TIP #12: I am Coco for Coconuts!
I wanted to expand on my last article which discussed baking with coconut flour. Coconuts deserve a whole article to be written about them because they have tremendous health and beauty benefits! They are truly a WONDER food, and I love foods that serve multiple purposes!
The most important benefit that we found when we starting eating and cooking with coconut oil was the good energy that it provides. We like to add a couple of teaspoons to our protein shakes or just cook and bake with the organic/unrefined variety. Coconuts are a form of saturated fat (Medium Chain Fatty Acids) that the body uses very efficiently. This type of fat is HEALTHY for your body, and it does NOT make you fat! It actually has been shown to help people lose weight because it speeds up the metabolism and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Aside from ingesting coconut oil, I found that the oil has many beauty benefits. Coconut oil is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. It keeps your skin glowing when it is in your diet and can be used in many of your face and body creams or products. One of my favorite moisturizers is by Eminence Organics called "Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer" and can be found at this link.
Another fantastic use of coconut oil is for the hair. It can be used in place of expensive hair serums or gels. It adds shine to hair and really tames and moisturizes dry fizzy hair! I have a jar of coconut oil in my bathroom closet that I rub directly on my hair after washing as I am blow drying. If you do try it on your hair, just be sure to use very little so that it doesn't leave your hair too greasy. You can always add more, if needed. Another tip is to apply a good amount to your hair for a couple of hours (with a plastic cap over your head) followed by your regular hair-washing. It really adds moisture and shine!
You can even shave with it or find a body cream that is made with coconuts for after shaving. I use it to remove my eye makeup and that saves money!!! We also put a couple of tablespoons in our daily green drinks for fantastic energy!
