How? By using coconut oil. There are some very good reasons coconut oil is so popular. Consider this succinct and exciting information on the benefits of coconut oil (found on a favorite site, Wellness Mama, www.wellnessmama.com):

Coconut oil nourishes hair. Its unique fat composition makes it especially beneficial for hair. Use it as a hair mask, hot oil treatment, or in homemade hair products; it strengthens and adds shine. Here’s how to make your own whipped coconut oil hair mask:

Melt ½ cup coconut oil in a metal bowl over some hot water (never melt coconut oil in the microwave; this kills beneficial components). Add 2 tablespoons of olive or jojoba oil to the semi-melted coconut oil. Whisk this until it’s well combined and fully melted.

Place the combined oils in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Let it set so it’s hard on the top but still liquid underneath.

Using a hand-mixer, whisk on low for two minutes until it has the consistency shown in the photo. Then spoon it into a jar with a lid. This should be enough for 2-5 masks depending on how much hair you have.

When ready to use, just work it well into just-washed hair; let it sit for 10 minutes then thoroughly rinse it out.

It moisturizes and nourishes skin. The same properties that make it good for hair make it great for skin as well. Many people like to use it as a natural moisturizer. Its natural antioxidant properties make it great for stopping wrinkles and skin irritation. And it’s one of the very few oils that’s actually absorbed into the skin, nourishing the subcutaneous layers; most oils just sit on top of the skin.

It aids digestion. Coconut oil’s concentration of beneficial fats in coconut oil makes it helpful for digestion. Its antimicrobial properties help fight the irritation and infection in the gut caused by Candida.

Coconut oil is a super source of healthy fats. Over 50% of the fat in coconut oil is lauric acid. In fact, coconut oil is the richest source of lauric acid after breast milk.

It provides a mental boost. This is because it contains high amounts of MCTs, which contribute to focus and mental performance. Bottom line: coconut oil supports the brain’s mitochondria.

Coconut oil provides excellent hormonal support. Injesting the wrong kinds of fats (trans-fats, for instance) creates havoc on hormones. Coconut oil contains specific fats that support the body’s natural hormone production.

It supports the immune system. The MCTs (including lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid) have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties that make it beneficial for immune support.

Coconut oil is a great fat for cooking. It’s a stable oil that doesn’t break down easily at high temperatures like other oils do (vegetable or canola oil, for instance). It very rarely goes rancid (research shows a quality oil will stay fresh up to 2 years). And on top of this, it has amazing nutritional properties. It’s great for cooking eggs and stir fries and is wonderful in baked goods, for instance.

It’s a god-send for pets. It helps their digestion, improves their coats, helps prevent infection and more. The beneficial fats in coconut oil are a great way to make sure your pet (cat or dog) gets enough saturated fat in his or her diet.

Now you may have already known all this. I’ve talked about it in the past. But did you also know that coconut oil is beneficial for oral care? You access its benefits through a practice called oil pulling.

People have been doing this for centuries. All oils have an affinity for toxins. So, this habit is a great purifying practice that you can do every day. Just keep a container of coconut oil and wintergreen or peppermint essential oil in your bathroom.

This easy process kills harmful microorganisms in the mouth and teeth, alkalizes the mouth, can whiten teeth, and may even turn around an oral or dental infection. Many use it to resolve headaches, as well. Many wholistic dentists even recommend it for re-mineralizing bone in the teeth.

All you need to do is add 2 drops of your essential oil to a LARGE spoonful of coconut oil. Place this in your mouth (it will liquefy quickly if it’s solid) and vigorously swish it around in your mouth. Suck it back and forth between your teeth also. Do this for between 15 and 20 minutes, if possible. If you don’t like the taste of coconut oil, you can also use sunflower or sesame oil.

But whatever oil you use, be sure not to swallow it, as it’s becoming full of toxins. When finished spit it out into a plastic baggie and place it in your trash. (It’ll harden and clog your drain, so never spit it into the sink.) Here’s a video you can watch that further explains and demonstrates oil pulling:

So why not use more coconut oil this year and enjoy its many benefits? It’s an easier and very pleasant way to get healthier!