Coconuts have made quite a splash in the public eye recently. From coconut water to coconut toppings, you can't escape the drupe (the technical term for it!) no matter where you go. I've been hearing a lot about the great benefits of coconut oil, and thought I'd give it a try in my day to day routine. I bought myself a jar of organic, vegan coconut oil, and I was on my way to testing out the product!
I knew that due to its all-natural basis, it had many benefits. But what I didn't know was how many! It can be used for cooking, your lips, your hair, and even for body massages. I researched further to see its specifics, and I was quite intrigued. Not only can it help lower cholesterol and keep your thyroid in check, it's a healthy substitute for butter in cooking. It is odorless and tasteless, and has much fewer calories. Worried about wrinkles? Coconut oil can help! It contains an antioxidant that helps with aging. Even more, it's also a great moisturizer for your skin and lips. Use it like lotion or lip balm to help heal and protect dry skin. Because it's full of Vitamin E, I use it to top off smoothies! Most of all, I love using it for my hair. Here's a great, quick process for getting smooth, silky hair overnight.
Coconut Oil Hair Hydration:
1. Brush out any tangles from your hair using a comb. Divide 4 tablespoons* of coconut oil throughout your hair, starting with the scalp, and making your way to the ends. (*Thin it out in your fingers before applying it so it isn't chunky. The longer/thicker your hair, the more you will need. I have very long and thick hair, so I needed a lot. Someone with thinner or shorter hair could use less.)
2. Massage it in so that it binds to your hair.
3. If your hair is long enough, tie it in a top knot but and let it soak in for 30 minutes. You can check emails, cook, do laundry, etc while you wait!
4. Wash thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner.
*I did this process at night and showered the morning after as well to give my hair more bounce and to get rid of any extra residue and "crunch". My hair was shinier, silkier, and had less knots!
Remember to buy different jars for cooking and body use so that there is no cross contamination. Don't forget that it's best to get organic coconut oil so you don't expose your skin to harmful toxins. I'll certainly be uploading some new recipes using this superb oil! Until then, I'd love to hear how YOU use coconut oil!
Coo coo for coconuts!
Nats
References:
LoGuidice, Pina, ND, Siobhan Bleakney, ND, and Peter Bongiorno, ND. "The Surprising Health Benefits of Coconut Oil." The Dr. Oz Show. N.p., 29 Oct. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2014.
I knew that due to its all-natural basis, it had many benefits. But what I didn't know was how many! It can be used for cooking, your lips, your hair, and even for body massages. I researched further to see its specifics, and I was quite intrigued. Not only can it help lower cholesterol and keep your thyroid in check, it's a healthy substitute for butter in cooking. It is odorless and tasteless, and has much fewer calories. Worried about wrinkles? Coconut oil can help! It contains an antioxidant that helps with aging. Even more, it's also a great moisturizer for your skin and lips. Use it like lotion or lip balm to help heal and protect dry skin. Because it's full of Vitamin E, I use it to top off smoothies! Most of all, I love using it for my hair. Here's a great, quick process for getting smooth, silky hair overnight.
Coconut Oil Hair Hydration:
1. Brush out any tangles from your hair using a comb. Divide 4 tablespoons* of coconut oil throughout your hair, starting with the scalp, and making your way to the ends. (*Thin it out in your fingers before applying it so it isn't chunky. The longer/thicker your hair, the more you will need. I have very long and thick hair, so I needed a lot. Someone with thinner or shorter hair could use less.)
2. Massage it in so that it binds to your hair.
3. If your hair is long enough, tie it in a top knot but and let it soak in for 30 minutes. You can check emails, cook, do laundry, etc while you wait!
4. Wash thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner.
*I did this process at night and showered the morning after as well to give my hair more bounce and to get rid of any extra residue and "crunch". My hair was shinier, silkier, and had less knots!
Remember to buy different jars for cooking and body use so that there is no cross contamination. Don't forget that it's best to get organic coconut oil so you don't expose your skin to harmful toxins. I'll certainly be uploading some new recipes using this superb oil! Until then, I'd love to hear how YOU use coconut oil!
Coo coo for coconuts!
Nats
References:
LoGuidice, Pina, ND, Siobhan Bleakney, ND, and Peter Bongiorno, ND. "The Surprising Health Benefits of Coconut Oil." The Dr. Oz Show. N.p., 29 Oct. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2014.