Every which way with coconut oil
Who knew? For under $20, a simple jar of organic, unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil can make your cares disappear. Well, a few of them at least!
Long list of amazing uses
The natural, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of coconut oil heal from the inside out in many ways. From your skin to your teeth and gums, waistline, and general wellbeing, it is all kinds of awesome. Cook with it, add to recipes, use as a spread in place of butter, or eat a tablespoon or two per day straight off a spoon (add chia seeds for a healthy, crunchy snack).
As a soothing, moisturising balm for inflamed or dry skin, slather on oil straight from the jar before bed. Use as a pre-wash conditioning treatment for hair, or swish it as a mouthwash and teeth brightener. Shave your legs with it, use on bug bites and burns, or mix with a few drops of tea-tree oil to repel insects. Heck, you can even buff a little into scuffed-up wooden cutting boards and furniture to make them look new again. Oh, and did we mention this stuff smells like a little bit of heaven on a beach?
Try it!
• For a luxurious homemade body scrub, mix a few tablespoons of coconut oil with a generous amount of organic cane sugar or Himalayan salt crystals.
• Add a spoonful of coconut oil to your favourite smoothie recipe to bump up the goodness.
• Coconut oil makes a great massage oil for adults, kids and babies. It helps heal nappy rash, too.
Is it a saturated fat?
Yep, but not all saturated fats are created equal. Coconut oil contains a type of saturated fat called lauric acid, a mediumchain triglyceride the body uses for good instead of evil. In fact, research suggests these fats may be more beneficial and pose much less of a threat to cholesterol and heart health than previously thought. Experts are also excited about its role in improving brain and immune function.
