Introduction to Coconut Oil
Also referred to as a “Superfood” with many different culinary and cosmetic uses, coconut oil is super easy to use, whether it’s in a white waxy like solid or a clear liquid form. With a melting point at approximately 24 °C (76 °F), you can keep it in the refrigerator if you would like to use it as a solid, especially necessary in hotter countries. Coconut oil contains Vitamin E and is high in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides – which may encourage and increase the body’s fat burning ability). Lauric Acid makes up to 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil and may have antimicrobial and antifungal effects on the digestive system and some research has shown that coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties may help wounds heal faster. Coconut oil can be a heart-healthy food that can help keep your body running smoothly and efficiently in a number of ways.
Coconut Oil Uses
A natural moisturizer with antioxidant properties that nourishes and promotes healthy skin, providing many uses for your daily cosmetic routine and even great as a massage oil or for tanning with its approximate SPF8.
The unique combination of fatty acids (MCTs) in coconut oil may have positive effects on your health, such as boosting fat loss, heart health, brain function (especially for dementia patients) and even being used to help reduce the risk of seizures in children. That’s not all…coconut oil may also benefit your teeth and general oral health with daily “oil pulling,” a process that involves swishing coconut oil in your mouth like a mouthwash, this may help to kill some of the harmful bacteria thus improving overall dental health and helping to reduce bad breath. Use it to make simple and effective home-made toothpaste and deodorants and even as a shaving lotion.
Replace your usual cooking oil with coconut oil for a much healthier alternative with a high smoke point, it can even replace the butter on your toast! Add it into coffee for a high energy start to the day or simply use as part of a salad dressing.
The uses and benefits for coconut oil are endless and can go as far as your imagination will allow and it’s even ideal to use on your pet! Your furry friend can also appreciate the benefits for their hair, teeth and oral health and digestive system. It’s a natural energy source for them, whilst promoting a shiny coat and reducing hairballs.
Overall, studies suggest that including coconut oil as part of your daily routine for skin, hair, teeth and also culinary usage may have many benefits to your health and wellbeing.
Coconut Oil for Hair
For healthy, luscious hair with the “wow” factor, regular use of coconut oil can be your answer for minor ailments such as static, frizz, flyaway, split ends and dryness and can drastically improve the general health and condition of your hair. Simply apply a small amount onto the ends or use as a mask overnight for a more intense treatment. It’s also great to use against sun and environmental damage, a study show protection from about 20% of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Coconut oils’ lauric acid is more easily absorbed deep into the hair shaft, especially before and after washing and has been shown to reduce protein loss and help to protect it from damage during the washing process. With regular use, other possible benefits can include prevention of hair loss, lice prevention, and dandruff treatment. Of course, it’s necessary to use coconut oil at the beginning in limited amounts, especially on fine hair as using too much could cause a build-up of oil on your hair and scalp and it could become greasy and dull. Using coconut oil in your hair care routine could help you grow longer, healthier hair.
Overall, coconut oil can be a great benefit to your hair health and condition when used with care.
Coconut Oil for Face
Coconut oil is a wonderful versatile tool to help improve the health, appearance and can possibly reduce the rapid ageing of the skin, with its vitamin E and antioxidant content helping to improve the moisture of dry skin and can reduce the symptoms of eczema, plus a number of other skin disorders. It smoothly and gently removes make up and stubborn waterproof mascara or combine it with Himalayan salt for a perfect and gentle facial scrub. It also works as a great lip balm or lip gloss, keeping lips soft, smooth and moisturized.
Research has found that coconut oil may be just what your skin needs for reducing inflammation, stopping the damage caused by free radicals, helping to prevent infections and increasing collagen production, especially when used as a mask overnight. If you have very oily skin, then an overnight treatment may not be suitable.
Coconut Oil for Losing Weight
For those looking to lose weight will be pleased to know that the MCTs found in coconut oil may help to reduce the appetite and encourage fat burning in the digestive system, whilst boosting the metabolism. Abdominal fat lodges in the abdominal cavity and around your organs. MCTs appear to be especially effective at reducing belly fat over a period of time, compared to LCTs (long-chain triglycerides). With its natural saturated fats that increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels in your body. They may also help turn LDL (bad) cholesterol into a less harmful form. MCTs are more easily absorbed than other types of lipids making it helpful for people with certain gastrointestinal health concerns.
Of course, only consume coconut oil in limited amounts as it is still a fat and very high in calories! With the MCTs digesting as fast as sugar in the body, compared to other fats, the energy usage is far greater.
Coconut Oil Every Day
As you can see, including coconut oil as part of your daily routine can be beneficial in many ways to your general health and wellbeing. It’s so versatile and it’s easy to discover different ways to use it. Be sure to keep it readily available in your home as you will find a use for it every day!
