Did you know thereâs an-all-purpose oil thatâs beneficial for your health? Believe it or not, the fleshy meat of a coconut is good for your health, both inside and out!
Coconut oil is extracted from the edible meat, the âkernelâ, of the coconut. Itâs extracted through various methods, which is why youâll find different types of coconut oil like refined, unrefined or virgin.
You can use coconut oil in cooking, baking, and even as part of your beauty routine.
Letâs further explore the wide ranges of its uses:
1. Sautéing and frying
Coconut oil is great for cooking at a high heat because of its high smoke point. Oils like olive oil can oxidise when heated, but because coconut oil is made up of healthy saturated fats, itâs stable under high temperatures. Itâs also great for non-stick cooking.
2. A natural moisturiser
At room temperature, itâs solid, but quickly melts when in contact with warm hands. Donât rely on this natural oil to keep you protected from cancer-causing UV radiation though; youâd still need to apply sunscreen every day.
3. Improve your dental health
The natural oil can be a powerful weapon against the bacteria in your mouth that causes dental plaque, tooth decay and gum disease. Swishing coconut oil around in your mouth for 10 minutes, also known as oil pulling, has been found to be as effective as rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash in reducing bacteria.
4. Remove Makeup
Tired of battling with scrubbing mascara off? Worry no more! Apply a little oil on a cotton pad and wipe gently until all traces of makeup are gone. Coconut oil is also effective at removing colour fast and long lasting lipsticks.
5. Relieve eczema itch and loosen psoriasis scales
If you suffer from eczema and psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to build up, coconut oil is a safe natural remedy to try. It can help soothe the rough, red and scaly patches. Enjoy a hot bath by adding a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil to the tub to relieve itchy and scaly skin.
6. Treat your feet
Sweaty feet can result in athleteâs foot, a common fungal infection. Coconut oil may help soothe the infection and flaking skin. Apply an anti-fungal cream to treat the athleteâs foot and top it with a layer of organic coconut oil. This is an excellent fix for cracked heels too.
7. Ingrown hair treatment and preventer
Rubbing a little oil on the areas where you regularly shave or are prone to bumps and infection can help relieve symptoms of ingrown hairs. The oil helps soften the skin, so hair can easily grow properly through the follicle without becoming ingrown. Oil also helps to get rid of any infection causing bacteria.
8. Improve wound healing
Coconut oil contains a fatty acid called monolaurin, which is renowned for its antimicrobial effects. Using high-quality coconut oil may help reduce the risk of infection in healing wounds.
9. Anti-fungal cream
Because of its antibiotic capabilities, coconut oil can be used on the skin to assist in treating skin fungus.
10. Nail cuticle oil
To help reduce the risk of developing fungal infections, apply coconut oil to your finger beds. This will make it easy to push back cuticles which in turn promotes nail growth.
References:
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-uses/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-uses
- https://www.prevention.com/beauty/a20428276/coconut-oil-cures-for-your-skin-and-hair/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325260.php
- https://www.thelifeco.com/en/blog/why-coconut-oil-is-good-for-immunity/