Whilst it is difficult to prove popular legend will tell you that coconuts kill more people each year than shark attacks, although if we’re honest it’s probably a more preferable fate than falling victim to a razor-toothed aquatic predator.

Despite that bad rap we are becoming more aware of the tangible health benefits of our husky friends, with experts the world over heralding the simple coconut as a powerful tool for inside and outside beauty. Below is a selection of beauty tips taken from BT.com:

To make your hair shiny

Use it as a pre-shampoo conditioner and massage through your hair. Leave it for about 40 minutes before stepping into the shower.

As a make-up remover

Not only does it take your make up off really efficiently, the coconut oil is really good for your eye area.

As a body scrub

Mix equal parts of coconut oil and sugar. It sounds kind of tasty too.

To moisturise

It works well as a lip balm, and for the rest of your body you can add in some essential oils for a nice smell. It’s high in vitamin E which is essential for healthy skin, some people say it has anti-ageing properties too.

Now I’ve heard those above uses bandied around before but here’s a couple you probably haven’t thought of:

To use as a deodorant

Coconut oil is rich in natural antibacterial properties so you can actually make your own deodorant if you don’t want to use shop-bought ones made with chemicals.

To whiten your teeth

Known as ‘oil pulling’, essentially using coconut oil as a mouthwash. It’s apparently quite effective. Although 20 minutes sounds like a long time!

Heck we could all use some assistance in the pearly whites department, but I wouldn’t have thought of a good coconut rinse and brush.

Of course the above tips are over and above the tangible health benefits of ingesting some coconut goodness, which is part of the reason it has come to be known as a superfood. The humble coconut has been credited with helping people burn more fat, killing harmful bacteria that cause infections and lowering the risk of heart attacks.

If cracking open a coconut isn’t really your vibe you can still enjoy all those health perks in the form of a a tasty drink, one that we tend to guzzle around these parts when the Monday morning sniffles and runny nose threaten to ruin the week. It’s Cocofina time, no one likes the person who spreads their flu like the plague.

Click here to see the rest of the tips.

[sources:bt&authoritynutrition]