10 Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil (Slideshow)

Coconut oil is the perfect way to add some much-needed shine to your hair. Apply liberally to hands and use as a mask to remove frizz and add a lustrous shine. Rinse, remove, and enjoy your lustrous locks.

Add some coconut oil to your daily face (or body) cleansing routine and exfoliate regularly. Not only will the oil hydrate your skin, but it will provide a noticeably soft finish, too.

Forget the expensive creams and in-office treatments. Apply a pea-sized amount of coconut oil under each eye, and watch as dark circles diminish and wrinkles fade. Make sure not to get the oil in your eyes, as it can cause blurry vision!

Mix a tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds with coconut oil into a smoothie for a guaranteed energy booster. Throw in some strawberries or banana and you're in for a real treat. 

Superior to olive or vegetable oils, coconut oil acts as the most efficient heat-tolerant oil choice when cooking at high temperatures. Next time you're pan-frying vegetables, substitute coconut oil in place of the accustomed olive or vegetable oil for a flavorsome surprise. 

Add a small amount of blended coconut oil to a cup of tea to protect your immune system or recover from that winter flu. High in vitamin E and an assortment of critical antioxidants, this oil is the perfect seasonal additive to warm that sore throat or get rid of the sniffles.

A tablespoon of coconut oil before each meal can improve digestion and has been suggested to aid in weight loss. Unlike other fats, those from coconut oil are sent directly to the liver and processed as energy. Therefore, the fat in coconut oil isn't stored, but used to produce an immediate energy boost. 

According to recent studies, coconut oil can be used to improve cognitive function and aid in reversing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, in early stages.

If you're trying to start the new year off right, get rid of the butter. Substitute coconut oil for a powerful antioxidant kick and the secret ingredient for perfect gooey cookies, or the seamless flaky pie crust. Lastly, coconut oil is known to make an incredibly fluffy and flavorful frosting. The kicker? It's a vegan ingredient and unbelievably delicious. 

Imagine onions that linger with sweet notes of syrupy goodness. Or sweet potatoes that are candied and perfectly textured. Coconut oil is now being used by modern-day chefs to sauté mundane vegetables and bake starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, adding that extra oomph while providing a nutritional powerhouse to ordinary side dishes.