Coconut oil, harvested from the fruit of the coconut palm, has been consumed in tropical regions of the world for centuries. This age old ingredient is incredibly versatile and has endless cooking, skin care, and hair care benefits. 

Coconut oil can be great substitution for other types of cooking oils! It contains healthy fats that are converted into energy and actually help you speed up your metabolism. It's also packed with Vitamin E, Vitamin K, iron and acids that help you fight off viruses and bacteria. Though the Western world sees coconut as an exotic fruit that's recently risen to popularity, it may be the reason that tropical countries, where tons of coconuts are eaten, see lower rates of obesity and heart disease. A fun way to add coconut oil to your diet is to try it in place of the creamer you use in your coffee, making it a great vegan substitute for cream or milk. 

To make 2 cups of coffee, put 2 cups of coffee in a blender with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and blend until all of the ingredients are combined well. Your coffee should come out frothy and delicious!

Other than adding it to your favorite tasty treats, opting for coconut oil can be a great way to cut out harsh chemicals from your skin care regimen. Since your skin absorbs about 60% of what you put on it, so using coconut oil as a moisturizer (or products that contain it) allows you to soak up all of it's vitamins, minerals and healthy acids. These keep your skin cleansed, healthy and radiant. Check it out for yourself by trying just a little bit of coconut oil instead of your usual makeup remover.

Using a few drops of oil and a small cotton ball, wipe your makeup off and rinse! This will minimize your pores and you'll start to see your skin getting softer and smoother.

You can round out your coconut-based beauty routine by adding coconut oil to your hair care as well. One of the most popular uses for various oils are as deep conditioners for hair. Since coconut oil is a great remedy for dry and flaky skin, it helps prevent dandruff and scalp conditions. Along with this, the restorative properties of coconut treat split ends and keep hair moisturized and strong. Other than conditioner, coconut oil can be great as detangler for troublesome tresses.

Take four or five drops or melted coconut oil (more or less based on your judgement), apply thoroughly to your hair, and style as you normally would.

There are hundreds of additional uses for coconut oil but these are some of our favorites! It’s such a great remedy for so many issues and you don't have to worry about any nasty chemicals.