Feature Article

16 Unexpected Uses for Coconut Oil

Plain old vegetable oil is so 2000-and-late. Coconut oil is today's choice for those in the know—and it's more than a flash in the pan.

A lot of the buzz surrounding coconut oil comes from its medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). This type of fat is rapidly metabolized in the liver so it’s immediately available as an energy source; it’s also easier to burn off and harder to store as fat. Some MCTs, like lauric acid, work to keep you healthy by eliminating disease causing microbes and lowering inflammation.

But coconut oil is good for more than cooking—it's incredibly versatile. Whether you want whiter teeth or smoother skin, let coconut oil prove how well it can multitask.

1. As a Butter Substitute in Baking
Whether you're vegan, or just looking to cut out some cholesterol, coconut oil easily replaces butter in most baking recipes. Just substitute room-temperature coconut oil for butter at a 1:1 ratio (by weight).

2. On Toast
Spread coconut oil on toast for a slightly sweet butter alternative.

3. In Bulletproof Coffee
By now, you've probably heard of Bulletproof Coffee —the coffee, butter, and MCT oil concoction gaining popularity as an energy drink. If you don't have butter or MCT oil on hand, coconut oil blended into coffee gives you the same sustained buzz.

4. In a Supercharged Smoothie
Add some oomph to your morning smoothie with coconut oil. Just a tablespoon or two will give you a boost of healthy fats.

5. To Soothe a Sore Throat
You've probably heard the old hot-tea-and-honey remedy for a sore throat. But a spoonful of coconut oil in tea works just as well!

6. In Freezer Fudge
Whip up a batch of this vegan, raw, Paleo-friendly fudge in your freezer. Mix together 1 cup of nut butter (not peanut), 1/4 cup coconut oil, and several tablespoons of cacao powder (depending on how chocolatey you like your fudge). Throw it into the freezer for 30 minutes, and enjoy!

7. In Oil Pulling
Oil pulling—an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine—is used to whiten the teeth, clean the mouth, and banish bad breath. To try it, swish liquid coconut oil around in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. Spit it out and rinse well when you're done!

8. As a Moisturizer
Coconut oil—or really any oil—makes a great natural lotion. Just rub a small amount on your skin to gently moisturize your whole body.

9. As a Leave-in Conditioner
Banish split ends and condition an unruly head of hair by adding coconut oil into your haircare routine. Before showering, rub a small amount of coconut oil through your hair and leave it in for 10 minutes.

10. In DIY Body Scrub
If you're into DIY beauty treatments, coconut oil is about to become your new best friend. Make a simple exfoliating body scrub by mixing 1/2 cup of coconut oil with 3/4 cup of brown sugar or sea salt. (If the scrub is too coarse, add a bit more oil to soften it.)

11. To Stop Bug Bites from Itching
The worst thing you can do to a bug bite is scratch it. Instead, slather on some coconut oil. The oil forms a protective layer to allow the bug bites or stings to heal, and even soothes away that annoying itch.

12. As a Lip Balm
Since coconut oil is so moisturizing, it makes a great natural lip balm. Your lips will feel super soft—and taste like the tropics.

13. In the Bath
Skip the bubble bath in favor of some coconut oil and essential oils. Soothing coconut oil will slowly condition your skin, and the sweet scent of your favorite essential oil will help you relax.

14. As a Makeup Remover
Wiping your face and eyelids with coconut oil will gently remove your makeup and moisturize your skin.

15. To Soothe Diaper Rash
This miracle oil will even do wonders for your little ones if they're suffering from diaper rash. Just smooth a small amount onto the rash, and watch it clear up!

16. As a Remedy for Lice
The only thing worse than getting head lice may be the complicated process to get rid of them. This easy, natural treatment is much easier than the conventional, chemical-filled method. After rinsing hair with apple cider vinegar, comb it out. Then coat your scalp and hair with coconut oil, and leave it on for 12 to 24 hours.

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JJ Recommends

GIVEAWAY - A Jar of Coconut Oil, Just for You!

Coconut is having its moment in the sun. These days, supermarket and health food store shelves are brimming with coconut this and coconut that.  My friends at Thrive Market are offering all 1st-time members a GIFT: a full-sized jar of Nutiva organic, fair-trade Virgin Coconut Oil! Claim yours today before they’re gone! 

Coconuts are loaded with nutrients—iron, magnesium, calcium and even vitamin C-—but their high fiber and potassium content are especially important. Coconuts are also high in antioxidants (which we know mop up harmful free radicals and help to prevent chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease).

This is just one of those great GIVEAWAYS that I get to bring to my inner circle.  But supplies are limited, so HURRY.  

Yes, I want my complimentary jar of Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil.

Success Story

Deborah C
FL

Please share how your sugar stronghold was impacting your life.

I am a 49 year old, educated and active engineer who’s hair was starting to fall out, skin and scalp getting dry, feeling wiped out at the end of the day from endless hours of meetings and actions to do. The results of my routine thyroid check (TSH) were – wait for it – normal. So, my primary care physician won’t run a test unless we intend to take action! My gynecologist won’t run any tests because I’m normal.

So, after more research I decided to do the ultimate elimination diet – go vegan. Everything should get better and I’ll prevent those preventable diseases – right? While this initially improved my cholesterol numbers and I dropped seven pounds in 3 weeks, my new found energy was waning over the course of the year, and my blood work and weight were back to where they were before I began. Not only had I not solved my initial health concerns, I’m getting soft as opposed to toned. I’m eating only “healthy” foods every 2 hours or so, always whole grain crackers, never cake.

Social gatherings and dating were like a research project and more of a chore than enjoyment … Where/What can I eat that’s “healthy”? I’m going to be hungry at some point during my outing so do I pack food?! How can I do this forever and why?! Over the past month or so I find myself reaching for the junk food in the office … why? I don’t understand! What am I doing wrong and where do I go from here? I’m not happy now.

What has changed for you?

When I listened to the Sugar Impact Diet video clips, my eyes opened wide when balsamic vinegar was described as sugar! WHAT? I had gotten wrapped up in my hectic world and had completely missed the sugar connection to my predicament. I had stopped learning or continuing to look at the effect of what I was eating since I thought it was “the lesser of the evils” – lots of fruit after all.

After one week in Cycle 1, over Halloween, I had no desire for sugary foods. I felt FREE and relieved! Free to move about the country without needing food every couple of hours; free to go anywhere and know what balanced choices to make that would keep me satiated for 4 hours. I knew this was working for me! I could see the results quickly. My muscle tone and shape are returning – the burst exercise is convenient, effective, and portable. I'm no longer "gassy" - amen!

I feel wiser now! Understanding what I had been doing, why my body was responding that way, and how to adjust the dials if I get it out of balance means everything and it makes sense to me! It’s not rocket science, but it’s just as fascinating to me! The support materials available for this program are so appreciated.

How has this impacted other areas of your life, career, confidence, family and friends?

I have taken 2 business trips since my Sugar Solution Program and I’m all smiles :). I’m not tempted by the sweets at my meetings. I don’t need to pack a cooler to get me through! I look forward to going out again and on my family cruise vacation!! My clothes need taking in – thank you!

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