Coconut oil is a healthy alternative to many of the other cooking oils available today. It is an all-natural oil, which means NO artificial trans fats. It has risen in popularity over the past few years, as the public becomes more aware of the dangers that artificial fats pose to the integrity of your cellular walls. Also, recipes developed for things like the Paleo Diet, Low-Glycemic Diet, and South Beach Diet have often included coconut oil as an alternative source of beneficial fats.

If you want to switch from vegetable oil to coconut oil, simply use the same amount. Its easy! Unlike other good fats, such as olive oil and grape seed oil, coconut oil is solid at room temperature. This means you can use it in place of butter/lard/Crisco to grease pans and make pie crusts. But that's not all, coconut oil is also ideal for a number of surprising uses!

Moisturizer - Use about half the amount that you would of your normal lotion, and it is safe for use all over your body. It is especially ideal for use on dry elbows, heels, and knuckles. It can also be used over areas of skin irritation, such as rash or sunburn.

Eye Cream - Just a tiny amount applied under the eyes may help reduce puffiness, baga, and wrinkles. Evening application is best.

Preshave/Aftershave - Again, coconut oil makes an excellent moisturizer, and it doesn’t clog pores like many other aftershave treatments.

Conditioner - About a teaspoon of oil is all you need. You can choose to use it like your daily conditioner, or leave it in longer as an occasional deep-treatment.

Hair De-frizz - Just a tiny amount rubbed between your palms and then applied all over your hair wil help calm frizz and make your hair look sleek and smooth.

Face Cleanser - One of my personal favorites, combine it with warm water and a drop or two of tea tree oil. You can also soak cotton rounds in it, and store them for daily use. The tea tree oil will help to kill any bacteria on your face while the coconut oil leaves your skin moisturized and incredibly soft.

Chapstick - A tiny bit rubbed into your lips not only softens, but also protects your lips from sun damage with an estimated SPF of 4.

Diaper Salve - No harsh chemicals means its safe and soothing for your baby. Plus it can be used with cloth or disposable diapers.

Cradle Cap - Rub 1 teaspoon onto your baby’s head every day for natural moisture with no artificial additives. You can massage it in with a wash cloth or comb through it with a cradle cap comb to help remove the dead skin.

Healing Cream - When applied to cuts and scrapes, the coconut oil helps to seal out bacteria. Clean the wound well first, or add a drop of tea tree oil to your coconut oil before application. This is also very useful for nasty acne spots and for bug bites.

Body/Lip Scrub - Combine coconut oil with brown sugar in equal parts for a sweet, natural body scrub. Rinse clean after use, but notice how the moisture of the coconut oil remains, keeping your skin soft. Because both of these ingredients are safe, natural, and edible, try a dab of this body scrub on your lips to soften and smooth roughness. You’ll love it!