Coconut oil, also referred to as a “Superfood”, has a range of different applications, both culinary and cosmetic. Coconut oil is super easy to use, whether it is in its white waxy like solid or a clear liquid form. With a melting point at approximately 24° C (76° F), coconut oil can be kept in the refrigerator if you prefer to use it as a more solid product; especially necessary in countries with warmer climate. Coconut oil contains Vitamin E and is high in MCT’s (medium-chain triglycerides – which may encourage and increase the body’s fat burning ability). Lauric acid makes up to 50% of the fatty acids contained in coconut oil and may have antimicrobial and antifungal effects on the digestive system. Some researches have shown that coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties may help wound healing faster. Coconut oil can be a heart-healthy food that can promote your body to keep running smoothly and efficiently in a number of ways.
Uses for coconut oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer with antioxidant properties that nourishes and promotes healthy skin, providing many uses for your daily cosmetic routine, works great as a nurturing massage oil or for tanning with its approximate SPF8. 
The unique combination of fatty acids (MCT’s) in coconut oil may have positive effects on your overall health, such as boosting fat loss, heart health, brain function (especially for dementia patients) and can even be used to help reduce the risk of seizures in children. But 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 maintaining a good breath. You can use it to make a simple and effective home-made toothpaste or deodorant or even as a shaving lotion.
Replace your usual cooking oil with coconut oil as a much healthier alternative. Due to its high smoke point, it can even replace the butter on your toast! Add it into coffee for a high energy start of the day or simply as a part of your salad dressing.
The applications and advantages of coconut oil are endless and can go as far as your imagination will allow. It can also be an ideal supplement for your pet! Your furry friend will surely appreciate the benefits for their hair, teeth, oral health and digestive system. For them coconut oil is a natural energy source, whilst promoting a shiny coat and reducing hairballs.
Overall, studies suggest that including coconut oil as part of your daily routine in care for skin, hair and teeth, as well as its culinary advantages, may have numerous benefits to your health and feeling of well-being.
Benefits of coconut oil on hair
For healthy, luscious hair with a definite “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 of coconut oil onto the hairs ends or use it as a mask overnight for a more intense treatment. Coconut oil is also be a great protection against sun and environmental damage; studies show a protection of 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 can help to protect the hair from damage during the washing process. Regular use of coconut oil, may have other benefits such as prevention of hair loss, lice prevention, and dandruff treatment. At the start of using coconut oil, apply it in limited amounts, especially on fine hair, as using too much could cause a build-up of oil on your hair and scalp and make it greasy and dull. Adding coconut oil to your hair care routine can promote the hair to grow longer and healthier. In general, coconut oil can be very beneficial for the health and condition of your hair, if used with caution.
Benefits of coconut oil on skin everyday
Coconut oil is a wonderful versatile tool to promote and improve the skin’s health and appearance, and may even reduce the rapid ageing of the skin. The content of vitamin E – an antioxidant – in coconut oil helps to improve the moisture of dry skin and reduce the symptoms of eczema and a number of other skin disorders. Coconut oil has the ability to smoothly and gently remove make up and stubborn waterproof mascara. Combined with Himalayan salt, coconut oil does wonders as a perfect and gentle facial scrub. Moreover, coconut oil is a perfect lip balm and lip gloss, keeping your lips soft, smooth and moisturized.
Research has shown that coconut oil is ideally suited to give the skin what it needs to reduce inflammation, stop damage caused by free radicals, help prevent infections and increase collagen production, especially when used as a mask overnight. However, if your skin is quite oily, overnight treatment may not be appropriate.
Coconut Oil promoting Weight Loss
Good news for those seeking to lose weight! You will be pleased to know that the MCT’s 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 – MCT’s however appear to be especially effective at reducing belly fat over a period of time, compared to LCT’s (long-chain triglycerides). MCT’s are more easily absorbed than other types of lipids, which can aid people with certain gastrointestinal health concerns. The natural saturated fats in coconut oil increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels in your body. They may also help turn LDL (bad) cholesterol into a less harmful form.
It is recommended to consume coconut oil in limited amounts only, as it remains to be a fat and therefore it contains many calories! Since the MCT digests sugar in the body as quickly as compared to other fats, the energy expenditure is much greater.
Coconut Oil for Everyday Use
As you can see, including coconut oil as part of your daily routine can be beneficial in many ways to your general health and well-being. This oil is so versatile and it’s easy to discover different ways of application. Be sure to keep coconut oil readily available in your home as you will surely find a use for it every day!