Blamed for very long time because its saturated fats, coconut oil has grown on the list of foods that shouldn’t miss from a healthy diet. The transition from the blasphemed food to superfood was made thanks to science that has shown that not all saturated fats are the same.
Virgin coconut oil stimulates metabolism – this makes him effective in weight loss and cholesterol lowering. Its benefits don’t stop there. Here are some ways to use coconut oil and its effects on our health:
1. Good for cooking
Coconut oil is great for cooking because its composition remains unchanged at high temperatures. Coconut oil produces no harmful effects unlike the other cooking oils.
2. Can replace butter
Use coconut oil to replace butter in recipes. The flavor isn’t predominant, you can get a slightly exotic flavor, but most recipes using spices will cover the taste of coconut oil.
3. Perfect for those who follow a vegan and paleo diet
Coconut oil is a main ingredient in most raw or paleo recipes because it solidifies at room temperature, keep the recipes cohesive and gives texture and taste.
4. Used in preparations, coconut oil help you assimilate a greater amount of nutrients
Add coconut oil in smoothies to make nutrients from fruits and vegetables easier to assimilate and to balance blood sugar.
5. Pamper yourself with homemade chocolate
Mix equal parts of coconut oil, cocoa powder and honey to create a natural chocolate sauce.
6. Appetite inhibitive without stimulants
Take a teaspoon of coconut oil before meals to feel fuller. The explanation lies in how fats are metabolized in the body. Science has shown that due to ketones (which are produced when you eat coconut oil) appetite-reducing effects occur.
7. Help balance hormones
Coconut oil is a nourishing fat for adrenal glands and thyroid.
8. Give energy and stimulate metabolism
MCT (medium chain triglycerides) sustainably release energy in the long term and also stimulate metabolism and speed up fat loss. Medium chain fatty acids are not stored in the body as fats, they are immediately used by the liver as an energy source.
9. Balance the blood sugar level
Coconut oil is released over several hours in the body, providing a solid source of energy that balances blood sugar levels.
10. Stimulate the brain function
Studies show that coconut oil has powerful effects on brain health. It has proved very useful in treating and preventing Alzheimer’s disease and helps ordinary people to feel more alert and attentive.
11. Heal the pain associated with the common cold
Antiviral compounds inside coconut oil help heal colds faster and reduce pain.
12. Soothe sore throat
Melt a tablespoon of coconut oil in warm water with lemon to soothe irritated throat. Effects may vary from person to person, and most of them aren’t scientific evidence, but personal experiences.
13. Improve immunity
About half of coconut oil is lauric acid, a substance that turns into monolaurin, a mono glyceride which can destroy viruses, gram-negative bacteria and protozoa.
14. Help digestion and treat ulcers
Coconut oil helps digestion because it acts as a lubricant for the digestive tract. It also restores intestinal walls and has a mucilaginous effect.
15. Fights Parasites
Lauric acid in coconut oil combats parasites, is antifungal and antibacterial and creates a hostile environment for harmful parasites.
16. Heal Burns
You can use coconut oil to treat burns faster and as a pain killer.
17. Get rid of lice in combination with aniseed extract
One study showed that the two ingredients combined are more effective in treating lice than the Nix treatment.
18. Anti-inflammatory
Coconut oil has been shown to reduce inflammation. The researchers found that coconut oil has an analgesic activity and reduces swelling and pain.
19. Reduce fever
The same study demonstrated effectiveness for coconut oil in reducing fever.
20. Furniture cleaning solution
Yes, you can use coconut oil to give shine to wooden furniture. It’s cheaper and less toxic than commercial products.
21. Leather cleaner
Give shine to your shoes with a drop of coconut oil applied on a dry cloth – a natural solution instead of petroleum-based products.
22. Banish Fleas
Apply coconut oil on pets to ward off these troublesome insects.
23. Make your own baby wipes
Whether you’re using half a roll of paper or a towel, soak it in a mixture of 1 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of liquid soap. This solution is great for babies because it has both calming and moisturizing effects.
24. Treat the nappy rash naturally
Even if you use homemade wipes, nappy rash may occur on small children. Coconut oil soothes and effectively treats this little discomfort.
25. Massage Oil
Preheat the coconut oil in a pot fitted with melting area, along with your favorite essential oils for a massage experience the same as those practiced on expensive spa salons.
26. Get rid of Warts
Apply coconut oil on the wart and cover with a bandage. As was mentioned above, coconut oil is an exceptional antifungal and within a month the warts should disappear.
27. Body Scrub
Combine equal parts sugar and coconut oil, add your favorite essential oil and use the mixture as a body scrub when you take a shower.
28. Moisturizer
You can use coconut oil as a moisturizer for the entire body. It is very good for nourishing the skin and prevents acne. Many people use coconut oil as a face moisturizer in order to prevent wrinkles.
29. Coconut oil blocks UV rays by 30%
Even if you well grease your body with coconut oil before going on the beach, you’ll still be able to absorb beneficial vitamin D, unlike other sunscreen lotions.
30. Lubricant
Coconut oil is a good alternative to petroleum-based lubricants. Although it should be noted that if you use latex condoms, coconut oil can weaken latex, so it’s better to opt for polyurethane.
31. Hair treatment conditioner
As a pre-shampoo treatment, cover your hair with coconut oil the previous night before shower (cover your hair with a towel during the night) and put more oil on tips for a silky sheen.
32. Lip Balm
When you finish your lip balm, melt 1 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil with your favorite essential oil and 1 teaspoon of wax. Fill the lip balm stick with the melted oil and let it cool before you use it.
33. Hemorrhoids
Apply coconut oil directly to the hemorrhoids to alleviate swelling and to eliminate pain.
34. Dandruff
Try using a scalp treatment based on coconut oil and rosemary to treat dandruff. Scalp massage with oil mixture and leave overnight. Wash your hair as usual and repeat until the problem disappears.
35. Aftershave
It is amazing how something so simple can be so effective in calming the inflammation associated with shaving.
36. Mosquito bites
Apply directly to mosquito bites to avoid swelling and to alleviate itching.
37. Cleansing
Coconut oil is a very effective cleanser. It can easily remove even the most resistant mascara, leaving your skin hydrated and clean.
38. Sunburn
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicine, categorize coconut oil as refreshing as it is very effective in soothing itchy skin after sunburn.
Another good remedy is apple cider vinegar mixed with water. Spray this solution on the skin and leave it to dry. Apply coconut oil after vinegar to create a comfy feeling.
39. Acne
Coconut oil is excellent for treating can, both internally and externally. It restores hormone imbalance, one of the main causes of acne. Apply coconut oil on pimples for its antibacterial effects. Also, coconut oil reduces redness and swelling.
40. Stretch Marks
Coconut oil treats stretch marks when your pores are open after bathing or showering. You can apply coconut oil on the abdomen to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.
41. Perineal massage during pregnancy
About a month before birth, massage the perineum with coconut oil to prevent ruptures and to avoid episiotomy.
42. Treatment for magnificent eyelashes
Apply a little coconut oil on the eyelashes before bedtime, especially if you use eye makeup, because eyelashes may fall or break in time.
43. Treatment for cuticle
Rub coconut oil on your dry nails and you’ll see amazing effects.
44. Varicose Veins
Daily apply coconut oil on varicose veins and massage well. People who used oil in this way say it’s an excellent solution for the natural treating of varicose veins.
45. Regain iron utensils shine
Use coconut oil to regain metal pans shine. After you’ve washed and dried them, add a little coconut oil to protect them against rust and to make them shiny.
46. Fire lighting
You don’t need a canister of gasoline when you go camping. Instead, you can soak some cotton disks in coconut oil and use them to light a fire.