"Coo Coo" for Coconut Oil!

Coconut Oil is one of life's simple treasures that almost seems too good to be true!

I began learning of the greatness of this staple from the helpful man who owns Mung Bean.  I visited his Health Food Store to inquire of a natural oil I could use on my hair that would keep it moisturized and shiny.  He spoke very highly of coconut oil; not only for hair but also for skin-care, and even to ingest for weight loss and other health benefits.  Long story short, I purchased it and I've been a fan ever since. 

Coconut oil is one of nature's best sources of nutrition for hair. It promotes healthy growth of hair. Regular massages of this oil on your scalp helps you remain dandruff-free and leaves hair shiny and manageable.  Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian sub-continent for hair care. There's an awesome product they use called Vatika Oil which is basically coconut oil infused with other Ayurveda goodness.  Coconut Oil  is an excellent conditioner, it provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair.


There are tons of benefits for using organic coconut oil.  Here are a few other applications for Coconut Oil that have made me HEART it even more:

• Skin Care: Coconut oil is an awesome massage oil for the skin as well. It acts as an effective moisturizer for especially dry skin (which is what I have) It also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis & eczema.
• Heart Disease:  "People who traditionally consume large quantities of coconut oil as part of their ordinary diet have a very low incidence of heart disease and have normal blood cholesterol levels. This has been well supported by numerous population studies. The research shows that those people who consume large quantities of coconut oil have remarkably good cardiovascular health."By Bruce Fife, N.D. 
• Weight Loss:  Coconut Oil helps in enhancing the healthy functioning of the thyroid &enzymes systems. It increases your body's metabolism by removing stress on the pancreas.  This helps you burn more energy and experience weight-loss.  Coconut oil can also assist with boosting energy and stamina.  When I first began ingesting a large teaspoon of this in the morning, I recall feeling a nervous jittery feeling.  I felt like I could've scaled a building!  =)  I decreased the amount I was taking and learned to add it to foods & smoothies to eliminate that jittery "Red Bull" feeling. 
• Digestion: Internal use of coconut oil occurs primarily as cooking oil.  (I use it to make my eggs over easy and asparagus for breakfast--yummo) Coconut oil may help with improving the digestive system and can prevent some digestion issues such as IBS. It is also said that Coconut oil can help with absorption of other nutrients such as minerals, amino acids and vitamins.

Avocado: Health & Beauty Benefits

I am having an amazing week of detox.  I have committed once again to eating only fruits and veges to give my metabolism a jump start before beginning the Transitions Lifestyle System.  By eating only fruits and veges I am providing my body with tons of great enzymes.  These enzymes help to break down food and this assists with better digestion and absorption of nutrients.

I decided to step out from the usual and explore some different ingredients to spice up my salad.  There is one ingredient that to my surprise, has satisfied my taste buds more than the rest.  I've eaten it in the past but wasn't crazy about it however  this week it has become my beloved, enzyme rich food of the week.  Can you guess what it is?  That's right!, The Avocado, also known as the "alligator pear" -YUMMO!  I'm loving it chopped up in my salad.  You should fall in love with it too (if you haven't already) because avocados have a trifecta factor!  Yep, you win threefold because it's great for your hair, skin and nutritionally it's the bomb! (Hey this blog IS about focusing on Beauty from the inside out isn't it?!)  =)

#1-  Avocados Have Amazing Health Benefits
The creamy rich avocado is considered the world's healthiest fruit, because of its nutrient contents. It is loaded with vitamin K, dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and copper.  Avocado is also a good source of potassium, (60% more potassium than bananas) a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. Adequate intake of potassium can help guard against circulatory diseases, like high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke.  Not only does the avocado have a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids including oleic acid that may help lower cholesterol, but it is also a very concentrated dietary source of the carotenoid lutein plus significant quantities of vitamin E.

Click Here for Recipe: Avocado & Black Bean Salad

#2 -Avocados Promote Healthy Skin!
Avocados contain a large doses of essential B vitamins, including niacin (vitamin B3) which has been proven to improve the appearance of skin. Its vitamin-rich pulp along with its essential oils make it a must for glowing skin.

Try This:  Avocado Facial Mask
Mash the meat of a ripe avocado into a creamy texture. Apply it thoroughly on face and leave for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Also, the inside of the avocado peel can be used as a fabulous humectant & oil-rich moisturizer. Rub it on your face or hands.  Avocado oil easily absorbs into deep tissue with its wonderful emollient properties, it is ideal for dry skin.  It may relieve dryness and itching of psoriasis, eczema and other skin ailments.

#3- Avocados for your Hair
Your hair will feel soft, manageable and shiny! --I was pleasantly surprised.

Try This:  Avocado Hair Conditioner
In a small bowl, mash and combine:
1 avocado (1/2 for shorter hair)
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
Apply to hair and allow for about 30 minutes then shampoo & condition as usual. Amazingly silky, shiny, soft hair!