As I sit here on my couch writing this article, I am conditioning my hair with one of my favorite natural superfoods- coconut oil! Yes, I have coconut oil all over my scalp and hair, and even a little bit on my face!
Don't think I'm a fool, I have done plenty of research to know the many, many health benefits of coconut oil. 100% organic natural coconut oil is the kind you should use. I order a 32fl oz. container of Nutiva, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil from iHerb for only $32. Although I use this coconut oil for cooking (daily) and hair and skin treatment, this container lasts me at least a year. It is a very good deal and a super seller on the website, with over 1,300 reviews for you to read about from consumers!
Health benefits of Coconut Oil:
-Increases the good HDL cholesterol in the blood to help improve cholesterol levels
-Rich in antioxidants
-Helps prevent heart disease
-Increased metabolism/ weight loss
-Helps to improve digestion
-Heals infections by forming a chemical layer which protects the infected area from dust, air, bacteria, virus and fungi
-Anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties helps to kill viruses that cause hepatitis, influenza, measles, etc.
-Strengthens the immune system by fighting harmful bacteria
-Helps in absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids
-Burning of energy because of healthy fats in the liver
-Lowers abdominal fat
-Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, etc.
-Helps on fungi and yeast that cause athlete's foot, diaper rash, ringworm, etc.
-Great non-greasy moisturizer, conditioner and anti-aging cream
-Stress relief since the scent can be soothing and used as a massage oil for the temples, neck and scalp
-Dental care- helps the absorption of calcium in the body/ stops tooth decay
-Bones- improves the body's ability to absorb minerals like calcium and magnesium
-HIV and Cancer- reduces viral susceptibility
-Diabetes- helps to control blood sugar and improves the secretion of insulin
-Kidney- helps in dissolving kidney stones and preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases
-Liver- the fatty acids helps to bring energy to the liver, reducing the workload of the liver
Uses of Coconut Oil:
-massage oil
-body scrub
-hair conditioner
-shaving cream
-cooking oil
-replacement of butter
-tame hair
-ointment for scrapes, cuts and sunburns
-acne treatment
-homemade deodorant
-homemade toothpaste
Resources
http://www.apccsec.org/document/EXPERT_FINDINGS.pdf
http://coconutoil.com/
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/03/04/coconut-oil-benefits_n_2805109.html
http://familysponge.com/health/using-coconut-oil/
http://www.iherb.com/Nutiva-Organic-Extra-Virgin-Coconut-Oil-54-fl-oz-1-6-L/7311
http://livesuperfoods.com/live-superfoods-raw-virgin-coconut-oil.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/029841_coconut_superfood.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/03/04/coconut-oil-benefits_n_2805109.html#slide=2178239
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html