Crazy as a coconut...

What smells remind you of Summer? Sunscreen, mangoes, frangipani and gardenia flowers, salt air, surfboard wax, watermelon and of course, COCONUT!!

Poor old coconut oil got a bad wrap a few years ago due to the fact that it's a saturated fat. But people are now getting their act together and realising that it's a little gem with a plenitude of health benefits!

Try opt for extra virgin and certified organic whenever possible. We like the brand Banaban!

HAIR CARE
Coconut oil penetrates into the hair shaft and scalp to reduce protein loss in hair, especially through damage caused by styling. Massage oil into the scalp and leave for 15 minutes as treatment before washing your hair.

SKIN CARE
Due to coconut oil’s antimicrobial and antiseptic actions, it can be used topically for treating skin problems such as staph infections. It is very nourishing to the skin so is great for dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Add a tablespoon to the bath or massage into the skin after a shower. It's also an epic makeup remover and cuticle treatment.

WEIGHT LOSS
The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil are easily digested and follow a completely different pathway when eaten than other fats. They're converted into a rapid source of energy which increases metabolism, improving your chances for faster weight loss and more energy.

LOWERS CHOLESTEROL
Studies show that using coconut oil in your diet reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases HDL (good) cholesterol and therefore helps to prevent heart disease and atherosclerosis.

URINARY INFECTIONS
Pour oil into ice cube trays with one drop each of tea tree and lavender essential oils. Allow to set in the fridge and insert into the vagina before bed while using a panty liner for it's soothing and antibacterial effects. (Who knew...)

IMMUNE BOOSTING
Coconut oil is antibacterial and antiviral, and therefore can be taken internally for viruses such as the flu, stomach ulcers, throat infections and urinary tract infections. The antifungal properties of coconut oil can kill fungi and yeasts that cause Candida, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush as well as expelling tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

COOKING
You can use coconut oil like you would olive oil as it has an extremely high frying point without turning rancid.

What's not to love?

Click here for some more Essential Health coconutty goodness!