Coconut oil is a popular nutritional oil derived from the meat of matured coconuts. Coconut has long been a primary source of food throughout the tropics. Its various industrial and cosmetic applications have made it a very viable commodity. Coconut oil is heat stable, making it suitable for cooking at high temperatures. It is slow to oxidize, resists rancidity and has a shelf life of approximately two years or more.
The main exporting countries are the Philippines, Indonesia, and India. Coconut oil makes up less than 3% of annual global vegetable oil production.
Coconut oil can be either Virgin or refined. Virgin coconut oil is usually expeller-pressed, meaning the oil is mechanically squeezed out of the coconut meat at room temperature. Refined oil is usually extracted using heat, chemicals and solvents that both increase the yield, and remove any coloration or odors.
Once castigated for its generous saturated fat content, coconut oil has been given a second life as a (gasp!) healthy fat. And while drinking it by the tablespoon still isn’t a great idea, you definitely should consider adding the oil to your diet.
Yes, coconut oil is almost 90 percent saturated fat, but not all sat fats are created equal. “The saturated fat in coconut oil is mostly lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid that appears to have a more neutral effect on heart health when compared to longer-chain saturated fats found in meats and dairy products,” says Wendy Bazilian, R.D., author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet.
In this article, we are sharing our top 90(yes 90!) uses for coconut oil:
Uses for Coconut Oil
In cooking as great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-frys or as a dairy free replacement to butter.
Added to foodsor drinks daily for energy
As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee
On the skin as a basic lotion
In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin
Inhomemade deodorant or deodorant bars
As an eye-makeup remover
As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream
In making your own Re-mineralizing Toothpaste
To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
To support healthy thyroid function
In homemade Mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils
To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning
As a naturally SPF 4sunscreen
To get rid of cradle cap on baby– just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with a warm wash cloth
Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections
As a delicious tropical massage oil
It’s high Lauric acid and MCFA content helps boost metabolism
A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of frizz
In homemade soap for laundry
Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub(use in the shower)
Rubbed on lips as a naturalchap stick
Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
Directly on the perineum to help heal afterbirth
As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner– Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours
In homemade slow cooker soap
In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to sooth irritation (also great for baby!)
Can help sooth psoriasis oreczema
There is some evidence thatregular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers
With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works
In healthy brain boosting snack for kids likeCoconut Clusters
Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms
Nursing moms often take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients
In homemade shampoo bars
Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon ofchia seedsfor an all-day energy boost (do NOT take this at night!)
Can help improve insulin levels
Oil pulling with coconut oiland a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health
Can help improve cholesterol ratios
Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu
As a replacement forvegetable oilsin any recipe or in cooking
Incoconut based grain free granola
Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins
After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing ofsunburn
Is an immediate source of energy when eaten that isn’t stored as fat
As a natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora
As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
When used consistently on skin it can help get rid ofcellulite
To season cast iron skillets
It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis
Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites
Can helpresolve acnewhen used regularly
Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
Helps speed ear infection healing
A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (shiny leather only… test a small area first)
By itself as a great tanning oil
Mixed with salt toremove dry skin on feet
Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily
Can help improve sleepwhen taken daily
A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat
To help sooth the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium
Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
By itself as a natural deodorant
By itself or with baking soda as anaturally whitening toothpaste
For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally
In coconut oil pulling chews
In homemade vapor rub
In homemade peppermint lip balm
In magnesium body butter
In coconut oil dog treats
As a completely natural baby lotion
On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
Mixed with catnip, rosemary, or mintessential oilsas a natural bug repellent
In homemade meltaways(like candy)
Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer
Use to make coconut cream concentrate for a brain boosting snack
Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs
When taken regularly, it can boosthormone production
Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
On cuticles to help nails grow
Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows
To help avoid chlorine exposure when swimming
Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development (especially when taken with Fermented Cod Liver Oil)
With other oils as part ofan oil cleansing regimen for beautiful skin
Whipped with butter for a soothing body balm
One reader swears by using coconut oil to treat yeast infection. She suggests soaking a tampon in it and inserting the tampon for a few hours.
Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms
Ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness
Have we missed any? Are you using coconut oil for something not on the list? Please share with us.
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