Coconut oil has a reputation for being a multi-functional and versatile superfood which supports the heart, brain, immune system and metabolism. When buying your coconut oil, ensure it is “extra virgin” for the complete set of benefits. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your daily regimen (1 Tablespoon/day):
- Add it to smoothies:If you know anything about me, you know that I love my ever-changing protein smoothies which are loaded with different superfoods each day of the week. Adding coconut oil to it is the easiest way to get it down for efficient fat-burning, energy-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and muscle tissue repair.
- Cream your tea/coffee: using coconut oil in lieu of a dairy creamer is a double anti-inflammatory decision, avoiding inflammatory dairy and adding in the inflammation fighting coconut oil. Froth the coconut oil in the tea/coffee for the ultimate creamiest way to get it down for immune boosting properties and healing and protecting your brain.
- Top your breakfast: Mix it with honey, garlic & herbs for a healthy spread for your gluten free toast or crackers. Mix it into your oatmeal along with some chia seeds, nuts, and fruit for a nutrilicious oatmeal.
- Cook with it: Coconut oil is one of the best oils you can cook with because it is heat resistant and retains health benefits.
- Bake with it:This oil is the BEST fat medium in baked goods because it adds a naturally sweet taste and can replace any other oil at a 1:1 ratio.
- Dip it: Mix coconut oil with coconut butter, honey, and cacao powder for a delicious homemade chocolate dip for use with fruit or molds.
- Topically apply it: Coconut oil is antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal. It’s an ideal remedy for dry skin (eczema), toenail fungus, heel softening, nail repair, acne-treatment, and diaper rash-treatment. It is also very nourishing for the skin, scalp and hair with anti-aging/wrinkle properties when used daily (especially on eyes).
- Smell it: Use coconut oil as a base for your essential oils and breathe them in providing relaxing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Pull it: Swish coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes every morning to pull out toxins from the body and benefit teeth and gums.
- Scrub it: Create your own body/face scrub by mixing it with salt, sugar, and a few drops of essential oil. It works great as a gentle and cleansing makeup remover.
- Kiss with it: Make your own lip balm by using plain coconut oil, or by mixing it with other oils and/or coconut butter.
