This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at McGill chapter.

Little did you know that one simple oil could have so many incredible uses and health benefits. Whether you apply it on your body or cook with it, you will be amazed at how far a little coconut oil can go!

What exactly is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is a type of edible oil that is made from coconut meat harvested in tropical countries around the world. Although it is often considered to be another health ‘fad’ or one of the latest trends, it has actually been used in tropical countries for centuries and has always proved to have health benefits.

What are the health benefits of coconut oil?

Previously, health organizations have often encouraged people to stay clear of coconut oil due to it’s high content of of lauric acid, a saturated fat. However, contrary to popular believe, lauric acid is not a harmful or unhealthy substance in coconut oil. In fact, according to Organic Facts, “the human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which is supposedly helpful in dealing with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV.” Coconut oil also contains Vitamin E, vitamin K and minerals such as iron despite the high fat content (don’t be alarmed by that!)

Firstly, coconut oil is amazing for your skin and hair, it kills many types of bacteria and infections, it’s proven to help and in some cases heal skin diseases, provides energy, contributes positive effects to those suffering with heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, promotes healthy weight loss and increases metabolism (just to name a few of the benefits).

What are the uses of coconut oil?

Here’s the fun part! What can you actually make out of coconut oil or use it in?

Skin, Hair and Nails

Coconut oil is known for making hair stronger, softer, more moisturized and it helps prevent split ends. Rather than sitting on top of the hair, it actually penetrates the scalp and roots to prevent damage from the inside out. It has also been shown to improve dandruff if you massage it into your scalp. Side note: my roommate has the softest and shiniest hair and she uses coconut oil in her hair regularly so that has to say something about its effect!

Try out this hair mask for fun and witness the effects first hand!

Believe it or not this magical oil can also be used on your skin as a moisturizer or even in the form of soap in order to have soft, smooth skin. It helps to maintain the moisture in the skin and really allows it to sink into the pores and it also helps eliminate pimples and acne. It can also be used as a smooth body scrub, it helps eliminate stretch marks, chapped lips, and keeps skin smooth and hydrated.

Try this out– mix a little cinnamon and oatmeal with some coconut oil and you have the perfect face scrub!

Check out this link for some DIY scrubs and moisturizers!

Coconut oil is also amazing for keeping your fingernails healthy and strong! Massage it into the nail in order to prevent ingrown nails or hangnails. It will also keep your cuticles healthy.

Food

Coconut oil can be used to substitute other types of cooking oils and it doesn’t even change the taste! You can use it to replace vegetable oils, especially in baked goods. It can even be put in your morning smoothies so that you get your dose of good fats. It can basically be used in anything that involves food!

Also, according to authority nutrition, the fatty acids make “coconut oil highly resistant to oxidation at high heats…for this reason, it is the perfect oil for high-heat cooking methods like frying”. By ingesting it you will really receive the health benefits mentioned before. Not to mention, it’s also an excellent substitute for butter (especially on cinnamon toast).

Random Fun Facts

Helps with bladder infections
Can treat lice
You can rub it in the inside of your nose to help with allergies, sore nostrils, and runny noses
Can be used as a guitar string lubricant
Helps with muscle ache

Who doesn’t want to have smooth, shiny, healthy skin or actually improve their physical health, and eating habits? Go and buy a tub of coconut oil and test out the benefits for yourself. I guarantee you will be satisfied.

If none of the above have influenced you to test it out maybe the following information will: Kendall Jenner uses it to moisturize and take a look at her glowing skin (yes, even celebrities love coconut oil)!

Information obtained from:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

http://wellnessmama.com/5734/101-uses-for-coconut-oil/

http://coconutoil.com/

http://authoritynutrition.com/why-is-coconut-oil-good-for-you/

http://www.deliciousobsessions.com/2012/01/52-uses-for-coconut-oil-the-simple-the-strange-and-the-downright-odd/

Images Obtained from:

http://naturalbeautytips.co/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Before-and-after-Coconut-Oil-Treatment.jpg?824f72

http://coconutoil.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/11/coconuts-Coconut-oil-on-spoon.jpg

http://elanaspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/coconut-oil-DSC_1718.jpg

http://d1zlh37f1ep3tj.cloudfront.net/wp/wblob/54592E651337D2/943/E39E0/_dC6VivdxtyQ-4OAaYEMNw/coconut-oil-for-the-skin.jpg

http://www.drinkbai.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/shutterstock_109436960.jpg