Coconut oil is one fad that keeps on
giving.
From cooking to hair care, fans of
this all-natural vegan product say it really can do it all.
Give into the hype and try these
five ways to incorporate coconut oil into your everyday life.
When
cooking
“If you haven’t yet tried coconut
oil, stop what you’re doing right now, grab a pen, and add it to the top of
your grocery list,” said ABC News’ nutrition and wellness editor David
Zinczenko.
Found in your local grocery or
health food store, studies suggest that a small daily serving (1-to-2
tablespoons) can boost metabolism thanks to its high lauric acid content and
medium chain triglycerides.
Coconut oil doesn’t seem to raise
your cholesterol – another great benefit – and its high smoke point makes it
great for just about every meal, from eggs to stir-fry dishes.
As
a body lotion
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer
and is commonly used an ingredient in commercial skin products.
“Besides its hydrating ability, it
contains lauric acid, which has been shown to kill bacteria, viruses, and
fungi, explaining why coconut oil may help treat certain skin infections,” said
Dr. Josh Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at
Mount Sinai Medical Center.
A spoonful of coconut oil is usually
enough to hydrate your whole body – try swapping it in for your current lotion.
As
a hair product
Studies suggest that coconut oil can
strengthen and fortify the hair shaft which may help it look thicker, feel
softer and appear healthier-looking. Extra-virgin or unrefined coconut oil,
which has not been processed, is the best and purest form to use, and is
commonly used as an ingredient in commercial hair products.
“The oil can be massaged into the
scalp and onto the hair,” said Zeichner. “Let it sit for 10 minutes then rinse
out to use as a natural moisturizer.”
As
an energy boost
As if it couldn’t get any better,
coconut oil can also be used to increase energy.
“Unlike the long-chain fatty acids
found in animal sources of saturated fat, coconut oil is more likely to be
burned as energy than stored as blubber,” said Zinczenko.
Try spreading 1-to-2 tablespoons
onto toast for breakfast or add 1 tablespoon to the water or sports drink you
consume during your workout.
To
promote oral health
Oil-pulling, originating from the
ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine in India, has recently become a popular
trend after research suggested its positive effects on oral health.
“The procedure is definitely
beneficial, it prevents the accumulation of Dental plaque and reduces
gingivitis” said Dr. HV Amith, a researcher at the People's College of Medical
Sciences & Research Centre and author of a recent study on the topic.
Try it out for yourself and swish
1-to-2 teaspoons of coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes.
Coconut oil is one fad that keeps on
giving.
From cooking to hair care, fans of
this all-natural vegan product say it really can do it all.
Give into the hype and try these
five ways to incorporate coconut oil into your everyday life.
When
cooking
“If you haven’t yet tried coconut
oil, stop what you’re doing right now, grab a pen, and add it to the top of
your grocery list,” said ABC News’ nutrition and wellness editor David
Zinczenko.
Found in your local grocery or
health food store, studies suggest that a small daily serving (1-to-2
tablespoons) can boost metabolism thanks to its high lauric acid content and
medium chain triglycerides.
Coconut oil doesn’t seem to raise
your cholesterol – another great benefit – and its high smoke point makes it
great for just about every meal, from eggs to stir-fry dishes.
As
a body lotion
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer
and is commonly used an ingredient in commercial skin products.
“Besides its hydrating ability, it
contains lauric acid, which has been shown to kill bacteria, viruses, and
fungi, explaining why coconut oil may help treat certain skin infections,” said
Dr. Josh Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at
Mount Sinai Medical Center.
A spoonful of coconut oil is usually
enough to hydrate your whole body – try swapping it in for your current lotion.
As
a hair product
Studies suggest that coconut oil can
strengthen and fortify the hair shaft which may help it look thicker, feel
softer and appear healthier-looking. Extra-virgin or unrefined coconut oil,
which has not been processed, is the best and purest form to use, and is
commonly used as an ingredient in commercial hair products.
“The oil can be massaged into the
scalp and onto the hair,” said Zeichner. “Let it sit for 10 minutes then rinse
out to use as a natural moisturizer.”
As
an energy boost
As if it couldn’t get any better,
coconut oil can also be used to increase energy.
“Unlike the long-chain fatty acids
found in animal sources of saturated fat, coconut oil is more likely to be
burned as energy than stored as blubber,” said Zinczenko.
Try spreading 1-to-2 tablespoons
onto toast for breakfast or add 1 tablespoon to the water or sports drink you
consume during your workout.
To
promote oral health
Oil-pulling, originating from the
ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine in India, has recently become a popular
trend after research suggested its positive effects on oral health.
“The procedure is definitely
beneficial, it prevents the accumulation of Dental plaque and reduces
gingivitis” said Dr. HV Amith, a researcher at the People's College of Medical
Sciences & Research Centre and author of a recent study on the topic.
Try it out for yourself and swish
1-to-2 teaspoons of coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes.
- Yahoo
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