Coconut oil—it's the latest buzzword (or buzzwords) in the health industry of late, with professional health practitioners and real food freaks alike extolling its many benefits. Once looked down upon for its high saturated fat content, the oil is now back in the spotlight due to its unique blend of fatty acids, including lauric and myristic acids—said to possess amazing health properties. 

So what are some uses and benefits of coconut oil?

• It's actually great for silky tresses when applied topically—it reduces protein loss and imparts a glossy shine to your hair.
• It's also a great moisturizer for your skin, nails and even lips, and can be used to treat skin problems like psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis (do consult your doctor first, though). 
• It's said to aid in weight loss (no kidding). Apparently, the medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil have been shown to ramp up energy expenditure by almost 5%. 
• While it's high in saturated fats (and reseachers can't seem to make up their mind on whether such fats are good for you), it can be a healthy alternative to other cooking oils due to its high smoke point.
• And it's a delish ingredient that you can add to granola, baked goods, and even popcorn (!).
• Plus, the lauric acid in coconut oil improves cholesterol levels by raising good HDL cholesterol. 
• Other erm, interesting suggestions include using coconut oil as deodorant, diaper salve, lubricant and even nipple cream...(see here for list). 

Wow, I'm sold. Where can I get coconut oil in Singapore? 

• CocoNurture is a dedicated site for all things coconut oil—a bottle of organic ultra light virgin coconut oil costs $17.80 (375ml). You'll also find products like coconut massage oil, mosquito repellent formulated with coconut oil, coconut shampoo...you get the idea.
• Most organic stores, such as SuperNature, also stock coconut oil from brands like Pukka ($47.50 for a 300g tub). 
• GNC carries a few brands of coconut oil. Or, trawl the many numerous shelves in Mustafa Centre, and you just might stumble upon some. 
• Alternatively, you can ship coconut oil from brands like Nutiva and Now Foods (around $10.53 upwards) via iHerb.