With winter comes the holidays, resolutions….and dryness. Combat the elements with all the nourishment that coconut can provide. Your body will thank you.
Coconut is a conditioner that can be used inside and out – literally.
Coconut water contains sugar, fiber, proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and provides excellent rehydration after exercise.
The nutrient-rich quality of the water also replenishes moisture to the skin.
Coconut oil can virtually be used from head to toe. It can be used as a daily skin moisturizer, though you’ll want to be careful if you’re going to an area with lots of bees - you’ll smell very good to them! Coconut oil is also one of the few oils that can actually penetrate the hair’s shaft and provide amazing moisture and sheen.
Hair Treatment:
Melt 1/4 – 1/2 cup of coconut oil (depending on your hair’s length and thickness).
Shampoo your hair and blot with a towel gently to remove excess moisture. Do not use conditioner after shampooing.
Add the warm coconut oil to your hair. Pin it up if necessary and place a cap over it. Leave it in your hair at least an hour (although I know some leave it overnight). You can also go under a warm dryer for 30-minutes if you have limited time.
After you’ve left the oil in for the desired time, rinse your hair out under very warm water. Let your hair air dry or use a low heat blow-dryer. Style as usual.
Try it sometime – it’s an inexpensive but super luxuriant treatment for your hair
What else:
Coconut oil is a solid at room temperature but will liquify at body temperature. It will go rancid if stored in heat for extended periods so store in a cool place or in the fridge.
For hair and skin I like Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil by Nature’s Way – it has a great texture and smell and I find it has a good shelf-life.
What about cooking with coconut oil?
The use of coconut oil in cooking remains a much-debated health topic. While it is high in saturated fat, research shows it also increases HDL (the good cholesterol) in the body. Coconut oil is also a source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
MCTs is very popular in the ketogenic diet and among athletes as it is a rich and efficient energy source. The main MCT in coconut oil is lauric acid. However, while lauric acid is technically an MCT so should have all the benefits of MCTs, studies show that it does not behave as nicely i.e. it does not burn as quickly or cleanly as other MCTs.
I wouldn't recommend coconut oil as part of a daily diet. 100% MCT oil is commercially available and heart-healthy oils, like olive and grapeseed, are better for daily use. But, unless your doctor says otherwise, occasional coconut oil use is fine. And Nature's Way makes a tasty trans fat-free liquid Coconut oil that is delicious in smoothies or lightly drizzled on greens.
