Coconuts are eaten in a variety of ways: as water, as milk, as chips and flakes, and very commonly as coconut oil. Coconut oil’s uses are limitless. Weight-loss tool? Deodorant? Moisturizer? A key ingredient in natural toothpaste? Yes to all, and more.
This oil is a staple in most nutritionists’ pantries. The type of saturated fat found in coconut oil is lauric acid. This component has the ability to increase the amount of good HDL cholesterol in the blood. Your body needs a balance of good and bad cholesterol, and coconut oil provides this balance.
In addition, balancing cholesterol levels, coconut oil has been proven to increase your body’s resistance to viruses and bacteria in your stomach. Studies have proven it can help fight off yeast, fungus, and candida. Eating a tablespoon before meals creates a well-lubricated stomach, easing digestion and absorption.
Your skin, hair and nail quality can also improve with regular use of coconut. This wet oil helps with hair growth and gives it a lovely shine because it protects your hair’s natural protein. The natural oil and nutrients of coconuts, if massaged into the scalp on a regular basis, will help to reduce or completely get rid of dandruff.
It also has proven to be an effective moisturizer on all types of skin, helping psoriasis, eczema and other skin problems such as acne. It helps the skin retain moisture while also acting as a gentle cleanser, flushing skin of dirt and grime that may be clogging your pores.
If that isn’t enough, here is an incomprehensive list of some other creative and practical uses of coconut oil:
- make-up remover
- add flavor to your beverages
- in baking as a substitute for butter and other oils
- leather shoe cleaner
- sticker remover
- oil pulling
- combine with baking soda to make toothpaste
- a natural deodorant
- reduce itch of mosquito bites
Oil up!