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Coconut Oil!

Cooking with Coconut Oil

By Wellness Associate Courtney McNeill

When we grab a jar of coconut oil and look at the amount of fat per serving we are usually turned off right away. When it comes to cooking with coconut oil don’t be afraid of the fat.  Ninety percent of the fatty acids in coconut oil are MCTs.  MCTs are medium chain triglycerides and they are metabolized differently than long chain triglycerides by the body.  These MCTs can help increase 24-hour energy expenditure, which may help with weight management. The high quality fat in coconut oil is very beneficial to your health so don’t be afraid of that high percentage on the food label.  Where those grams of fat come from is the important question!  Here are some quick easy smoothie recipes to test out your new favorite staple of the kitchen.

Smoothies

Island Dream Smoothie:

1 cup coconut water (or sub in regular water if you want)
1-2 tbsp. raw virgin coconut oil
1 tbsp. organic spirulina powder
½ cup frozen pineapple
½ frozen banana
Handful of spinach
Add ice

Superfood:

1 cup unsweetened vanilla coconut milk or almond milk
¼ cup frozen blueberries
1 tsp. maca powder
1 tsp. raw cacao powder
1 tsp. your favorite greens powder- I like several, but here I used Amazing Grass brand
1 scoop of your favorite protein powder
1 tsp. acai powder or gogi powder
¼ tsp. vanilla extract, gluten-free
Handful of spinach
2 tbsp. coconut oil
Add ice

 Beauty In a Coconut

            Coconut oil is a fabulous beauty product! It does wonders for your skin and hair. Coconut oil has an SPF of 4 and helps your skin build up sun tolerance and prevents burning.  Coconut oil delays the appearance of wrinkles and works as a great makeup remover, deodorant, hair conditioner, and lotion.

Other Ideas-

*Makeup remover

*Shaving cream

* Lip balm

*DIY body scrub

*Cuticle cream

*Treat dandruff

*Soothe sunburns

*Homemade deodorant

*Strengthen eyelashes

Stop by Healthy Living for a jar of coconut oil or

one of our many beauty products already containing it!

I promise you will have a new best friend!!

See you on VitaminThursday-all regular-priced vitamins and supplements are 20% off!