Uses of Coconut Oil

There are many benefits of coconut oil, both in cooking and foods, as well as in medicinal and beauty usage. One of the most significant constituents of coconut oil is a saturated fat called lauric acid. This acid increases good cholesterol in the blood to help improve the ratio of good cholesterol/bad cholesterol levels. Lauric acid is also a type of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) that when broken down helps in efficiently burning energy and further helps to keep your weight balanced.

Cooking: Coconut oil can be used as a replacement for butter. Since it has a high heat point, many people use it to cook foods like stir-fry or in baking. In fact, any time a recipe calls for vegetable oils or butter, substitute coconut oil into those recipes for a healthier, tastier alternative. Coat your pan to fry some eggs, use it as a popcorn topping, add it as a natural sweetener for drinks. You can even make your own healthy salad dressing.

Natural Energy: Because of its MCT’s, this oil is a great natural energy supplement. Instead of your daily coffee or caffeinated drink, try eating a delicious spoonful of coconut oil each morning to increase your energy without side effects or nasty comedowns. Take two tablespoons a day and it’s proven to boost your metabolism.

Skin Care: Coconut oil can be used in a variety of skin care alternatives. For healthier skin you can use it as a body moisturizer after you step out of the shower or a facial moisturizer after you’ve washed your face. You can also combine coconut oil with natural crystal salt and use it as a facial scrub and makeup remover. Coconut oil can also be used as a great tanning oil and care for sunburns. The healing properties of the oil moisturize and help to rebuild damaged skin.

Mother’s Best Friend: Before, during and after pregnancy, coconut oil has many uses for baby and mother. Help prevent any stretch marks by applying the oil multiple times each day on your stretching skin. Nursing mothers use it as a nipple cream during breastfeeding as it is a safe and natural moisturizer. The oil can also soothe a baby as a diaper rash cream.

Hair Care: If you’re looking for a solution to those flyaways or split ends, put a tiny amount of coconut oil in your hands and run them through those frizzy areas. You can also use it as a leave-in overnight conditioner by rubbing the oil into the ends of your hair, combing through it, and putting it in a loose bun. Then in the morning, just wash any excess out of your hair. Your hair will grow healthier and stronger with this deep conditioning treatment.

Aromatherapy: If you’re not into eating coconut raw, using the aroma of the oil helps ease stress and can make relaxation at the end of the day all that easier. For extra comfort and relief, melt about a ¼ cup in the microwave and mix it into your bath water for a soothing soak.

General Health: Those who consume coconut oil regularly have increased health and energy. Studies have shown that coconut oil supports healthy thyroid function and lessens the time spent recovering from any sicknesses or virus infection because it contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Coconut oil can be used as a 10-minute mouthwash to kill bacteria that cause throat infections, gum disease and cavities. By combining coconut oil with baking soda and stevia sweeteners, you can use it to make homemade toothpaste.