4 Ways Coconut Oil is Good for Hair and More

My nickname will never be Betty Crocker but I can make a banana bread filled with amazing healthy alternatives that people are completely unaware of. Boom - a health freak’s dream!

Before turning around my wellness I swore coconuts were only used for Pina Coladas - agreed? But, as I started digging deep into my functional nutrition education I became blown away at the benefits of coconut oil.  

Coconut oil is one of my secret ingredients when I do attempt to bake but who knew it's also a multi-use wellness product.  

I personally think the coolest fun fact about coconut oil is it’s composed of 92% saturated fat, with 2/3 of it being a medium chain triglycerides (MCT.) (1) Now, why is that so cool? 

When you eat MCTs, they tend to go straight to your liver. Your body uses them as a quick source of energy or turns them into ketones. The fatty acids in coconut oil can encourage your body to burn fat, and they provide quick energy to your body and brain. They also raise HDL (good) cholesterol in your blood, which may help reduce heart disease risk. (2)

Here are a few ways coconut oil goes beyond Pina Coladas: 

Skin Application 

In addition to being a perfect moisturizer for your body, coconut oil has antibacterial properties which can be an effective treatment for acne. 

It also has antioxidant properties which help reduce the risk of skin irritations and serve as a natural protection from sun damage and free radicals - bye-bye wrinkles! Move over expensive skin care lines, this organic oil does an amazing job at nourishing and healing your skin! 

Pre-wash Hair Conditioner 

If you’ve tried every conditioner on the market, even the expensive salon products and still can’t get the hair glow you’ve been dying for try coconut oil as a natural pre-wash hair conditioner. It can help treat dry scalp, promote stronger hair, and help hair retain its natural moisture. Rub a few drops of coconut oil into your dry scalp and leave it on for about 5 minutes before rinsing. Hello lustrous hair!

Improve the Taste of Food

Coconut  oil oxidizes quickly and can withstand high heat which means it’s perfect for roasting, sautéing and baking. It also can improve the flavor of most foods, especially chicken, fish, and vegetables. I love to add it to my smoothies and homemade protein squares - recipes found here -> RESTORE

Balanced Digestion 

Got gut rot? 

Coconut oil can be used to treat occasional or mild digestive discomfort and may relieve other severe digestive problems. It improves your body’s levels of candida and helps your body effectively absorb the essential nutrients. The best brands are organic, unrefined, and cold-pressed. Find one of my favorite product here-> Coconut Oil

Food regulates metabolism and creates building blocks for healthy hormones. Don’t cheat yourself by consuming crap. Eat well, live well, and follow your gut. 

Be Gutsy as a Mother,

-Mary