17 Reasons Why Coconut Oil is a Necessary Travel Companion

By Maria Russo

For the past several months I’ve had a love affair with coconut oil. It’s bailed me out of mood swings, moisturized itchy skin, warded off colds and has come up clutch as a deodorant when my usual stash runs out. But this love affair is never quite as strong as it is when I travel.

This greasy goop of the goddesses has so many practical uses that it can virtually eliminate most of the toiletries one needs to take when traveling. Ideal Home Garden created this infographic, which illustrates just 17 of its uses that will be helpful to any on-the-go traveler.

Due to its makeup of  small to medium chained saturated fats called medium chain triglycerides or MCT’s, coconut oil also helps to balance hormones, stabilize blood sugar levels, boost the cellular healing process and is rich in lauric acid, which is converted in our body to monolaurin which contains extraordinarily powerful antibiotic, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. It is also known to stimulate the thyroid and reduce stress on the liver and pancreas.  This increases metabolism and helps us burn fat more effectively. Additionally, coconut oil increases our energy levels due to its very clean and easy digestive process (Bioidentical Hormone Health).

All of these benefits can be helpful while traveling, which sometimes weakens our immunity due to stress, jet lag, prolonged sun exposure and lack of sleep. You can add coconut oil to smoothies, fresh pressed juices and tea; spread it on toast with jam; or if you’re staying somewhere that provides a stove, you can use the oil to cook an array of foods from veggies to rice.

 

 

ABOUT THE WRITER

Maria is the Co-Founder & Editor of The Culture-ist. She has worked in print and broadcast media at companies such as: MTV Networks, Harper’s Bazaar, Warner Bros. and WOR News Talk Radio. Her work has appeared on National Geographic, BBC America, The Huffington Post, People, Stylelist and AFAR among others. Maria is a philanthropy buff and avid traveler who loves natural wonders, cultural food experiences and finding the remaining places on earth left undisturbed. Follow Maria on Twitter @MariaCultureist