Coconut oil in its virgin state is a highly saturated fat, which has given it a bad reputation by nutritionists and doctors. However, there are a few significant differences to other saturated fats. As a medium chain fatty acid, it is processed through the liver as an immediate source of energy. It is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal and provides protection for the heart, brain and immune system. Highly nutritive, it is one of the few foods that contains lauric acid (like mothers milk). BUT… It is important to note that coconut oil is a “drying” oil. Use it topically as a wonderful night oil for acne (it helps to kill surface bacteria and dry up and heal acne lesions), to help recover from infections, as an oil-pulling oil in the mouth (removes harmful bacteria), or as a lovely oil to put on the hair before blow-drying (it leaves the hair shiny without making it greasy). However, don’t rely on pure coconut oil as a skin moisturizer, hair conditioner or as toothpaste. It doesn’t hold moisture in the skin and hair (actually the opposite), or strengthen the teeth. After oil pulling make sure you brush with a demineralizing toothpaste to remove the coconut oil that is coating your teeth.

Karen Van Dyck, www.naturesfirstbeautybar.com