Benefits & Uses of Coconut Oil

We here at Healthier Matters are always on board when it comes to natural remedies, especially the benefits of them. In fact, sometimes we can get a bit obsessed, which we’d like to point out, is not a bad thing. So when we started reading up on all the positive aspects of coconut oil we just couldn’t contain ourselves.

It’s funny when you think about it really; how a natural product such as coconut oil could have so many wondrous benefits and most of the population doesn’t really use it. Well, we’re hoping to change the minds of at least some of you today. In addition, it’s antimicrobial and anti-fungal.

Coconut oil is easy to digest and it’s not readily stored as fat. It contains Caprylic acid, Lauric acid and Capric acid which makes up 62% of the oils in coconuts. It is also considered a healthy fat which makes it one of the most beneficial fats in the world.

Before we start listing the many uses of coconut oil let’s start with the actual benefits.

• Improves memory & brain function
• Boosts the immune system
• Improves energy & endurance
• Improves digestion – reduces ulcers & colitis
• Improves skin issues
• Prevents osteoporosis
• Prevents gum disease & tooth decay
• Benefits hair health
• Fights candida & yeast infections
• anti-aging
• balances hormones
• Reduces inflammation & Arthritis
• Healing Ointment
• Blood sugar stabilizer
• Stress relief
• Prevents heart disease

That’s a whole lot of benefits, isn’t it?! Our first thoughts were… man, why haven’t we gotten on board with the coconut oil ages ago! Well, the point is, it’s never too late. So we are starting as soon as we finish writing this!

Now let’s talk about all the uses for coconut oil.

Skin

Skin Moisturiser – Apply a small amount to your skin which will leave it soft and supple.
Exfoliator –  Mix the oil with sugar and voila, you’ve got yourself a lush exfoliator to get rid of all your dead skin.
Makeup Remover – Put a small amount of coconut oil onto a cotton ball and gently dab your skin. The excess makeup will come right off.
Improves acne – After washing your face, apply a couple of tiny drops to your face and let it soak in. You can add tea tree oil which also does wonders for achieving clear skin.
Reduces Wrinkles – Apply at night, before going to sleep.
Fights body odor – Apply to your underarms for an alternative to deodorants.
Softens lips – We like to put this on at night and let it work its magic.
soothes Sunburn – Apply generously to the affected areas.
Cellulite reducer – Add coconut oil to coffee granules, cinnamon and sugar and presto, you’ve got yourself a cellulite scrub.

Hair

Scalp and hair treatment – The longer you keep this in the better it is for your hair. We like to put it on at night, wrap our hair in a towel and sleep in it. The next morning, wash it out. You’re welcome in advance!
Fight Frizz & Fly-aways – Only use a very tiny amount and rub it into your ends and a minuscule amount to the fly-aways.

Wellness

Soothes scratchy throats – Swallow a bit of coconut oil or add it to your tea.
Treats colds sores – Rub coconut oil around the spot to help it heal faster.
Protects scrapes & scratches – Just apply over a surfaced wound. This creates a barrier so that dust, particles, and bacteria don’t get through.
Relieves bug bites & stings – Apply to the area in order to relieve discomfort.

Food & Drink 

To get all the internal benefits, you must start adding coconut oil to your daily food and drink intake.

Add it to:
Smoothies
Juices
Stir-fries
Energy Bites
Lattes
Homemade biscuits
Homemade granola bars
Curries

We could keep going but then we’d be here all day. So check out Pinterest for some fantastic recipes that contain coconut oil.

Lastly, let’s talk about oil pulling. Right about now you’re probably thinking, what in the world is that?! Well, don’t worry, we will tell you.

Oil pulling is when you take about a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for about 15 – 20 minutes. While you’re swishing it around pull it through your teeth, in and around to get all the added benefits. Remember, don’t swallow it. Once your time up disposes of it in a plastic bag and not directly down the sink. Some people say the best time to do this is in the morning but we’ve done it at night, right before bed and still feel like we’re getting the benefits.

The benefits of oil pulling are:

• Strengthens  teeth, gums, and jaw
• Whitens teeth
• Prevents cavities and gingivitis
• Prevents bad breath
• Relieves sinus congestion
• Supports normal kidney function
• Helps detoxify the body
• Better quality of sleep

So as you can see, coconut oil is in a league of its own. We’ve already bought 3 tubs worth and can’t wait to get started. The great thing is, you can simply replace this with some of your daily routines and it won’t be time-consuming. Start reaping the benefits today!