By: Stephanie Heino

At this point, I am sure you are all aware of how yummy coconut tastes, but did you know that it also offers a great myriad of health and beauty benefits? My all-time favorite fruit is complex and versatile and can be used in a lot of different areas they you may not be aware of. We have all seen people going crazy for coconut water in an attempt to hydrate their body in the best possible way, and recently all I see and hear when visiting grocery stores, juice bars and beauty stores is what a great natural all in one product coconut really is.

Let us see what the hype is all about!

6 Things to Love About Coconut Oil

1. It may help with weight loss. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides that are metabolized differently than fats from other oils. These unique fats may help with weight loss. It also contains Vitamin E, K as well as minerals such as iron. Coconut oil has also been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat, while increasing muscle. Because of this, coconut oil has shot to popularity by being the world’s only natural low-calorie fat.

2. It can raise your good cholesterol. Although coconut oil contains saturated fats, it’s not the bad kind you normally think of. In fact, coconut oil can raise your good HDL cholesterol and give you a dose of antioxidants! When coconut oil was first brought to the U.S., there was a lot of negative hype about it because it contains high levels of saturated fat, but don’t panic! People were concerned that it increased cholesterol and contributed to heart disease—but this is a myth. It actually lowers cholesterol and reduces the chances of heart disease. This is because its fat content is simply changed into energy, lessening the likelihood of fat buildup in the arteries and heart.

3. It may strengthen your immune system. Coconut oil contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. This can help in fighting harmful bacteria and illness in the body! (Goodbye acne!). If you consume coconut in any of its various forms (whether it be raw coconut, coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut butter, etc.), it can help treat some of mankind’s worst and most resilient of illnesses such as influenza, giardia, lice, throat infections, urinary tract infections, tapeworms, herpes, gonorrhea, bronchitis, and numerous other ailments caused by microbials.

4. It helps you to absorb important minerals. The fats and substances in coconut oil help your body to better absorb calcium and magnesium, which are important for healthy bones and teeth. It also prevents osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and fragile and lose their density). This makes coconuts a good, healthy alternative for those who are lactose intolerant, but still want to have strong bones and teeth. Those who prefer a vegan diet can benefit from it as a good source of protein and fatty acids.

5. Provides amazing nutrition. Whether you’re eating the meat, drinking the juice, or consuming it as oil, coconuts are a delicious and nutritious source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It has tons of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as plenty of electrolytes. In fact, coconut water is known to have the same electrolyte levels as human plasma, and is one of the reasons people zip it up in the summer!

6. It helps with blood sugar levels. Coconut oil also helps control blood sugar levels by improving the secretion of insulin and the utilization of blood glucose.

You can use coconut in a myriad of different ways (cooking, baking, smoothies and as beauty remedies) and forms (coconut water, coconut milk, coconut crystals, coconut flour and nectar, etc.) so make sure to pick up your raw, organic cold press coconut oil the next time you go to the health food store for your fruits and veggies. Coconut oil is ideal for high heat cooking since it is the only oil that does not create toxic byproducts (those that cause wrinkles on your face ladies!) when heated. Also get rid of your petroleum based creams that plug your pores, causing pimples and generally poison your body and start using something that’s really good for you and the planet!

10 Amazing Beauty Tricks With Coconut Oil

1. As a cheekbone highlighter

Nothing perks up a tired face like a little highlighter, but you don’t need store-bought products to achieve the same effect. Simply sweep a small amount of coconut oil on top of makeup and leave it alone. It looks like your skin but adds more glow, which is why many natural makeup brands use it as a base ingredient in their formulas.

2. To shave your legs

Conventional shaving cream is an expensive cocktail of chemicals that you don’t need to get a nice clean shave on your legs or underarms. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is inexpensive, naturally antimicrobial, and smells divine. Plus, its skin-soothing properties will leave your legs looking hydrated!

3. As a deep-conditioner

There’s a reason many conditioners contain coconut oil: It’s better able to penetrate hair (and prevent protein loss) than mineral and sunflower oil. Apply to your hair, comb it, and then pile it into a loose bun. You’ll want to place a soft towel over your pillow or sleep in a shower cap. In the morning, shampoo as usual with a gentle cleanser.

4. To remove eye makeup

Yes, coconut oil even works on waterproof mascara! Put a little on a cotton ball and gently sweep it over your eyes, paying attention to your under-eyes as well. The oil does a great job breaking down waxy, inky eye makeup, and leaves the delicate area hydrated, too. Once you’re done, wash your face as usual.

5. As a body moisturizer

A recent animal study found that when applied topically, virgin coconut oil can speed up wound healing, and a human study found it to be effective in increasing hydration and reducing water loss in seriously dry skin.

6. As facial wash and exfoliator

Because coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, moisturizing many women see miracle when using coconut oil as part of their facial skin care (be careful if you’re adult-acne prone!). Mix the oil with baking soda to create an exfoliator and simply rub the oil in circular motions all over your face and neck, giving yourself a gentle massage as you go. If just using it as a facial wash, leave it on for 10-15 minutes when you are in the shower to get maximum results!

Go nuts for coconuts!