For the love of coconut oil...

I love coconut oil.

Coconut oil is a saturated fat that is actually good for you.  It's true!  More than 50% of the fat in coconut oil is lauric acid, a compound that the body converts to monolaurin.  Monolaurin has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties.  Coconut oil is also nature's richest source of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) which are digested easily and burned immediately for energy by your liver.  They're also a metabolism booster, burning fat for energy.  Coconut oil also benefits your immune system and aids in healing. 

There are literally dozens of uses for coconut oil.  Aside from the obvious - cooking - coconut oil can be taken as nutritional supplements and is the perfect ingredient for creating any number of body care products such as toothpaste, deodorant, body lotions and butters, and hair conditioners. 

Widely available in stores and online, be sure to choose a good quality organic coconut oil.  The price of coconut oil varies, usually corresponding to the quality, so try to buy the best you can afford.  My personal favorite is Trader Joe's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil.  It's cold-pressed and filtered so it has that heavenly coconut smell and taste.  It's also very reasonably priced at around $6 for 16 ounces (depending on where you live).   If you end up using a lot of it, you may want to invest in gallon-sized containers available at Wilderness Family Naturals and Tropical Traditions, both of which are also available on Amazon along with many other brands.

Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter

One of the quickest and easiest recipes to make is Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter. 

You'll need:

• 1 cup coconut oil
• a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance (optional)

Place the coconut oil and optional essential oil into a mixing bowl.  Using an electric mixer, mix on high speed (using a wire whisk attachment if you have one) for 6-7 minutes until light and fluffy.  Spoon into one or more small jars and cover tightly.  May be stored at room temperature unless you live in a hot climate and your house is warm (coconut oil melts at about 76 F).  Decorate the jars with ribbon or twine, small scraps of fabric, or your own homemade labels to give as gifts.  Who doesn't love getting homemade gifts, especially an amazing moisturizer like this?