Coconut and coconut oil has been featured in beauty products for years, but now you can find big bottles of solid coconut oil not only in grocery stories but beauty boutiques too. Why the sudden popularity? For a long time, coconut oil got a bad rap because it was considered to be a source of bad saturated fats, but recent research shows that coconut oil is actually a source of healthy fats with many more benefits beyond cooking. Here are 10 facts that might surprise you, and get you on the coconut loving bandwagon too.
Coconut Oil is Actually Good For You
Coconut oil got its bad reputation in part because of its use when hydrogenated. Hydrogenated oils and trans fats are especially unhealthy because they both raise our LDL or "lethal" cholesterol while lowering our HDL or "healthy" cholesterol. If you purchase coconut oil, look for labels that say "virgin" and make sure it's not hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated and contains no trans fats.
Vegans Dig It
Because coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it makes a great substitute for butter, margarine, or other spreads. Vegans don't eat any animal products, including butter or
margarine, which makes coconut oil a great alternative for them.
It's Great for Your Skin
Dreading dry winter skin? Buy a jar of coconut oil — it makes a great moisturizer from head
to toe, particularly for dry lips and rough hands and feet.
Diaper Cream
It's thought that coconut oil has antibacterial and anti fungal properties—that and the fact that it's moisturizing and gentle makes it a great choice for an all-natural diaper cream or baby salve. As a bonus, it's safe to use with cloth diapers.
Massage Oil
Like other natural options, coconut oil is great to use for massages. And the fact that it's solid at room temperature makes it a less messy option than liquid oils. You'll be moisturized and relaxed!
Hair Mask
Coconut oil is a creamy solid at room temperature, and turns to liquid when heated to 76°F. While in the shower, melt your coconut oil by running the jar under the warm water. Then, after shampooing, apply a generous amount of the oil to wet strands and twist hair into a bun. Let it sit for at least five minutes before rinsing to add moisture and shine back into limp locks.
Cuticle Softener
Get double duty from your new DIY coconut oil lip balm case and say goodbye to ragged cuticles. Using your finger, swipe a small amount of the oil onto each of your cuticles and allow it to sink in. The coconut oil will strengthen your nails and hydrate the delicate cuticle skin, making your hands look more youthful.
Frizz Fighter
Rub a pea size amount of coconut oil between your fingers to warm it up, and then apply it to the bottom couple inches of your hair for all day frizz protection. If you have thicker, coarser hair, apply the coconut oil from mid-shaft to ends for added frizz control. Bonus: It also leaves hair extra shiny and soft!
Body Scrub
Mix a half cup of sea salt or sugar with an equal amount of melted coconut oil, and then use your hands to rub it over any rough patches of skin. The scrub moisturizes while removing dead skin cells. The result: skin that's baby soft. Add a little more salt or sugar for the extra tough skin on your feet and elbows. On its own, you'll step out of the shower with a faint tropical scent, but you could also add lavender oil.
Breath Freshener
Coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Gargling for 20 minutes with a spoonful of oil (aka oil pulling) can help clear up germs in the mouth, leading to fresher breath, whiter teeth, and healthier gums.
Do you use coconut oil as a natural remedy? DIYs? Share them in your comments below!
