Coconut oil is the hot new beauty product that’s flying off the shelves. At only a few dollars for a jar, we ask: Is it really the magic potion for beauty and health miracles?

While coconut oil has been a dietary staple for generations of South Pacific Islanders, its health benefits are now beginning to be widely recognised in the Western world. Healthy living advocates are incorporating the oil into their diet and beauty routines, because it has shown to be beneficial to the skin, hair and digestive system, as well as strengthening the immunity, boosting metabolism, and even fighting against obesity.

The good oil

Coconut oil is one of the world’s richest sources of saturated fat. However, the type of saturated fat it contains just might be the secret to its health benefits. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid (MCFAs). Unlike unhealthy saturated fatty acids, MCFAs are quickly metabolized by the liver, and are immediately converted into energy, rather than being stored as fat.

Boost your digestion, immunity and metabolism

Adding 100% pure virgin coconut oil into your diet can help your body in a number of ways. First of all, coconut oil is easy to digest, and so places less strain on the pancreas and digestive system. Plus, the lauric acid in coconut oil contains anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that restore balance in the digestive system.

Also significant, recent studies have suggested that the MCFAs in coconut oil actually increase your metabolism. It sounds crazy but research has proven that adding a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil to your daily diet will not only help you to burn kilojoules (and potentially help with weight loss) but also strengthen the body’s immune system.

Another extraordinary benefit is coconut oil’s ability to stop sugar cravings. High quality fat is more filling than carbs, so try eating coconut oil to help you step off the sugar roller coaster.

Beauty benefits

Virgin coconut oil applied directly on to the skin is wonderfully hydrating, and helps to keep the connective tissue of the skin strong. Use it to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, to protect against stretch marks during pregnancy.

Brown Sugar Body Scrub

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup 100% pure virgin coconut oil
• 10 drops essential rose and/or sandalwood oil

Method: In a glass bowl add essential oil(s) to the sugar and stir thoroughly. Add coconut oil gradually, stirring continuously. Stop when the scrub reaches the consistency of moist sand. Use this scrub before rinsing off in the shower.

Cooking

Coconut oil has a very high smoking point, which makes it ideal to use for all types of cooking, especially high temperature frying. It’s also very stable, so it won’t go rancid, and you can store it for a long time. Its slight nuttiness and naturally sweet flavour is perfect to use on pastry, stir-fries and savoury dishes. Whip it up as a healthier option for cake icing, when popping popcorn, as a substitute for butter and oils when baking and as the oil in salad dressings.

Recipe for Coconut Bliss Balls

• 1 teaspoon of 100% pure virgin coconut oil
• 1 cup of almonds or walnuts
• 1 cup of organic dates
• 3-4 tablespoons of raw cocoa powder
• Shredded coconut

Place all ingredients in a food processor. Roll into small bite sized balls and roll into shredded coconut. Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.