{"id":2590,"date":"2019-01-20T08:29:41","date_gmt":"2019-01-20T08:29:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2590"},"modified":"2021-11-10T15:29:04","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T15:29:04","slug":"20-healthy-coconut-oil-uses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/20-healthy-coconut-oil-uses\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Healthy Coconut Oil Uses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The milk and flesh of the coconut have health benefits for humans. Over recent years, consuming coconut oil has become a popular health trend, with people swapping out their vegetable oils for the saturated fat source. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coconuts contain high amounts of saturated fat, along with a dose of potent antioxidants that clear your blood of free radicals, the particles that cause cell oxidation and cell death. This source of saturated fat contains an abundance of vitamins and minerals, as well as healthy fats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies on using coconut oil in meals show that the oil increases HDL cholesterol production \u2013 the good type of cholesterol that protects your heart from disease. Consuming coconut oil also reduces the amount of LDL, the bad kind of cholesterol, found in your blood \u2013 improving your cardiovascular health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coconut oil has a variety of health benefits worth considering. Here are eight healthy coconut uses for your meals, beauty routine, and around the home.
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1.    Cooking <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Are you still cooking with vegetable oil<\/a>? If so, it\u2019s time to throw that out. Replace your cooking oil with coconut oil instead. Coconut oil contains medium-length chains of fat molecules, such as lauric acid, bound together with a single carbon bond. This structure gives coconut oil stability at room temperature, and it’s typical for a tub of coconut oil to look like a brick of lard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people mistakenly use extra-virgin olive oil as a replacement for vegetable oils in cooking. This practice can damage your health. The fat molecules in EVOO have a low smoke point. This fact means that the molecules break down into trans-saturated fatty acids when exposed to high heat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trans fats are terrible for heart health, and you would be better off using regular vegetable oil. Coconut oil is easy to cook with, toss some oil in the skillet and watch it melt in seconds.
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2.    Beauty Treatments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coconut oil<\/a> is excellent to cook with, but its benefits don\u2019t stop in the kitchen. The saturated fats found in coconut oil make it a great choice for skin moisturizers as well. The oil readily absorbs into pores, and it contains high amounts of antioxidants that improve the health and vibrancy of your skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You probably wouldn\u2019t expect coconut oil to be an effective treatment for acne, but the antioxidant compounds clear the pores and flush out toxins from the skin. The polyphenol compounds found in coconut oil reduce inflammation, the primary factor influencing acne outbreaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whip up a batch of coconut oil and shea butter lotion. The soothing effect of this blend keeps your skin looking great, and it makes for an effective makeup remover as well. Add a teaspoon of sugar to an ounce of coconut oil for a cleansing body scrub that removes and dead skin cells and revitalizes your pores.
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3.    Mineralize Teeth <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Studies show that oral health has links to our general health. As we age, our teeth lose their minerals. This demineralizing effect causes our teeth <\/a>to weaken, and as a result \u2013 they\u2019re more prone to cavities and gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dental experts thought that it was impossible to remineralize teeth. However, research suggests that this is indeed possible. Coconut oil has potent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that assist with this task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try out this recipe for Remineralizing toothpaste that strengthens your teeth while making them appear whiter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5-teaspoons calcium powder \u2013 Improves the strength and hardness of teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2-teaspoons baking soda \u2013 A cleaning and whitening agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bd-teaspoon xylitol powder \u2013 Helps avoid the bitter taste of the toothpaste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5-teaspoons extra-virgin coconut oil \u2013 Binds the ingredients together and has antimicrobial properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mix the ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl and store them in the fridge. You should begin to notice the difference in your teeth\u2019s appearance after a few weeks of using this toothpaste.
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4.    Non-Toxic Shampoo and Conditioner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Do you have oily hair? Many people with this condition make the mistake of using shampoos <\/a>that strip the oil from your hair. Unfortunately, your scalp needs natural oils to keep the skin and hair healthy. When you remove these natural oils, the scalp produces more to make up the difference, giving your hair a greasy feel while making it fragile and prone to snapping or breaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rub coconut oil into your scalp daily to eliminate oil overproduction and keep your scalp healthy. If you\u2019re tired of your hair frizzing out I the afternoon, rub some coconut oil on your palms and work it into your hair for the best anti-frizz treatment available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coconut oil also makes for an excellent conditioner as well. Rub it into your dry hair and cover your scalp with a shower cap. Leave the oil on for a few hours and then wash it out with your non-toxic shampoo.
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5.    Home-made Soap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Back in the day, our parents used to make their soap at home. This forgotten skill seems unimportant as we now live in a convenience era where you can pick up the soap at just about any store you visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, popular soap brands contain antibacterial <\/a>ingredients, additives, and artificial fragrances that aren\u2019t good for the health of your skin. The good news is that you can make non-toxic soap in the comfort of your home, without much hassle. All you need are a few ingredients and a slow cooker to make the best soap ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try out this recipe for a soap with a rich lather that\u2019s mild enough for you to use every day, even on your baby\u2019s skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

33-oz coconut oil, melted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.5-oz Lye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12.5-oz water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1-oz essential oils of your choice to add fragrance. (we love lavender and sandalwood.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mix the ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl and add them to your pressure cooker. Cook on low heat for 1-hour with the lid off. Remove from the heat and let it sit for a few hours before cutting into bars.
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6.    Remove Cellulite, Stretchmarks and Treat Sunburns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s essential to get 15-minutes of sunlight <\/a>on your skin every day. Sunbathing converts UV rays into Vitamin D \u2013 a micronutrient you can\u2019t get from eating food. Vitamin D is critical for many different biological and metabolic functions, and the sun is the only viable source, taking vitamin supplements doesn\u2019t offer the same benefit due to the low bioavailability of the micronutrient in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, getting too much sun is counter-productive and results in sunburned skin. If you find yourself dealing with a sunburn, try rubbing some coconut oil into your skin to reduce the swelling and soothe the pain. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that speed up the healing process while preventing infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those of us struggling with cellulite, (an enlargement of the fat cells around the glutes, thighs, and stomach,) coconut oil may have some benefit as a topical ointment that reduces the signs of cellulite. The oil hydrates skin cells and improves skin resilience, removing stretch marks.
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7.    Boost Hormone Production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Polyunsaturated fats account for around 3-percent of body mass. These fats contain both Omega-3<\/a> and Omega-6 EFA\u2019s in a 50:50 ratio. Modern diets place plenty of emphasis on food products that contain high amounts of Omega-6 and 9 fatty acids, altering the all-important balance. When more Omega-6 and 9 are present in the body, we experience a disruption in normal cell and hormone production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only are people consuming higher quantities of Omega-6 and 9, but they\u2019re receiving less Omega-3 in their diet, further exacerbating any hormone deficiencies. Polyunsaturated fats, like vegetable oil, oxidize readily in the body leading to inflammation in arterial and skin cells. This oxidizing effect increases the development of atherosclerosis, a disease that blocks the arteries causing heart attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regularly consuming coconut oil improves the health of your hormonal system, providing the building blocks for adequate hormone production. Using the oil in your diet also promotes heart health by increasing the amount of HDL in your blood while reducing LDL production.
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8.    Natural Bug Repellant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Are you planning a trip to a tropical location? Do you live in an area where mosquitos <\/a>infest the skies during the evening and early morning? Coconut oil makes an excellent bug repellant. Avoid the bites, itching, and scratching by whipping up a batch of this homemade bug repellant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1-cup extra-virgin coconut oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bd-cup shea butter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bd-cup raw beeswax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bc-cup dried rosemary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1-teaspoon dried whole cloves<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bd-teaspoon ground cinnamon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bc-cup catnip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Double boil the coconut oil till it melts, and add the herbs. Toss in the beeswax and mix well. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for a few hours until the herbs release their properties into the oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a muffin tin and place it in the fridge to set up. Remove the bars from the mold and store them in a cool, dark place. Rub the bars on dry skin to repel bugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Enhance Weight Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Are you looking to lose a few pounds? Did you know that eating fat can help you lose fat? That’s not an excuse to go to the local drive-thru, the type of fat you eat can have a dramatic effect on your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trans-fatty acids and other unhealthy fat <\/a>sources lead to weight gain and heart disease. However, eating healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can boost your heart health. As a result, it increases HDL levels, a good type of cholesterol.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coconut oil contains high levels of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs actually assist your body with a fat-burning effect by increasing your metabolic rate. One study shows adding between 15 to 30 grams of MCTs into your daily meal plan increases your 24-hour energy expenditure by up to 5%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MCTs, help your body unlock its natural fat-burning power, supercharging the effects of your fat loss. Consuming coconut oil in your meals is a great way to take advantage of these healthy fats. Use coconut oil to replace your cooking oil with a healthy option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Natural Anti-Microbial Properties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coconut oil also shows promising value as a natural anti-microbial ointment. If you experience cut or graze, rub some coconut oil on it. The MCTs and lauric acid in the oil provides a soothing and calming effect to the wound<\/a>. Coconut oil is around 50% lauric acid, meaning it shows promising anti-microbial potential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The anti-microbial properties found in coconut oil can assist with wound healing and sterilize the area, preventing infection. When lauric acid enters our body, it converts to a compound known as monolaurin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monolaurin offers excellent protection against all types of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The anti-microbial function of coconut oil is so potent that it can help resolve staph infection in some individuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lauric acid in coconut oil effectively removes bacterial pathogens that it makes for a great mouthwash. A process known as “oil pulling” uses coconut oil to draw all the pathogens out of your teeth and gums, preventing infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11 Reduce Sensations of Hunger<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re on a diet <\/a>and trying to lose a few pounds, you’re probably dealing with some hunger issues. When calories and carbohydrates are low, it causes an increase in the production of the hormone Ghrelin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ghrelin manages our huger levels, and when it elevates to high levels, you’re willing to eat anything, even if it’s off your diet plan. Your discipline and willpower go out the window, and you find yourself passing through the In-and-Out looking for a double-double.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coconut oil can help decrease these sensations of hunger caused by elevations in Ghrelin. The MCTs in coconut oil change the way your body burns fat. The ketones in your coconut oil can reduce your hunger pangs, making you feel satiated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re fasting, make your first “meal” of the day a shot of MCT oil. It’s a great way to get your body into fat-burning mode for the rest of the day. Alternatively, make a “bullet coffee” using coconut oil for the fat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Reduce Seizure Frequency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is some convincing research showing the effects of a ketogenic diet<\/a> on people who have epilepsy. With epilepsy, affected individuals are at risk of developing seizures at any time of the day. A seizure requires immediate attention to prevent the person from harming themselves during the ordeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over recent decades medical science made leaps and bounds in pharmaceutical technology to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures in epileptic patients. However, if you have epilepsy, you can help increase your medication’s efficacy and your body’s natural resistance to seizure by changing your diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trying a ketogenic diet might be the best thing that ever happens to your health. Using coconut oil in your ketogenic diet gives you a source of healthy fats, and the MCTs in the oil also show promise and help prevent seizures.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since MCTs readily convert into ketones in the liver, they provide the patient with a steady supply of energy, removing the need for gluconeogenesis to sustain metabolism, greatly reducing the risk of seizure in epilepsy patients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Boost Brain Function and Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that adding coconut oil to your diet is good for your brain <\/a>health? The MCTs and lauric acid found in the coconut oil help to restore and improve cognitive performance. If your brain needs a boost, consider adding coconut oil to your diet plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of seniors across America. Watching this disease’s effects unfold in a patient is truly saddening, and they eventually end up a husk of their former self. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The MCTs in coconut oil convert to ketones in the liver in a fasted state. There is convincing research from a 2006 study showing that ketones from MCTs enhance brain health and function in senior patients with milder forms of Alzheimer’s disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding coconut oil to your diet helps you take advantage of MCTs for your brain health. Add a few grams of coconut oil into your diet, and reap the brain-protecting benefits of this healthy fat source. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Replace Your Cooking Oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most of us cook in sunflower oil<\/a>, canola oil, or soybean oils. However, these oils are terrible for our health. These oils contain high levels of Omega-6 & 9 essential fatty acids, which are not good for your health in large quantities. For optimal health, you need the right balance between Omega 6 & 9 and Omega-3 EFAs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

87% of the fat content in most cooking oils comes from saturated fats, which are terrible for your health. Using an air fryer for your deep-fried foods is an excellent alternative to traditional deep-frying in sunflower or soybean oils. However, you’re still going to need to fry some items in the pan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend switching out your cooking oils for coconut oil. Coconut oil looks like a soft white waxy substance at room temperature, but it readily melts under heat. Coconut oil is also stable under high heat, making it more suitable for frying than olive oil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Fight Candida<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Millions of women deal with Candida <\/a>infection every year. The Candida albicans fungus responsible for the onset of a yeast infection is an aggressive pathogen. It’s almost always present in the body, particularly in the digestive tract. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a person increases risk factors that cause the growth of Candida in the gut, it may spread o other parts of the body, causing infection. Candida Albicans love to grow in moist, warm, dark conditions, and a Candida infection causes vaginal discharge in women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The anti-microbial properties of coconut oil make it a suitable candidate for fighting off Candida infection. Research shows that spreading coconut oil on the affected body parts effectively as the pharmaceutical fluconazole at eliminating Candida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you experience Candida or any other fungal infection, speak to your doctor for advice before resorting to treatment with coconut oil. Coconut oil can act as an alternative treatment to help you through the period before you get to your doctor’s office for treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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