**This post is part of the Get Real series. Please remember that this is meant as a learning community. We know that many of you are passionate about what you do and we want you to express that, just please do so in a way that will be an encouragement and aid to others making a transition. We want this to be a “safe space” for participants to learn. For that reason, we reserve the right to delete any comments that are not handled in this manner.
Does anyone remember the beginning part of My Big Fat Greek Wedding? “My Dad believed in two things. One that Greeks should educate non-Greeks. And two, that any ailment, from psoriasis to poison ivy, could be cured with Windex.” Now, this is a series to get you away from chemicals and processed things in your home, so we’ve got a new “Windex”: coconut oil. I had a friend recently write on one of my pins for coconut oil, “It’s totally the new Windex.” And in fact, it is! The uses of coconut oil are endless. Here are a few of the highlights I like:
Diet
- It’s a stable cooking oil and can replace all of the unhealthy oils that most use for cooking. Extra Virgin is still a great oil to use, but we’re talking about canola, safflower, vegetable, etc.
- Being solid at room temperature, it can act as a substitute for butter or margarine in most baking.
- Adding a spoonful or two to your smoothies will not only add great flavor but a healthy dose of good fats.
- Works as a wonderful base for homemade candies.
- Using it to replace butter on toast makes some amazing cinnamon toast.
- Adds wonderful flavor to your coffee or tea.
- Use it to make your own magic shell ice cream topping!
- Making some delicious coleslaw.
Health and Beauty
- Can be mixed with sugar for a wonderful body scrub.
- As I type, I’m using it as a leave-in hair conditioner deep treatment. Makes my frizzy hair smooth and helps seal in the moisture the Colorado air so desperately seeks!
- Nursing moms, it works wonderfully on cracked nipples or stretch marks. Also taking a few tablespoons a day has been known to increase your supply!
- Helps to aid in the absorption of calcium for better bones and teeth.
- Stimulates metabolism
- Helps soothe skin irritations: mosquito bites, rashes, etc.
- Spreading a thin layer can help with burns and cuts to speed up healing.
- Can help to prevent wrinkles by spreading a little around the eyes.
- Can help clear diaper rash and cradle cap. It helped my little guy’s cradle cap!
What are YOUR favorite uses for coconut oil??
July Week Two Action Item:
- Pick up some coconut oil at the store and start to incorporate it into your cooking routine. Substitute it in one of your favorite recipes and see if you can taste a difference!
July Get Real:
Please take a moment to thank our guest authors by clicking over to their sites and/or liking them on Facebook and/or Twitter.
Sponsor: Once A Month Meals