Coconut oil a must-have beauty essential for your kitchen!

We all know by now that fat is no longer the enemy – in fact, sugar is, but we’ll get into that another time.
Despite their poor reputation in the nutrition world, healthy fats like coconut oil can actually be your beauty best friends.
This ingredient should not only occupy a front row seat in your beauty cabinet, but this magical oil should also be a must-have ingredient in your pantry.
Coconut oil has a delightful nutty aroma and makes any recipe creamier, but it also happens to boast countless health benefits, especially glowing skin.

What are coconut oil’s health benefits?
Scientific research on coconut oil has proven its numerous health benefits for your entire body, inside and out.
This versatile oil is packed with healthy fatty acids, including saturated fat. Contrary to popular belief, saturated fats can be health allies. The fatty acids present in coconut oil, such as capric acid and lauric acid, boost the metabolism, increase levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL), lower the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and consequently improve your heart health. These fatty acids can also help to improve digestion.

Coconut oil also contains fiber, vitamins and minerals that will replenish your skin and hair from the inside out.

In addition, lauric acid also helps your body kill bacteria, fungi and viruses and fight infections. Coconut oil also contains fiber, vitamins and minerals that will replenish your skin and hair from the inside out, all added bonuses to this secret ingredient that adds an exquisite taste and texture to any meal. Last but not least, coconut oil can also help burn fat by increasing your energy expenditure. Isn’t it amazing to think that eating oil can actually promote weight loss?

Which coconut oil should I buy?
Look for organic extra-virgin coconut oil, either refined or unrefined. Raw and unrefined coconut oil has a more pronounced coconut flavor and contains more nutrients while the refined version is ideal for recipes where you prefer a more subtle hint of coconut.

It is one of the most stable oils with one of the highest smoke points, making it your ideal cooking ingredient.

How should I use coconut oil in my kitchen?
It can be used raw or cooked. Because of its saturated fat content, it is the closest vegetable oil to butter in that it stays solid when cold, softens at room temperature and liquefies when heated – its melting point is approximately 76 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). For many recipes, it is best to melt coconut oil that is in solid form for measuring purposes. It is one of the most stable oils with one of the highest smoke points, making it your ideal cooking ingredient. It can withstand temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you avoid the oxidative side effects associated with various other oils (including olive oil!) when heated. You can pretty much use it for any culinary preparation: from spreading it on your morning toast to adding it to your favorite smoothies, soups, creams, dressings and sauces for extra creaminess, vitamins and goodness. You can use it in any dish as a perfectly light and delightful alternative to butter or oil in vegan and dairy free baking, roasting, sautéeing and stir-frying. It’s perfect for oven-baked veggie chips, or a healthy and delicious topping for popcorn. The possibilities are endless so just let your imagination play with this versatile and healthy oil !

You want to try some new recipes with coconut oil?
Here is a summer menu I put together using coconut oil. It is light (and vegan and gluten free to boot) yet delicious and so easy and fun to prepare.
Enjoy and share with your family and friends, bien sûr!
Find the recipes in the BWB recipe section!