20 new ways to add coconut oil to your life

There’s a pretty big coconut oil craze going on right now, and I believe it is more than just a fad.

What makes coconut oil so special, you ask?

For starters, coconut oil is lower in calories than many other oils.  In addition, it is easily converted into energy and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries.

It has also been shown to:

• Maintain cholesterol levels
• Support weight loss
• Increase immunity
• Aid digestion
• Increase metabolism
• Prevent heart disease and high blood pressure
• Support bone strength
• Kill certain viruses and bacteria
• Control blood sugar
• Help the body absorb calcium
• Boost energy and endurance
• Reduce inflammation
• Reduce symptoms associated with pancreatitis
• Support tissue repair and healing

Coconut oil can be used in cooking and baking and even in smoothies.  It can also be used in place of butter on foods such as toast, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts.   The flavor is so slight that you don’t have to worry about it overpowering your dishes, and I promise that it won’t make everything taste like a pina colada!   There are even many benefits of coconut oil when applied topically.

Here are 20 easy and effective ways to use coconut oil both internally and externally.

1. Apply as a deep conditioner for your hair.  Just leave it on for 5-10 minutes, and your hair will be shiny and hydrated.  Just be sure to rinse thoroughly!
2. Use in place of serum to eliminate frizzy hair.
3. Rub into the skin to soften rough and dry patches.
4. Add about a teaspoon to your hot chocolate for a subtle flavor.
5. Use as a nighttime facial moisturizer.
6. Use to polish stainless steel appliances by applying with a cloth in soft circular motions.
7. Use as a makeup remover.  It’s particularly great for taking off eye makeup.
8. Add some to your morning coffee.
9. Consume a tablespoon daily to control your appetite.
10. Melt over popcorn with some sea salt for a great snack.
11. Use it to soften cuticles.
12. Apply it to your skin to relieve itchy mosquito bites.
13. Use as a diaper rash cream alternative.
14. Rub some into the skin daily to fade age spots.
15. Apply topically to your earlobes to soothe any irritation caused by wearing earrings.
16. Exfoliate your lips by mixing some coconut oil with brown or regular sugar.  Scrub gently for smooth soft lips.
17. Who needs makeup?  Take the oil internally to get naturally healthy vibrant skin.
18. Apply a tiny bit to your fingers and run through your hair to tame fly-aways.
19. Massage it into your scalp to stimulate hair growth.
20. Apply it to alleviate razor burn.

If you’re a bit hesitant to cook with coconut oil, you might want to try some of these recipes to get you started:

Paleo Chocolate Chip Muffins

Coconut Maple Granola

Superfood Salmon Salad with Coconut Orange Vinaigrette

5-Ingredient Vanilla-Scented Toasted Coconut-Cashew Mix

Roasted Brussels Sprout Chips