Coconut Oil

There are so many products that you have in your kitchen pantry that work beautifully on our bodies, without the use of harsh chemicals or dyes found in most of our beauty products.

One of my all-time favorites is Coconut Oil. Make sure you get Virgin Coconut Oil. The uses are endless. It's a wonder makeup remover and gentle around the eyes. Just dap a little on a tissue or cloth and wipe away. Instantly takes off stubborn mascara and eye liners and doesn't sting the eyes.

What I Recommend...

My top pick for Coconut Oil is Carrington Farms Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil. This is the most nutritious oil that can be used for your health and beauty needs. The oil is pressed and bottled to retain its original nutrient content, flavor and color. There are no added trans or hydrogenated fats and is certified organic.

Carrington Farms Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil requires no refrigeration and turns to a liquid at 76 degrees F or higher.

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For Your Hair - The gentle oil gives your hair a nice shine without being greasy. Cover your hair and work it into the roots, leave for about 20 mintues. Or if you want a deep conditioning, leave it in overnight. I suggest wearing a shower cap or using an old pillow case, as it will be messy. After a normal morning shower, you'll be left with amazing soft and vibrant hair.

Also try Coconut Oil on your skin, as a mouth wash (oil pulling- see my fluoride article), bubble baths, minor cuts and scraps, use on wooden furniture, etc.

But Coconut Oil isn’t just for hair and skin, it works miracles inside your body too. Coconut Oil has been found to reduce stress, lower cholesterol, help with weight loss, boost the immune system, regulate metabolism and aid in digestion. You can also replace your cooking oil with coconut oil for a healthier fat.

For your Health - When using Coconut Oil on a regular basis, it can provide relief in heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney issues, Thyroid, HIV and cancer. This is due to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. They act as antimicrobial, antioxidants, and anti-fungal. [1]

There are misconceptions about how Coconut Oil works with the body. It is actually very beneficial, especially for the heart. By reducing high blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels, the saturated fats are safer than vegetable oil. In fact, I strongly suggest replacing all your vegetable oils for coconut. It is far better to cook with, especially at high heats compared to others like olive oil.

Olive oil has a lower smoke point, meaning at high temperatures the oils start to break down and the molecular structure and integrity of the oil begins to change. [2] I would continue to use your olive oil, just in lower temperature settings. Coconut oil does have a strong taste, but in a lot of recipes this could be a good thing. Trying using it in brownies, oppose to vegetable oil. The center will remain a bit gooey, however the taste is out of this world.

Top Ideas to Try in the Kitchen:

Make a smoothie with a scoop or two of coconut oil and your favorite fruits.
Add it to your stir fry for a tropical flavor.
Instead of using butter, try coconut oil on bread, toast, or crackers.
Spoon a little into a bowl of hot oatmeal or cream of rice cereal.
When making popcorn, add coconut oil instead of butter.
Enhance the flavor of chicken or fish by adding coconut oil before baking or frying.
Try a spoon full of coconut oil in your favorite herbal tea or coffee.
Roast red potatoes with coconut oil or add coconut oil to mash potatoes.
Replace vegetable oil in cakes, brownies, or muffins with coconut oil.
Boil rice and pasta in a combination of water and coconut oil. Finish off with a bit of coconut oil before serving.
Use on grilled cheese instead of butter.
Try making Sweet Potato Chips in the oven, lightly brush on coconut oil and salt to taste. 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.