Uses for the Greatest Superfood: Coconut Oil

Victoria Baldor, Junior Staff Writer|April 26, 2016

If you purchase coconut oil, look for labels that say "virgin" and make sure it's not hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated and contains no trans fats.

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If you purchase coconut oil, look for labels that say “virgin” and make sure it’s not hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated and contains no trans fats.

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the meat of coconuts and has various applications. It has been used for centuries and is proven to heal people physically with skin care, hair care, improving digestion and immunity against a host of infections and diseases. People are currently discovering the wonders that coconut oil provides and thus gaining popularity all over the world.

 

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Food Uses

Cooking at high heat– Coconut oil is  a fantastic cooking tool because of its high smoke point. Compared to others that oxidize at higher temperatures such as olive oil, coconut oil mainstays its properties under high pressure.

Creamer for Coffee– Coconut oil is a great replacement for creamer in your coffee and has much higher health benefits. Coconut oil contains energy that will sustain all day long as well as a creamy taste that models dairy.

Unhealthy fats when baking– Butter has many harmful side affects and is used in almost every baking recipe. Instead of butter, try using coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio to make meals healthier and to add the health benefits of coconuts.

 

Beauty Uses

Skin Moisturizer– Coconut oil is great for skin health. Coconut oil absorbs quickly and isn’t as greasy as other oils. Coconut oil is a solid at room temperature but when rubbing it into your skin it quickly turns into a liquid that works perfectly as a moisturizer. Let sit for 5 minutes, and then wipe off the excess oil off the surface.

Wrinkle reducer– Dab around the areas of concern as well as the eyes to fight premature aging. Leave overnight to let fully soak in then wipe off the next day to get a fully refreshed look.

Makeup remover– A small portion of coconut oil works wonders as a makeup remover. Just rub it into eyelids until it turns into a liquid and the makeup should come off early. Wipe off afterwards with a warm cloth until the oil is completely off.

Healing Bath with epsom salt– Add 1/4 cup epsom salt and 1/4 cup coconut oil to a warm bath and relax. Also, try adding one or two drops of essential oils to add aromatherapy benefits. The epsom salt will help draw out toxins while the coconut oil will help to soothe dry skin.

Oil Pulling– Oil pulling is a long standing practice, that is used to detoxify the mouth, killing bad breath, fighting bacteria, curing tooth decay, and boosts the immune system. Swish one tablespoon of coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach. Spend 10-20 minutes swishing and remember not to swallow. Spit the oil out and rinse with water afterwards.

Gentle Face Wash– Coconut oil can actually be used as face wash! The antibacterial properties help fight acne and the texture helps moisturize skin. Mix with lavender oil, tea tree oil, or honey for best results.

Healing wounds– Coconut oil is a great way to heal rashes, burns, and open wound.It speeds the process up and disinfects the would from the inside. Use it just as you would neosporin to prevent any further infection from occurring.

Shaving Cream– If razor burn or any skin irritation is a problem after shaving, try using coconut oil as your shaving “cream.” Rub in the coconut oil directly on the areas and shave as you would normally.

 

 

 

Medicinal

Fight Inflammation– coconut oil can aid in supporting a healthy liver, and kidneys. Inflammation is one of the leading causes of chronic diseases and this oil is proven to fight inflation thus preventing several diseases.

Boost Immunity– Coconut oils unique nutrition profile rich in certain acids provide for strong antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties have an immune boosting effect

Sleep Aid– Coconut oil is the perfect carrier for essential oil when making at home remedies. Several essential oils can aid in sleep anxiety and stress.

Hormone Balancer-The healthy fats in coconut oil support the thyroid and adrenal glands which can lower cortisol to balance hormones. The oils help reduce inflammation, while still supporting a healthy metabolism,. two things that are great for balanced hormones.

Supports Digestion– The easily digestible oil is great in order to destroy bad bacteria, promote the growth of probiotics in the digestive tract.

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Coconut oil might just be the most versatile health food on the planet. There are many brands of coconut oil on the market today, but the one that’s recommended is any organic virgin oil type. Make sure to get your hands on coconut oil to heal a wide range of health issues.