Coconut oil is one of the best items you can have in your cupboard at home. It can be used in cooking, to grease up pans, can replace butter in some recipes and much more. On top of being one of the most useful items, it is also one of the healthiest! Over the past several decades, hundreds of studies have been done on the health benefits of coconut oil. They have found that this pure oil can help to treat yeast infections, improve digestion, moisturize your skin, help you regulate blood sugar, help you lose weight, and much more. Given the extensive list of health benefits you’ll receive from enjoying coconut oil, let’s look at some of the different ways it can be used every day.
Coconut Oil as a Food
Some of the best uses of coconut oil are in the kitchen. This is not surprising, of course, since whole coconuts are an excellent food that millions of people enjoy. The following are useful ways you can include coconut oil into your daily meals.
‘Butter’ Your Toast – If you enjoy toast with your meal, skip using margarine or even butter. Spread a little bit of coconut oil on the bread for a light and tropical flavor that you’ll love.
Mix it in Your Coffee – Coconut oil melts nicely in hot coffee and gives it a great flavor. Many people like it because it allows them to get the taste of flavored creamer without all the sugars and other processed additives.
High Heat Frying – Olive oils can’t be used for high heat cooking because of the relatively low smoke point. Coconut oil works well in high temperatures.
Add it to Smoothies – Smoothies are a staple for many health conscious individuals. Add a few spoons of coconut oil in for all the great health benefits and an excellent flavor too.
Baked Potato Topping – Baked potatoes and sweet potatoes taste great with coconut oil on them. Whether you use it along with sour cream or as a replacement, you’ll love the added nutrients and taste.
Ideal for Baking – If a recipe calls for vegetable oil, you can replace it with this healthier option. Don’t put up with all the unhealthy problems with vegetable oil anymore.
Nutrient Rich Drinks – Do you and your kids love sports drinks but hate all the sugars? Add some coconut oil to fresh water, drop in some fruits and you’ll have a delicious drink that will give everyone long lasting energy.
Perfect for Your Skin
In addition to consuming coconut oil, you can use it directly on your skin. It will help to reduce wrinkles, ease the pain of sunburn and much more. Look at all the ways you can use coconut oil to help get healthier skin fast.
Fight Stretch Marks – Coconut oil can contribute to improving your skin’s elasticity. Rubbing coconut oil on the skin before you get stretch marks can help to reduce their appearance dramatically.
Stop Diaper Rash – Don’t put creams filled with chemicals on your baby’s sensitive bottom. Instead, rub coconut oil on the affected area to provide relief and protection. Reapply with each diaper change for best results.
Natural After Shave – Apply coconut oil to the skin after shaving to reduce bumps and redness. You can leave it on or wash it off after several minutes to get great results. This can be used on any part of the body including the face, underarm, legs and even bikini area.
Cuticle Oil – Keep fungus off of your cuticles by applying coconut oil to them each night. Even if you already have nail fungus growing, this can help get rid of it. It will also soften your cuticles.
Heal Cracked Heels – If your heels are dry and cracked, put this type of oil on them before putting socks on for the day. It will moisturize your feet and encourage healing of the cracks.
Massage Oil – If you’re giving or getting a massage, make sure you use coconut oil. It is much healthier than the unnatural oils you buy at most stores and will leave your skin soft and healthy.
Treat Cold Sores – Cold sores around your lips or in your mouth can be very painful and uncomfortable. Applying a small amount of coconut oil to them multiple times throughout the day will help them heal more quickly.
Sunscreen – Coconut oil is a natural sunscreen. It is rated at SPF 4, which is relatively low but perfect for those who want some protection while still getting color. Make sure you reapply regularly throughout the day.
Sunburn Cream – If you stay out in the sun and don’t put on coconut oil, you may burn. You can get relief from the redness and inflammation by applying this oil to the impacted areas.
Keep the Bugs Away – Mixing coconut oil with a small amount of tea tree oil will help to keep flies, mosquitos, and other bugs away. This is a much more natural way to keep bugs from forcing you to stay inside all summer.
Make Your Deodorant – Coconut oil is one of the best natural antibacterial options out there. This can help fight your body odor all day. For even better results, mix coconut oil with baking soda to form a paste that will keep you smelling great.
Great Lip Balm – If you suffer from dry or chapped lips, you may be tempted to reach for a store-bought lip balm. While they may be effective, they are often very unnatural and can even be harmful. Keep your lips healthy by melting together coconut oil, beeswax, and a little shea butter. Once melted, carefully pour it into an empty lip balm container for easy use.
Adding Coconut Oil to Your Everyday Routine
As you can see, there is no shortage of uses for coconut oil. Whether you are looking to consume it, apply it to your skin or just about anything else, you’ll get amazing results. Experiment with what works best for you and always enjoy the incredible benefits of this great health food.
