coconut oil...fit for a queen

Coconut oil. It just keeps popping up everywhere (including in my recipes!). But why should we use it? How should we use it? What should we look for when buying it? I asked Teisha Lowry, the brains and natural beauty behind INDAH organic extra virgin coconut oil, to explain. 

Launching INDAH Beautiful Organics back in 2008, Teisha was on to the benefits of coconut oil before it became cool. Her Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is my personal favourite. It's certified organic, hand-pressed and it has THE BEST flavour of all the oils I have tried. I add it to my raw treats, roast vegetables in it, eat a spoonful (or two) for instant energy and, after speaking with Teisha, I've started dabbing some around my eyes at night - it's way better than my expensive eye cream!  

You can't help but notice that Teisha is the picture of health. Her skin is incredible (she uses coconut oil on it daily!). But it's her inner beauty, caring nature and incredible business savvy that has made her one of the women that I look up to. After a successful career as a model, she's now a C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach and the founder of www.queencoco.com, where you'll find tips on organic living, vibrant detox programs, books and a healthy living blog. She has also just opened the doors to a Holistic Health & Wellbeing centre in Brighton with her fianc� Darren Cox (the founder of Total Reformation), which offers specialised health building programs, Metabolic Typing, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and Primal Pattern / Functional Training. (I visited the studio on the weekend for a session - more on this soon!).

I often get asked about coconut oil, and I had a few questions about the stuff myself. So I asked Teisha to give us a run down on its benefits, how it's made and how we can use it!

What inspired you to start INDAH Beautiful Organics? 

I wanted to create a beauty brand that works harmoniously with humanity and our environment - to create honest products with the best constitution of pure ingredients. I only use organic ingredients where possible and nourishing ingredients such as virgin coconut oil, herbs, spices, fruits and flowers. The brand is not just about the products; it�s about enhancing the natural radiance of all mind-body types, through education and nurturing the truth in beauty. 

How is INDAH coconut oil made? 

Our Virgin Coconut Oil contains only the natural oil itself. ?It is derived from hand pressing the fresh coconut flesh to ensure vital proteins and enzymes are not lost. 

What health benefits does it provide? 

Coconut is the mother of all superfoods. It helps fight off the free radicals that are constantly attacking your cells. It contains a high level of important essential Saturated fats which produce energy not fat and has no effect on blood cholesterol � it actually helps fight heart disease. It�s the best all-round beauty oil because it softens and heals dry skin, removes dead skin cells and encourages new, healthier tissue. 

What makes INDAH coconut oil different from other brands? 

We source our wild coconuts from organic farms in the mountains of Bali. They are hand picked and only saving the best of the best. The coconut is then separated from the shell within one hour (this is why its called Virgin) and the flesh is grated by hand (No machinery). The coconut flesh is then squeezed by hand, through muslin cloth in purified water and using strong Balinese hands. From flesh to milk, it's fermented for 12 hours, then carefully collected by spoon and filtered through paper seven times and poured into hygienic (food grade) jars. 

I�ve noticed that cheaper brands of coconut oil often have a slightly yellow-ish colour. Why is that? 

Always do your research when looking for good quality oils, particularly your vegetable cooking oils. Find out where the oil is harvested and how it is processed, it is vitally important for you and your family's health, as you are cooking with it daily. Food manufacturers like to disclose this information.You get what you pay for. If you are using coconut oil and covering your skin in lotions, perfumes and deodorants daily then you need to invest in a premium grade - certified organic products, especially if you�re ingesting Coconut Oil straight and applying directly to the skin. In most cases, the cheaper it is the less likely it has retained any nutritional benefits; it will go rancid and live as a free-radical inside your body attacking the cells in your blood stream which leads and fastens the ageing process.

What are your favourite ways to use INDAH coconut oil? 

1)    Daily ritual � I take up to three tablespoons daily for internal health and wellbeing, it gives me pure energy especially before a workout. (But that is just for me and my requirements). 

2)    Body moisturiser � The best skin drink! It softens dry skin whilst healing it at a cellular level, at the same time removing dead skin cells and encouraging new, healthier tissue � without feeling greasy, it sinks right in.? 

3)    Lip Balm � dry or chapped lips can occur from when the body isn�t supplying the oil protection it needs, lips can suffer from dehydration or cold weather conditions.? 

4)    Make-up remover � my personal favorite remedy. Only oil can break through oil, so I smother it over my face and let it soak in for about 15 minutes and then wash off. Perfect for when you have a face full of makeup (models � take note).? 

5)    Hair treatment � it is seriously THE BEST hair treatment. I guarantee you won�t need to spend $50 on a bottle of Moroccan oil ever again. I smother my hair and scalp in this overnight, wash out in the morning and voila, soft shiny hair without the residue.

What are your plans for INDAH in the future? 

We are excited to be launching a few new organic products to the collection this year. We will continue to collaborate with retailers and brands that share similar values that carry our message in the most positive way and we hope to sustain our success for years and years to come. 

Where can we buy INDAH products? 

www.indah.com.au and the best spas, retreats, health foods stores and boutiques in your state. 

Where can we find you? 

www.indah.com.au 

facebook and instagram @indahorganics 

www.queencoco.com 

facebook and instagram @queencocodotcom 

www.totalreformation.com 

facebook @totalreformationhealthandwellbeing 

instagram @totalreformation

A big thank you to Teisha for sharing her knowledge and tips!