What it is:

Virgin Coconut oil is extracted from the fresh meat of raw coconuts. It is then cold-pressed, filtered and thus able to retain its classic coconut smell. Ideally, virgin coconut oil should be as clear as water. However, its colour may vary slightly depending on how it is processed.

What it does:

Coconut oil is very beneficial in losing weight. It helps to burn fat, decrease appetite and it has been found to be especially helpful in losing belly fat!

Coconut is also known to improve digestion as it helps the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, calcium, and magnesium. So it basically helps increase nutrient absorption in our body.

Using coconut oil benefits your hormones as well – this is one of my personal favorite benefits! Coconut oil may help naturally balance hormones because it’s a great source of saturated fat.

Coconut oil is high in natural saturated fats. Saturated fats not only increase the “healthy” cholesterol in our body, but also help to convert the “bad” cholesterol into good cholesterols. By increasing the healthy cholesterol in the body, it helps promote heart health, and lower the risk of heart disease.

Lastly Virgin Coconut oil contains skin healing and restorative nutrients such as vitamin E. It contains fatty acids such as Caprylic and Lauric acids, which work together to disinfect skin and protect against infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties work wonders for soothing skin ailments.

How I use it:

I use coconut oil for all of my cooking and some baking, and I will often put a tablespoon of it in my morning smoothie. I love sprinkling coconut flakes over my afternoon fruit snacks and I much prefer to add coconut milk to my curries or any dishes that call for dairy cream in the recipe.

When it comes to skin and beauty, I love to make my own lip scrub using coconut oil and two other ingredients – recipe to follow. Coconut oil is also by far the best all-natural makeup remover I have used, it can break down stubborn eye makeup. Unfortunately my hair is not so fond of coconut oil, however I do sometimes use it as a hot oil treatment prior to shampooing and conditioning my natural hair.

I would love to know why you like to use coconut oil, and if it has worked or not worked for you? Please leave me a comment below.