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At Hip and Healthy we have a real obsession with all things coconut. Not only is it beaming with amazing fatty acids that provide multiple health benefits, but it also makes for the best beauty product! Here are a few of our favourite ways to use coconut oil.

Oil pulling

Whilst the thought of oil pulling can be daunting to some – this Ayurvedic technique is fantastic for maintaining oral health, which many health issues can be traced back to. This technique will banish all kinds of icky unwanted bacteria, which adheres to the oil that is eventually spat out (bye-bye morning breath!). Maybe it’s due to the nice glossy layer the oil leaves on your teeth, but we definitely noticed a much whiter smile after a few days of engaging in this practise.

 Blend it into your smoothies

Besides the amazing taste, the healthy fat in coconut provides so many wonderful benefits that you definitely want to take advantage of. There is loads of speculation around whether coconut oil is healthy or not because it contains mostly saturated fat, but this is a saturated fat that is natural, whole, and unprocessed – not the refined stuff found in so much of the processed foods consumed today. The fatty acids in coconut oil are metabolized in such a way that increases energy expenditure and reduces appetite. Not only does oil pulling get rid of unwanted bacteria, actually consuming the oil helps kill harmful pathogens inside your belly too. We love blending up banana, blueberries, spinach, almond milk and a tablespoon of coconut oil for an energising breakfast or snack!

Use coconut oil in your chia seed pudding

 We get it – chia seed pudding is an acquired taste – however, a little trick we’ve discovered that changes even the most sceptic chia seed eater to a full-blown convert is including a tablespoon of coconut oil in the mix! This clever addition takes the pudding to a whole new level of creamy delicious goodness that is impossible not to love! Try this combo we can’t get enough of: Mix together 2-3 tablespoons of chia seeds, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, about 4 tablespoons of liquid of choice (for more coco-nutty goodness we opt for coconut milk), a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla, and a sweetener of choice like raw honey et voila!

Do a deep hair condition and a body hydration

Why would you put products on your skin that you wouldn’t put in your body? When it comes to our beauty products we love to use coconut oil, not only because it’s natural, but because it smells divine and will leave your skin and hair so soft and glistening. For the condition – apply the oil to your hair and leave in for a few hours or overnight. The next day, shampoo twice rinsing the residue away and expect the silkiest hair ever! There have also been studies that say using coconut oil in your hair has a sunscreen affect and will protect against sun damage. If you have a dry scalp this is also wonderful! When using coconut oil as a moisturizer, it works best when the oil is slightly solid. For best results, after a warm shower or bath, apply coconut oil to warm skin for an at-home spa ritual you’ll love.

Make a homemade face mask

When it comes to the skin on your face – coconut oil is fantastic because it breaks down dead cells, reduces acne, and deeply hydrates your skin. Coconut oil contains loads of healthy acids and vitamins that will do wonders for your complexion. We love mixing one tablespoon of coconut oil, half a mashed banana, and a bit of turmeric. Apply the mix to your face and leave it for at least fifteen minutes before rinsing with cool water. The banana is great for hydration, lightening and smoothening skin, and reducing marks and blemishes. The turmeric is amazing for its anti-inflammatory benefits, and it is antibacterial and anti aging qualities which contributes to its ability to lighten dull skin and balance your complexion.

Words by Isabella Stelle 


Get The Recipe: Vegan Coconut Cream Tarts  | Coconut Granola 


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