Get Creative with Coconut Oil 

Allyssa Ertz, Arts and Life Editor

Have you heard of coconut oil?  This seemingly magical substance has a vast array of uses in cooking, haircare, skincare, and just about anything else that can be thought of.  Coconut oil is a fantastic source of fatty acids, causes a noticeable increase in fat burning, and is moisturizing to your skin as well as effective in hair.  Its combination of fatty acids allows you to have better weight loss, brain function, and much, much more.  Here are just some of the large number of coconut oil uses.  

1) A Healthy Hair Mask 

Measure out 3-5 tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil into a bowl.  Warm it up in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.  If it’s not fully melted, leave in for a longer period of time.  Distribute throughout your hair equally and leave in for 20-30 minutes or longer. You can even leave it in overnight.  Wash out, and your hair will immediately feel stronger and healthier. 

2) Bulletproof Coffee 

Put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your coffee in the morning.  The energy burst from the MCT oil will be extremely effective, and help you feel full for a longer period. 

3) Cooking 

Coconut oil can be used as a healthier replacement for butter, olive oil, and vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio.  Coconut oil is also an especially excellent replacement for butter in pancakes or waffles, as it makes them super fluffy and gives them a pleasing taste.  

4) Skin Repair 

Coconut oil makes a great moisturizer for any part of your body.  Hands, legs, arms, and even your face welcome coconut oil as a repairing agent.  However, if you have oily skin on your face, this is not recommended.  If you have cracked heels, this can be of assistance to you! 

5) Whitening Toothpaste 

Coconut oil can help with germ cleanup in your mouth and give you fresh breath, healthier gums, and whiter teeth.  If you’re out of toothpaste, grab some coconut oil, and get ready for a super white smile!