From The Straits Times    |

6 amazing health and skincare benefits of coconut oil and how to use it story

With all the hubbub about coconuts lately, you’ve probably heard lots about it being good for your health. Coconut oil especially, has many uses and many types of health and beauty benefits in the short and long run. If what you’ve learnt up until this point hasn’t been convincing enough in getting you on the coconut oil bandwagon, perhaps this list of amazing benefits will do the trick!

#1 Nourishes your skin
Coconut oil can be used as a moisturising oil, makeup remover, or even used in its solid form as a lip balm. It’s already used in many natural skincare products due to it being naturally antibacterial and antifungal. Some people even use it as a light sunscreen, though that’s not going to be strong enough to protect you from sun damage in Singapore. 
Tip: Use coconut oil as-is to remove makeup or try making a lip and body scrub using sugar and coconut oil! Smells good and is edible to boot.

#2 Helps keep your hair healthy
Try using it like you would a pre-shampoo treatment if you want soft and shiny hair. Coconut oil penetrates your hair better than many other oils and it can even be good for your scalp which will help with keeping your hair healthy in the long run. 
Tip: Apply it to your hair and scalp about 30 minutes before you wash your hair.

#3 Good for your insides
It can strengthen your immune system, improve heart health as well as your blood sugar and cholesterol levels while also boosting your metabolism. Coconut oil (especially virgin coconut oil) is rich in medium chain fatty acids which are good for raising the “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels and can boost your metabolism by increasing your body’s energy expenditure.
Tip: Try taking a tablespoonful of coconut oil every night before bed time.

#4 Keeps teeth healthy
A traditional process called “oil pulling” involved swishing coconut oil around in your mouth like a type of mouthwash in order to kill bacteria, reduce bad breath and improve dental health. Some have even said that this can result in whiter teeth. Coconut oil also helps our body absorb minerals like calcium better which benefit your teeth in the long run. 
Tip: Swirl a teaspoonful of coconut oil around your mouth for a minute or two after brushing your teeth at night.

#5 Helps with losing weight
Aside from boosting your body’s metabolism, coconut oil has also been said to have an appetite-reducing effect. This is largely due to the medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil and how they are metabolised by us, forming ketone bodies which reduce hunger and cravings.
Tip: You can use it in salad dressings, smoothies, or even in your morning coffee or tea.

#6 Fights infections
Coconut oil has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also is rich in Lauric acid which has the ability to kill harmful pathogens in the body like certain bacteria and viruses. It can be taken just preventatively as well.

6 amazing health and skincare benefits of coconut oil and how to use it nakula coconut oil singapore

Try it out for yourself! The affordable Nakula Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil ($15.95 for 500ml or $29.95 for 1litre) is available at Cold Storage and Jasons supermarkets.