Anyone who knows me well knows that I use coconut oil the way the way our favorite Greek Papa on “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” uses Windex. When I recently suggested to my mother that she use coconut oil to heal a cut on her finger, she replied that this was my late-grandmother’s favorite remedy for healing all things as my mom was growing up.
It seems that this healthy miracle oil has existed for years but has only recently captured the attention of the masses. Maybe it is newly recognized because of the widespread reach of social media or the increased awareness of natural, more organic methods of self-care. Whatever it is, I am thankful this all-healing oil exists today and is finally getting the positive scientific attention it deserves.
The benefits of my favorite oil are not isolated events. Not only have I benefited from its virtues but so have my family, friends and clients. My new saying has become, “When in doubt use coconut oil.” It can’t hurt and is more than likely to help. Please do keep in mind however that as is always the case with all things, there is no one-size-fits-all option for everyone, so, if you are using anything for the first time, do so mindfully and thoughtfully.
Coconut Oil For Cooking
One of the more familiar uses of coconut oil has been for cooking. It has a sweet taste so I personally use it when I prepare breakfast foods and do any type of baking, however many people use it for everyday cooking and are very pleased. Because of its low smoke point in comparison to the other oils, it is best not to use coconut oil when cooking at high temperatures. Coconut oil increases your composition of good cholesterol and provides a lasting source of healthy, sustainable energy in the body.
Coconut Oil As Moisturizer
Although we live in a time where we are highly in command of the body’s nutritional and physiological needs, I believe that we are just scratching the surface on the effects of beauty products that we are using topically. Moisturizers, skin treatments and other personal hygiene topical formulas are absorbed into our bloodstream and it is in our best interest to use treatments and/or products that contain ingredients that are as natural and as organic as possible.
In the case of coconut oil, we are dealing with a pure product that does not contain any other ingredients, which makes it a healthy option and my personal go-to choice for all things. It has even been known to heal burns, eczema and other skin conditions.
I massage organic, unrefined coconut oil into my skin every morning and night and I have never felt better about the look and feel of my skin. You might prefer to use it only at night and use a cream with a higher SPF for daytime. Use your own judgment and choose a formula that works best for you.
Coconut Oil For Preventative Health
One of my favorite things about coconut oil is that whether it is used internally or externally, it can be used proactively to promote overall good health.
Raw, organic, virgin coconut oil is considered a superfood and using it enables us to activate wellness in the body from the inside out. It is known to increase cardiovascular function and cleanses the body. It has even been shown that it has the power to heal damaged cells that can lead to cancer and other diseases. Coconut oil provides us with crucial nutrients not typically found in other forms of foods and is indeed at the top of my list for whole body wellness.
Melody Pourmoradi is a women’s wellness and lifestyle coach at Life Evolutions Coaching. Learn more about her services at www.lifeevolutionscoaching.com.
