Coconut Oil was something that I had never previously heard of, until all of a sudden I started to see and hear about it everywhere, so I decided to find out what the big deal was when it came to this mysterious oil. After doing some research and learning about how great the stuff was I decided to incorporate it into my life and see if I could notice a difference within my body.
Coconut Oil is a Jack of all trades - not only can you cook with it, which results in major amounts of health benefits, but you can also use it in your everyday beauty regime. So, lets start with the health side and then move on to the fun part!
As I said earlier, Coconut Oil has many health benefits. There has been a misconception spread among many people that it isn’t as healthy as it says due to the fact that it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. In reality, it is very beneficial, especially when it comes to heart disease, as it contains about 50% Lauric acid. Lauric acid helps in actively preventing various heart problems such as high cholesterol levels and is helpful in dealing with viruses and fighting off bacteria.
To incorporate Coconut Oil into my diet, I simply replaced where I would normally use butter or cooking oils with Coconut Oil, which might I add, does not have much taste to it at all (for those who aren’t fans of the coconut flavour). I also began adding a couple of teaspoons into my morning smoothies, which seemed to give it a lovely smooth texture. For those who are toast eaters in the morning, try spreading a bit on top in place of butter, it’s divine! You can also use it as a sweetener in your tea or coffee, instead of sugar.
Now onto the fun stuff, Coconut Oil can be used for an array of different things when it comes to the outside of your body, here is what and how I have used it:
- Hair Conditioner: Coconut Oil is one of the best natural nutrients for your hair, it helps with healthy hair growth and gives your hair a lot of shine. I melted some in a bowl over boiling water and then massaged it into the ends and into my scalp, after looking like a major grease ball, I tied my hair up and kept the oil in overnight.In the morning, I shampooed my hair as normal and felt a massive difference in my hair; it felt so silky and healthy and really maintained the slight frizz that appears on the ends of my hair. The only downside was that I found myself flicking my hair around thinking that I had become some sort of hair model. Oops!Coconut Oil is also brilliant for those who suffer with dandruff and a dry scalp, my dad happily (forcefully) experimented this for me and we discovered excellent results… which have now made him think that he is also a hair model.
- Skin Care: Replace your normal and probably overpriced, body moisturiser with coconut oil. The oil melts quickly in your hands and makes your skin ever-so-soft. I have been using this for the past month and my skin has since turned into a dream! It is also great in helping to treat psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and other skin infections.
- Makeup Remover: Place a bit on cotton pads or simply rub between your finger and massage into your face, your makeup simply dissolves.
- Lip Balm: Now, I am a big dry lip sufferer and Coconut Oil has been a life saver for me. It really has helped and lips are no longer chapped and peeling.
- Cuticle Oil: Helps to strengthen nails and dry cuticles.
- Shaving Cream: This is a great one! It really helps to get a close shave and leaves your skin feeling so silky.
The bottom line, Coconut Oil is now my new best friend. I can see what all the hype is about, although I don’t know if things have improved in my body internally, I know that I feel… cleaner, if that’s possible, and I definitely feel healthier.
As for the beauty side of things, I am a complete convert! Coconut Oil can range in price from £2.50-£10 and is something that I will now have in my cupboard from here on out! What a life saver!
