Food & recipes

Jo Wood: Coconut oil benefits

Our green rock chick explains why she champions this versatile ingredient

I have always loved coconut oil, ever since I read a book called The Coconut Miracle. It wasn’t that long ago when we were told saturated fats were bad for us, and that they clog up the arteries. Well, new studies have shown that could have been a myth. The fact is, coconut oil is pretty good for your health. Common sense should’ve told us this a long time ago. After all, people that eat a lot of coconut are some of the healthiest on the planet. The amazing thing about coconut is that we can eat the meat, drink the water, turn it into milk and squeeze out the oil.

Every part is a great source of nutrition, but that’s not the only benefit. Coconut oil is also anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and antiinflammatory. It has a world of uses and I have a few favourites.

Used as a moisturiser, plain coconut oil is great for the skin. It is said to lighten dark spots and help prevent stretchmarks. It’s a great make-up remover and can get rid of everything, including your stubborn mascara. Coconut oil is also good for your hair; simply rub it in to dry ends and leave it on for a few hours. You can use it as a toothpaste by simply adding a few drops to essential flavours like peppermint, tea tree oil or oregano oil, or you can put a tablespoon or so of coconut oil into your mouth and swish for about 15 minutes – this is a natural way of improving oral health.

You could even use coconut oil as a replacement for shaving cream or a natural deodorant. If you’re suffering from any kind of nail fungus, add a few drops of tea tree oil to one teaspoon of coconut oil and rub into the nails. It does not disrupt the natural balance and can be used as a lubricant for cracked heels, too. Coconut oil is also soothing on chapped lips; it’s an instant moisturiser and it tastes good!

Finally, here’s what science says about coconut oil: it promotes weight loss, and raises metabolism, can help balance cholesterol and does not clog up your arteries. It may even support your immune and endocrine systems.

So, the next time you’re in your health food shop or your supermarket, pick up a pot of organic coconut oil, because its benefits reach far beyond just whipping up a tasty stir-fry!

Article by

Jo Wood

Healthy and Organic Living Guru

is a healthy and organic living guru and creator of her own natural beauty range

Discover more

Article by

Jo Wood

Healthy and Organic Living Guru

is a healthy and organic living guru and creator of her own natural beauty range

Discover more