The latest and greatest superfood and beauty product seems to be coconut oil. Although it was barely even mentioned a couple of years ago, coconut oil is now flying off the shelves of local health food stores. Touted for everything from boosting your metabolism to moisturizing your skin and hair, this tropical oil is purely magical. Coconut oil can easily be incorporated into cooking and a added to your beauty regime. So, what properties of coconut oil make it so beneficial to your health? And what type of coconut oil should you purchase?
Beneficial Properties. Coconut oil is predominantly composed of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are more easily digested and absorbed by the body than other fats and are rapidly metabolized by the liver. For this reason, I recommend coconut oil for anyone who has digestive difficulty or upset.
Coconut oil also is among the richest plant sources of saturated fat. In particular, it is composed of lauric acid, which has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties, which is why coconut oil is so nourishing to the skin.
What to Purchase. Look for extra virgin, organic coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil is obtained from fresh coconut meat and no heat or chemicals are used in extracting the oil. When the label reads “extra virgin, organic” it tells you the oil has not been hydrogenated, bleached, refined, or deodorized. It is very important to consume unrefined coconut oil to obtain its health benefits because refined oils are difficult for the liver to process.
Coconut oil is a solid at 76 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler, and at higher temperatures it melts into a liquid oil. It is purchased and stored in a solid form and does not need to be refrigerated. (I have found that coconut oil keeps better if I refrigerate it during hot, summer months, but I leave it in a cabinet next to my olive oil for the rest of the year.)
Beauty Regime. Coconut oil is deeply moisturizing for the skin and helps remove flaky, dead cells on the skin’s surface. Did you know that commercial moisturizers are created using water and petroleum? The water content of these products only hydrates the skin until it is absorbed, but at that point your skin will feel dry again. Also, petroleum-based ingredients can suffocate the skin. Switching to coconut oil will not only provide pure moisture, but will also eliminate toxic chemicals found in most commercial products.
A little goes a long way! It does have a greasy consistency, but absorbs well into the skin. On your face, apply a small amount to ensure it does not feel greasy (a spoonful is plenty to moisturize your entire body).
Due to its wonderful antibacterial properties, coconut oil is the perfect makeup remover. Rub a dime-sized amount over your eyes and face to remove even the toughest makeup. Rinse off with warm water and follow with your favorite face wash or gentle skin scrub.
And why stop with your skin? Use coconut oil to moisturize your hair as well. Rub a dime-sized amount into the ends of hair to hydrate and tame frizzy fly aways. I like to put coconut oil on the ends of my hair before bed to hydrate my strands while sleeping.
Cooking. I do also want to mention that the coconut has long been an important food source for people living in tropical areas of Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and South America. Coconut oil is used for high-heat cooking because it has a lower smoke point than other oils. It is a saturated fat, so is much less susceptible to heat-induced damage (oxidation), and remains stable at higher temperatures.
And it has a delicious flavor! I often use it to cook vegetables, or drizzle it over popcorn.