Do you have dry skin, damaged hair or simply love getting massages? Well, my solution to all of the above has been Coconut oil…

I have to admit that I was surprised to learn that the naturally occurring saturated fat in coconut oil is actually good for you and it can offer a myriad of health benefits. I was recently introduced to coconut oil and I absolutely love it! Its smell, taste and texture are divine. This particular brand I’ve been using is made from organic, fresh coconuts in rural areas of the Philippines. It is certified organic by USDA. Coconut Oil is extracted by grating the fresh coconut, extracting the coconut milk, and then letting it stand in a covered container for about 24 hours. After about 24 hours, the oil naturally separates from the water producing crystal clear oil that retains the full scent and taste of coconuts.

I’ve been using it for everything…

And here are 4 reasons to give Coconut Oil a try:

Skin care:

Coconut oil works wonders as a moisturizer for all skin types, especially dry skin and aging skin due to its fat that reduces the appearance of wrinkles without any irritation. There is really no need to buy expensive face moisturizers anymore. Most of them are laden with chemical and synthetic ingredients anyway. Now I keep a jar of Tropical Traditions virgin coconut oil in my bathroom and I apply it all over my body and face whenever my skin feels tight or after a shower. I’ve gotten compliments that my skin feels silky and soft, and there’s really nothing nicer than the scent of coconut that envelops my bathroom.

Massage oil:

Who doesn’t love a massage? After a long stressful day, coconut oil may help you massage away a headache. Start by applying coconut oil to the temples and/or neck in a circular, massaging motion. This can help relieve mental fatigue. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing and can lower your stress level. If you have someone else to do it for you, you are one lucky girl.

Enjoy!

Hair care:

Coconut oil is one of the most nutritious products you can put on your hair. Since it provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair, it’s used in a ton of over-the-counter hair products anyway. So why not use organic coconut oil by Tropical Traditions and skip all the unnecessary chemicals? I use it as a pre-wash treatment. I slather coconut oil on my hair (not too much as it’s very oily), then wrap it in a towel, and go about life for a few hours before washing the coconut oil out thoroughly with shampoo. Then if you wish you may use your regular conditioner. I do not need to – my hair is unbelievably soft.

Cooking:

The saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control parasites and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around. Coconut oil has earned its popularity by being the world’s only natural low-calorie fat. What’s not to love? Try this delicious Fruity Smoothie with Coconut Oil.

Servings: 6 – 8 oz.
Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes

• 1 cup red grapes
• 2 medium apples (with skin) remove core
• 1 pear (remove core)
• 1 peach (remove pit)
• 1 cup strawberries (remove stems)
• 4 oz cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup raw milk
• 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
• 1 avocado (optional)

If you don’t like the taste of eating an avocado, try placing one in this mixture. You will not know it’s there. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If smoothie is thick, add more milk until it’s the consistency you prefer. Place leftover smoothie in the refrigerator to enjoy later.

How Coconut Oil Works Wonders in Your Body (an excerpt from Huffington Post)

The fact is, all saturated fats are not created equal.

The operative word here is “created,” because some saturated fats occur naturally, while other fats are artificially manipulated into a saturated state through the man-made process called hydrogenation.

Hydrogenation manipulates vegetable and seed oils by adding hydrogen atoms while heating the oil, producing a rancid, thickened substance that really only benefits processed food shelf life and corporate profits — just about all experts now agree, hydrogenation does nothing good for your health.

These manipulated saturated fats are also called trans-fats — and you should avoid them like the plague. But if one form of saturated fat is bad for you, does that mean all saturated fat is bad for you?

Absolutely not! (Read more…)

If you’ve been using coconut oil please let me know what your experience has been so far. What do you use it for? Love all your comments and would like to thank you very much for contributing to this topic.