing this little fuzzy like fruit can’t do. I have listed some of my favorite ways to use coconut oil below.
Coconut Oil for the Hair
As we age our hair can do some awfully strange things; straight hair becomes curly, curly hair becomes straight, and our once silky, shiny hair becomes dull and dry. Adding a coconut oil to your hair a few times week can protect it from premature aging, prevent split ends and even slow down baldness. Just add a few tablespoons to your hand and massage in making sure to get every last strand. Once the oil can be felt throughout the hair, it is time to comb it through. I usually place a plastic grocery bag on my hair and go about my day. (OK I don’t leave the house but this is great to do on housecleaning days’ the longer you can keep it on the better.)
To remove use warm water, shampoo and rinse well. Now, if you’re like me and live in a hot, humid area while being blessed with curly hair, you know how tough it is to tame your fro. Here is a simple tip to reduce frizz; add a small amount of coconut oil about the size of a dime in the palm of your hand, rub your hands to together and place on the ends of your hair. I even go all out on really humid days and scrunch all my curls with it. Your hair smells wonderful too!
Coconut Oil for the Skin
Lately, every time on turn the TV there is an infomercial on telling me how I can get rid of my creepy skin. Well, coconut oil is the ideal way to prevent dry, creepy, wrinkled skin from even starting. First off coconut oil hydrates the skin like a boss it’s like gives your skin a big glass of water every day. This rich antioxidant magic fruit delays the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin which prevents the signs premature aging. My two favorite ways to use coconut oil on my skin are:
1. Right after a hot shower I massage coconut oil on from head to toe. Give it a few minutes before putting your clothes on. Also the less is more approach is best a little goes a long way.
2. 3x a week before bed use a small amount of coconut oil on my face giving it a “Big Gulp” of water. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
Coconut Oil for Your Health
There so many ways coconut oil can improve your overall health. Some of the health benefits of coconut oil are it improves digestion, promotes weight loss, lowers cholesterol, increases bone strength, controls blood sugar and even combats Alzheimer’s disease. I have found adding two tablespoons to my morning shake is the easiest way for me. If you’re more of a daredevil, you can just place a dollop on a tablespoon and just take it down. You can use coconut oil when cooking too in place of butter, vegetable oil, and the oil in most if not all of your baking.
Coconut Oil for the Teeth
Coconut oil is a fabulous addition to your daily oral care routine too. It has been proven to kill bad breath, prevent cavities, whiten teeth, soothe dry throats and even strengthen the gums. You should start each morning with coconut oil using right before you brush your teeth. Swish 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth making sure to pull the oil through your teeth. Do not swallow; spit the oil in the trash, not the sink. Rinse your mouth with warm water then brush.
There are countless more ways to add coconut oil to your diet; the ones I have listed above are some of quickest you can start to add it to your age fighting routine today.
Andrea Warren holds a BS in Naturopathy and is a Certified Aromatherapist. You can find her most days researching the latest health craze or writing on her family blog. Her passions are health, simple living, and family. Please share your comments and suggestions below.
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