A beauty secret gone viral, Coconut oil is much more than just a healthy cooking oil. There are a ton of uses for coconut oil that not only helps the body on the inside, but the outside as well.
Coconut oil is a skin saver. From acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin afflictions, using coconut oil as a moisturizer can help clear up skin. The fatty acids, vitamin E and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil is what works the magic. However, for those with severe acne, coconut oil may not help as much as one would like.
Coconut oil is very moisturizing and can be an alternative to lotions. In order to save money and to stop buying overpriced lotions, use a very small amount to mosturize the face as needed.
The fatty acids in coconut oil make it a great hair conditioner, especially for damaged hair. Use it as a deep conditioner once a week by massaging a teaspoon or two into damp hair. Once the hair is saturated, leave it in for one to two hours and use a towel or something to wrap around the head. Afterwards, fully rinse hair and wash with shampoo. It might be necessary to wash hair a couple of times to remove all of the oil.
Coconut oil penetrates the whole hair strand, allowing ultimate conditioning from the inside out. Not only will hair become softer and fuller, but coconut oil can also provide relief from dandruff. The antifungal, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of the oil kills fungus on the scalp and dandruff issues can be eliminated.
Coconut oil can also be used as an alternative choice for mouth wash, which is called oil pulling. It has been claimed to whiten teeth, freshen breath and lead to improvements in oral health. In order to pull oil, swish a tablespoon of oil around in the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. Then spit out the oil in the trash or toilet and brush teeth like normal. Coconut oil reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Coconut oil is also considered by some to be a “superfood.” The oil has many positive effects on health, including fat loss, better brain function, prevention of infections, increased energy, reduced seizures, lower blood cholesterol levels and aids in digestion.
Now I am not saying go out and eat heaps of plain, straight coconut oil, because that is gross and will not benefit you. But do infuse it into foods, replace it as a cooking oil and butter and find recipes that incorporate it.
For those who aren’t too fond of the taste or smell of coconut, use it sparingly while cooking. The smell and taste will be present in whatever you make.
Coconut oil has so many more uses and can help save money. Just search online and experiment with what works best. Do not forget that coconut oil is solid at room temperature and melts very quickly at body temperature.