Get into the coconut oil kick !

Hello everyone !

I would like to talk to you about coconut oil and its many benefits. It has been called the holy grail of beauty and health recently, and it seems like every one is crazy about it. But what can you exactly do with this “white gold” ? Today, I’m sharing my top tips with you.

First, it is important to know that if coconut oil is so praised, it is because of the many fatty acids it contains (auric acid, capris acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and more !) as well as vitamin E which notably prevents disease development, repairs damaged skin and balances hormones among other benefits.

Thanks to this composition, coconut oils offers many of those benefits :

• balances hormones
• provides a digestive support, and notably helps with candida
• improves digestion
• reduces cellulite, acne, eczema
• balances blood sugar
• increases HDL and lowers LDL cholesterol
• fight inflammation
• boost immunity

So how to incorporate this marvelous natural elixir in your daily routine ? Here are some ideas :

For your teeth :

1. Oil pulling

First thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything, take a spoonful of coconut oil and let it sit in the front of your mouth for around 20 minutes, then spit it in a bin (not into the sink because the oil hardens at room temperature). Then brush your teeth and be sure to scrap your tongue. This will kill the bacteria in your mouth and give you stronger, healthier and whiter teeth.

2. Homemade toothpaste 

Store bought toothpaste usually contains bad stuff, I am sure this is no news to you. The culprits notably are glycerin which gives toothpaste a nice creamy texture and coats the teeth for “protection”, but at the same time it also stops re-enamalization ; and sodium fluoride which is a by-product of aluminum manufacturing that can also be found in rat poisons and industrial pesticides. Pretty yummy stuff, isn’t it ?

Instead, you can mix some coconut oil with baking soda and some essential oils and have your own, more effective, cheap and natural toothpaste !

As a skin moisturizer :

3. Skin moisturizer

I try to apply this tip every night right before going to bed. I just take some coconut oil and rub it on my skin to moisturize it. It works wonders especially on very dry areas such as feet, calves or elbows.

4. Hydrating cuticules

If you want a very efficient hand cream, swap the one you have for coconut oil and insist by massaging your nails and cuticules. This comes very handy in winter !

5. Hair repair remedy

If you have very dry and damaged hair, especially splits, then put some coconut oil on them and let it sit for a few minutes. But do not put it on your roots as it will make your hair very greasy !

6. Lip balm

As you would use vaseline, just take a bit of coconut oil and apply on your skin for effective immediate relief.

7. Sunburn relief

While coconut oil is not a sunburn remedy on its own, its high moisturizing properties are very effective in relieving pain from sunburn coupled with another type of medication. Apply a generous amount of oil on the burnt area, and then put a cold wet washcloth or towel on top of it and the pain should ease. Coupled with an aloe based cream, it works very well. But next time remember to wear sunscreen !

As a natural beauty substitute :

8. Massage oil

Same principle as the skin moisturizer : just rub it on the skin while doing massages movements to stimulate blood circulation. Not only this will leave you relaxed, it will also help tone your skin and reduce cellulite.

9. Make up remover 

I love this tip and I use it daily because I am all about using more natural beauty products. Basically, at the end of my day I just take some coconut oil and rub it in my hands, then put in on my face and gently scrape the make up off. Then, I rinse it with warm water and use a towel to take off any make up left.

10. Hair removal cream

In your bath or shower, just apply some oil on your legs and use your razor as you would normally. The oil makes it go smoother on your skin and avoid bad cuts. You also moisturize your skin at the same time, so it is a win-win.

11.Cleaning make up brushes 

My last tip is to use coconut oil to clean your make up brushes. I know, this is something we do not do as often as we should despite knowing the amount of bacteria that grows in those. I do not advise you to use your everyday soap or shampoo to clean them especially if you use products with chemicals in it. Indeed, the skin of your face is much more fragile and sensitive than the rest of your body. Instead, try using coconut oil : not only it is natural, it will also make the dirt and old make up go faster

And…Food !

12. Cooking

This is pretty self explanatory, but basically you just take some coconut oil and heat it in a pan, then cook whatever veggies you want in it ! It is also great to grease pans when baking cakes, or to mix with maple syrup when making homemade granola. Finally, you can also add it to your coffee, milkshakes or smoothie for a vitamin boost and added creaminess. Yum !