I used to think coconut oil was absolutely horrendous and I'm sure I am not the only one. The mysterious glass jar of waxy substance wasn't very appealing to my young eyes. I had been told multiple times how good it was for me and that I should use it but I never knew how to truly utilize it. Here are some fantastic ways to use coconut oil for health and beauty:

1. Weight Loss

Never in a million years, would I have thought that coconut oil could slim me down. I mean, after all it is an oil? Coconut oil is made of short and medium-chain fatty acids which makes it easy to digest. Some ways you can incorporate it into your diet are by simply cooking your proteins or veggies with coconut oil instead of olive oil or throwing a spoon full of it into the next smoothie you make. Over time, these little changes will make a BIG difference!

2. Skin/Hair Moisturizer

This is probably the most common way that coconut oil can be used. It is a miracle worker when you rub a little bit on your skin after getting out of the shower. It also makes wrinkles less apparent. Coconut oil is abundant in capric acid and lauric acid which help to fight infections as well as Vitamin E which clears blockage and keeps skin healthy. Also, since coconut oil is an organic anti-inflammatory, use it as a daily facial moisturizer and watch as any acne slowly clears up. You can also use the coconut oil as a deep conditioner for your hair. After the shower, simply spread a small amount throughout your hair, brush and then pull your hair up into a bun. In the morning, just wash it out with shampoo and conditioner and see your lovely locks shine!

3. Dental/Bone Care

Coconut oil aids helps with the body's mineral absorption. By simply adding it to your diet you are doing much more than just eating it. With your body having increased mineral absorption abilities, more important minerals such as calcium or magnesium can be absorbed through your diet and your bones will receive plentiful amounts of what they need to stay strong and mighty! Because your teeth will be receiving what it needs, this will also aid in stopping/delaying tooth decay and plaque build up on those pearly whites!

4. Makeup Remover

Have you tried numerous amounts of products to get your water-proof mascara and eyeliner off and have had trouble finding the best one? Stop here. Coconut oil is light enough and strong enough to break down that pesky mascara (any makeup actually) and will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. Use a tissue or a wash cloth, smear a little bit of coconut oil on it and go to town. Next thing you know, your natural and beautiful skin will be glowing!

5. Immunity

As I mentioned before, coconut oil is extremely abundant in capric and lauric acids in addition to many anti-microbial lipids. These withhold anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, making it a major booster for that immune system of yours! Just add it in to your daily diet and watch as your body self-improves.

6. Makeup Highlighter

Coconut oil gives the skin a natural glow. Use it with or without makeup. If you choose to use without makeup, just apply small amounts to the cheekbones! If you choose to wear makeup, just apply a small amount on the cheekbones after you have applied your makeup for the day. This is a easy way to get that nice glow!

7. Healing Infections

Because of coconut oils' anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, it's great to use to fight infections in the body. Just take two to three tablespoons a day to keep the doc away!

8. Sunscreen

Little did we know that coconut oil has a natural 4 SPF. Had I known that earlier, I would have used it a long, long time ago. So, go get some rays with this coconutty goodness!

9. Sun Tan Oil

So a lot of you were probably thinking, "If coconut oil can be used as sunscreen, wouldn't that double into tanning oil?" Well, it does!!! Because of the natural 4 SPF, it is safe to spread it over your body while at the beach or by the pool!

10. Hair Growth

Coconut oil is abundant in many properties that keep your hair in tip-top shape. Vitamin K, Vitamin E and iron are some of the many things your hair needs that coconut oil can provide you with. Your hair will absorb the nutrients, as well as receiving protection of its' proteins and the holding in of moisture all with a simple process. Just heat some coconut oil in a pot, wait till it cools off, massage through dry hair until it is completely covered and then let it sit for the time that you desire! When you're ready, wash it out with your normal routine and voila! You'll be ready to flaunt your locks in no time.