Coconut Oil
For the minimalist in all of us, one product should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet. Read on to meet your new best friend…
Oh coconut oil you dream elixir you! You guys I am serious go buy two jars of this magic RIGHT MEOW. One for cooking and one for beauty ninja tricks. BUT WHY?!?!?!? Coconut Oil is a healing fatty acid, superfood, non-toxic, non-harmful, source of energy, brain function booster, antibacterial, moisturizing, chef’s dream, crime-fighting, and someone you can take home to your mother!!! Ok those last two aren’t “facts” but I don’t have an editor so they are now. Another fact: there are no rules on the internet. Anything is fact. Non-facts are fact. In fact. You follow?
Coconut oil has become very popular in the last few years but like most things these days you have to put your granny glasses on and read labels because not every jar is created equal. Unrefined or “virgin” (insert creepy joke) is the best and most natural you can get. It tends to have a strong coconut flavor (it’s science) so if you are looking for a more flavorless option Refined is the way to go. Refined oils are filtered with a bleaching clay to remove impurities so they are great for the allergy prone but sadly in the process lose a lot of the good stuff that make it so wonderful for your hair and skin. Oh and just get fairtrade and organic while you’re at it. Be a good human.
BUT HOW CAN I USE IT JULIA?!!?!?
FOOD. Coconut Oil is a great source of energy and isn’t stored as a fat because it goes straight to the liver. It fills you up therefore reducing hunger and increases the metabolism by stimulating fat burning. Plus it can go in practically any dish!
- Coffee Creamer…this sounded stupid to me at first but it works and every cup tastes like I’m on a tropical vacation.
- Smoothies…every smoothie needs a healthy fat if used as a meal. And most of the time you won’t taste it.
- Stir fries or ANYTHING IN A PAN. This includes baking. Mic drop.
- Salad dressings or oil based sauces
- Energy Shot…I do a Tbsp. of oil and 1 Tbsp. of chia seeds or bee pollen mid-day for a power punch without all the sugar you get from energy drinks. (Disclaimer: do not take this at night unless you are planning not to sleep) (Disclaimer #2: This seemed obvious to me but the oil needs to be melted. My mother did not know this and ate a Tbsp. worth of hard coconut oil. She got really mad at me because she was sick all day but it’s NOT MY FAULT OK!!!!!)
BODY CARE. Peeps, there are hundreds of uses for this but these are my faves. Bonus: this stuff never runs out so think of all that sweet, sweet cash you’ll save!
- Lotion, massage oil, and hair conditioner…I like to add a little essential oils to get crazy. Also, can I get an AMEN for cuticle oil?!!?!?
- Shaving Creme…this works for men too and is great with beards!
- Eye Makeup Remover…MI FAVORITA! Rub a small amount on your face then remove with a wipe or cotton ball. DO wash your face after. Duh
- Body Scrubs…guys I LOVE a good scrub in the shower. This will make a mess but I love keeping my old coffee grounds and adding them in a jar to a few Tbsp. of oil, and a pinch of cinnamon for smell and awesomeness.
- Toothpaste and Deodorant… a little paired with baking soda can keep teeth pearly white and pits not smelly.
- Problem areas…because coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is great for small cuts, yeast infections, bug bites and itches, and even exzema and psoriasis over long term use. (Disclaimer: I am not a doctor so if you have a gaping wound or man-sized bug attached to you, coconut oil may not be the best option).
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!? GET THOSE JARS OF SWEET GOODNESS!
Cooking food and smelling good,
Julia
julia@thewellnessdojo.co