By Chelsy Offutt
Coconut oil has been used for a variety of health and beauty uses from cooking to beauty treatments. Here are five ways to add this multi-purpose oil into your daily health routine.
1. Cooking (Paleo/Whole 30 Friendly)
Coconut oil is an ideal substitute for Extra Virgin or Olive Oil, especially for your Paleo and Whole 30 recipes. There are so many ways you can incorporate coconut oil into your recipes, even if you’d like to bake with it. As the oil digests slowly it can help reduce cravings and keep you feeling fuller for longer periods of time. The oil also enhances the absorption of the nutrients of the food you are putting into your body.
2. Oil Pulling
Brushing your teeth is good. Toxic chemicals are bad. Oil pulling is an amazing way to clean your mouth and teeth without using all of those grody chemicals used in traditional store-bought toothpaste. If you’re a texture person, it can be a little off-putting but just swish one tablespoon of coconut oil around in your mouth for about 20 minutes before spitting out into the sink. We get how that's a long time to swish something around in your mouth, so start out with doing only five minutes a day to help fight that bacteria. Brush afterward, like any self-respecting human, and those pearly whites will knock out any debris harder than Money Mayweather.
3. Muscle Gain and Repair
Get your MCTs in the most natural form by adding a few tablespoons of coconut oil to your morning shake or coffee. You can also apply the oil topically to sore muscles as it can be used as an anti-inflammatory. The oil’s Medium Chain Triglycerides are also notorious for helping achieve muscle development and growth. Just leave the oil at room temperature and drop it into your favorite pre- or post-workout snack for a delicious and subtle coconutty flavor.
4. Improves Memory
Thanks to the support of your brain’s neurons, coconut oil can aid in memory function. The oil can also fight against the early onslaught of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
5. Hair/Scalp Mask
Oh, the woes of living in an alpine dessert with eastern European hair. Hello, frizz.
I know I'm not alone here when I say, hair needs all the nourishment it can get. I had a gorgeous Indian friend who used coconut oil hair masks before she braided her hair because she was aware of how much hydration it provided giving her a glorious and shiny mane. Not only is it an asset for smoothing and moisturizing hair, it is also great for improving scalp health and preventing hair loss. Try one of these DIY coconut oil treatments to give your do the love it needs.
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