Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been a topic of heated debate across the board. Some experts like Dr. Oz swear by its superpower properties, but others like Dr. Weil feel that the research isn't ready to make these claims. Part of the reason that sales of coconut oil are booming is because of the vegan community. For people who don't partake in animal products of any kind, coconut oil is a great substitute for traditional butter. If you're curious about the benefits beyond a delicious dairy-free dessert, here are three surprising facts.

1. It treats skin conditions: Instead of relying on heavily medicated creams, coconut oil can do wonders for dry and irritated skin. Regular use on the skin can greatly improve pesky symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Most recently, lauric acid, one of the saturated fats in coconut oil, has been shown to even fight off fungal infections.
2. It raises HDL: Coconut oil got a bad rap over the years, but studies were performed on partially hydrogenated coconut oil, rather than raw, virgin coconut oil. While many hydrogenated saturated fats raise bad cholesterol levels, coconut oil raises good cholesterol. As long as you buy virgin coconut oil, you'll be able to reap this healthy benefit.

Keep reading for one more reason to smile about coconut oil.

Olive oil has a reputation for being one of the healthiest oils to eat and cook with, but recently, coconut oil is gaining the same support within the health community. With each having their own benefits in the kitchen, here's a guide on deciding which oil is best for your healthy cooking needs.

When compared nutritionally, both coconut and olive oil contain 120 calories and 14 grams of fat per one-tablespoon serving; the significant difference being that coconut oil contains more saturated fat, primarily lauric acid. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting daily fat intake to 25 to 35 percent of total calories consumed, and saturated fat to less than seven percent. If you're going to eat saturated fat (especially if you have a history of heart issues or high cholesterol), limit your intake, and choose sources like dairy products or meat that also offer protein, calcium, and iron.

Wait a second — what about all the claims that coconut oil can cure obesity, cancer, and thyroid disease, lower your cholesterol, and boost your immune system? That's just it, these amazing health benefits are just claims. Presently, there have been no large studies to support the benefits associated with using coconut oil in meals, and the health and medical communities remain divided. Until more evidence comes out, you may want to wait before cooking everything with coconut oil (but because of its higher smoke point, it might work well in certain instances). When possible, choose a bottle of heart-healthy olive oil. The main type of fat found in all types of olive oil is monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which offer proven health benefits including lowering cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease.

If you're vegan, coconut oil does make a great substitution for butter since it gives baked goods that same flaky, rich consistency and taste. But since it contains slightly more calories (20 more per tablespoon), it doesn't exactly give you the go-ahead to devour an entire plate of just-baked vegan cookies.

Source: Flickr User Veganbaking.net

Every day we're scouring the web for the top beauty tips, and Twitter is just brimming with them. Take a recent tidbit from celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder, who is known to her holistic approach to beauty. When asked by a follower her recommendation for a natural body lotion choice, Snyder replied, "Try coconut oil! Use a bit at a time to let it absorb." Great advice; not only does coconut oil hydrate the skin, but it contains antioxidants to block out free radicals, and it also has lauric acid, a natural antimicrobial. There's nothing nuts about that.

Thanks to the wonderfully warm weather we've been having as of late, I have coconut on the mind. The sweet and creamy scent, which conjures up thoughts of lounging at the beach with piña colada in hand, can be found in products ranging from lip balms to shampoos. So, in spirit of this gorgeous season, I've gathered together a few coconut-scented goods. Are you cuckoo for coconut, too?

More Ulta...