Should every web-log begin with a life hack?

Well, if you agree, then you're on the right page :)

Whát is á life hack?

*A strategy or technique adopted in order to manage one's time and daily activities in a more efficient way. The term was primarily used by computer experts who suffer from information overload or those with a playful curiosity in the ways they can accelerate their workflow in ways other than programming. Examples of these types of life hacks might include utilities to synchronize files, track tasks, remind oneself of events, or filter e-mail.

Nowadays life hacking is implemented in our daily life. As this blog is dedicated to wellness, I will first of all share my all time favourite life hack:

 the coconut oil! 

It's incredibly popular — and for good reason.

It offers many health benefits, has a delicate taste, and is widely available.

It’s also an extremely versatile oil with a number of uses you may not be aware of...

1. Increase Your Metabolism

Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These are fatty acids that are quickly absorbed and can increase the number of calories you burn. 

2. Cook Safely at High Temperatures

Coconut oil has a very high saturated fat content. In fact, about 87% of its fat is saturated.

This feature makes it one of the best fats for high-heat cooking, including frying.

Saturated fats retain their structure when heated to high temperatures, unlike the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in vegetable oils. Oils such as corn and safflower are converted into toxic compounds when heated. These may have harmful effects on health.

Therefore, coconut oil is a safer alternative for cooking at high temperatures.

3. Clean| Moisturize| Protect Your Skin

Relieve Skin Irritation and Eczema

Research shows that coconut oil improves dermatitis and other skin disorders at least as well as mineral oil and other conventional moisturizers. It can be used as a gentle make-up remover but it also help repairs cracked heels. Simply apply a thin coat to your heels at bedtime, put on socks and continue on a nightly basis until your heels are smooth. Furthermore it makes an ideal natural lip balm. 

When applied on skin it may protect it from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which raise your risk of skin cancer and cause wrinkling and brown spots.

In fact, one study found that coconut oil blocks about 20% of the sun’s UV rays*

4. Remove Stains

Combine one part coconut oil with one part baking soda and mix into a paste. Apply to the stain, wait five minutes, and wipe away.

 5. Protect Your Hair From Damage

One study compared the effects of coconut-, mineral- and sunflower oil on hair.

Only coconut oil significantly reduced protein loss from hair when applied before or after shampooing. This result occurred with damaged as well as healthy hair. Researchers concluded that the unique structure of lauric acid — the main fatty acid in coconut oil — can penetrate the hair shaft in a way that most other fats can’t. 

Keep your hair healthy!

*However, keep in mind that it doesn’t provide the same protection as conventional sunscreen, which blocks about 90% of UV rays. Another study estimated that coconut oil has a sun protection factor (SPF) 7 -which is still lower than the minimum recommendation in some countries

However, in the recent years due to industrialization and need for convenience food, most of us have turned to packaged refined oil loaded with emulsifiers, additives and hydrogenated fat. Cooking oil is a quintessential part of dishes in every single meal. Here is a very simple way of making coconut oil at home.

Ingredients:

3 to 4 coconuts will give you 1 litre of coconut milk, from which 50 grams of oil can be extracted.

3-4 grated coconut

Method:

Extract the coconut milk by pressing it with hand using a muslin cloth, add little hot water that makes it easy to press out all the milk.

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Filter the coconut using a muslin cloth to remove any impurities.

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In a heavy bottom vessel pour the coconut milk and put it on fire. Cook for 2-3 hours on a low flame.

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Keep stirring until the milk turns to brownish colour, be cautious not to burn the coconut milk.

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As the milk thickens remove from fire and allow it cool down. Pour the thickened milk in a muslin cloth and squeeze out the pure oil and store it in a can or bottle.

Homemade coconut oil has a shelf life of one year, don’t leave it open as it may get spoiled and lose its nutrients.