Top 5 Uses for Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil: The Must Have Product in Your Kitchen and Bathroom

Top 5 Uses:

I'm obsessed with Coconut Oil. It's delicious, nutritious, and has multiple uses all around the house. I love to eat, so let's start there...

Cooking:

I typically cost my pan with Coconut Oil when I cook. Not spray coconut oil in a Pam-like can containing other ingredients like soy Leticia and other crap, I mean the real deal coconut oil containing one ingredient only: pure extra virgin coconut oil! I go back and forth between EVOO and coconut oil for cooking, but most of the time I use coconut oil. Why? It's an excellent source of good saturated fat. It also tastes delicious! It's perfect  when you're making sweeter things like Paleo pancakes or caramelizing apples for dessert. Even when pork chops or stir fry is on the menu, it seems to pair well, and the coconut taste isn't too strong.  It's also a wonderful ingredient for baking. 

Killing Bacteria: 

Coconut Oil contains Lauric Acid.  This is converted into monolaurin by our bodies, which then kills harmful pathogens like bacteria and viruses. It's no surprise that breast milk also contains Lauric Acid, which helps newborns develop Mom's immunity.  Additionally, it helps babies fight off illnesses. Pregnant and nursing mothers should definitely consume Coconut Oil regularly. Either eat 1 tbsp a day or cook with it! 

On a side note, have you thought about how much a coconut looks like a boob? They're similar in the nutritional value too! Ha ha! 

In 2012, I did a month long experiment on oil pulling (with coconut oil.) I measured my oral health before and after with the help of my dentist. The results were pretty unbelievable too! I oil pulled (www.oilpulling.com) with coconut oil 20 minutes a day for a a month. The amount of bacteria in my mouth decreased significantly and the shade of my teeth's whiteness was improved by 2 shades naturally. Wow! I'm living proof it works. 

Hair Care:

If you have dry, brittle ends, you probably need a trim. If you've done that recently, and you really feel like your hair is lacking moisture, you should do a coconut oil treatment on your ends, letting it sit for at least 15 minutes. You can also use it on your scalp to treat dry skin. Applying it on your roots will replenish the moisture and will help with a dandruff issue. 

Skin care: 

Who needs Bath and Body Works? Coconut Oil smells amazing and deeply moisturizers the skin. It makes me think of vacation and the beach. It also leaves a near perfect, dewey glow. Hello sexy! Most lotion moisturizers seem to just help a bit on the surface of skin for a short amount of time. But Coconut Oil really locks in moisture and infuses the skin with wonderfully naturally ingredients, (not chemicals.) have you ever read the back of a lotion bottle? Yikes? What is all that garbage?

Egyptians, Indians and tons of other cultures have been moisturizing with oils since the beginning of time. Why did anyone ever stop? 

Some people like to slather on Coconut Oil like a body butter in the solid form. My favorite thing to do is spray it on. I buy Nature's Way Liquid Coconut Oil and pour it into a travel size spray bottle. Then I have a fabulous all-natural spray lotion and it's less messy! I'm usually kind of lazy when it comes to rubbing in moisturizers, and I hate getting my hands greasy, so this works well. 

Coffee creamer:

Coconut Oil is such an over achiever. What a Jane of all trades. It happens to be a great addition to your mug of coffee. Yippie! Everyone loves coffee! Adding a tablespoon will make your morning cup of joe taste and appear smooth and creamy. It also flavors and sweetens it. Bingo! I never add sweetener. This is a fantastic way to get your good fat in without chomping down on a whole spoonful of oil, if you're having trouble stomaching that. 

Now go buy some Coconut Oil and let it start working wonders for you too!