Coconut Oil: Products, Trends and Super Food

It was not that long ago coconut oil was still questioned for its health benefits. Its popularity only began to surge again around 2010 after over a decade of being identified as more or less a health hazard. In 1994 the Center for Science in the Public Interest reported movie popcorn made with coconut oil was as bad for you as a lumberjack breakfast, Big Mac and a steak combined! This is a far cry from the endorsements it receives today as a remedy for almost anything. Vegan culture is to thank for its new popularity as it has become a staple oil that far outranks Crisco and margarine for baking and cooking.

This oil is not just for cooking. It has also become a health and beauty aid that rivals the more standard olive oil option. Coconut oil has been promoted as a catch all for everything from coffee sweetener to bug spray, but here is what is clear, when it comes to moisturizing, this oil works like a charm. In addition to dry skin, coconut oil is great for your hair. There are a number of ways to use it, but a tried and true way is to apply the oil to your hair in the shower, leave it in for 5 minutes, then rinse and shampoo.

If you are a little more adventurous, you might be up for oil pulling. This involves swishing oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes as it is supposed to kill bacteria, reduce bad breath and whiten your teeth naturally. Be warned, this does feel like a long 20 minutes, beginners might start with just five and see how it goes.