Coconut oil is extremely versatile and is classified as a ‘superfood’. It is full of nutrients and can be used for various things and purposes. It is known that populations that thrive on coconuts and their oil are the healthier lot. Apart from health benefits, coconut oil can be useful is many other ways. We give 15 amazing ways to use coconut oil in your day to day life.
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- For Cooking: Coconut has a high smoke point which means it is extremely suitable for baking, stir frying and grilling vegetables and it does not emit harmful chemicals or residue. For lactose intolerant people coconut oil can be used instead of butter. It is very stable and it does not oxidize easily as well. Coconut oil can be very beneficial when used with moderation but don’t go overboard since it could raise your cholesterol level, when used excessively
- For Skin Care: It can be an excellent lotion for dry skin and is known to heal dry patches and chapped lips effectively. When used regularly it lightens spots and it is proved to be an effective against aging spots as well. Coconut oil is very gentle hence can be used as make remover especially to remove eye make-up. It can also be used as a body and facial scrub when mixed with sugar
- For Hair Care: Coconut oil is widely used as a natural conditioner for hair. It is an effective treatment for split ends, dry and brittle hair. It even reduces hair fall to some extent. It is also used to maintain fly-away and static hair
- For Babies: An infant’s skin is highly sensitive hence instead of using chemicals on it, it is advisable to use natural products as much as possible. Coconut oil can be used as diaper lotion when your baby gets rashes or rough patches. It can also be used to smoothen out cradle cap
- During Pregnancy: Consuming coconut oil while pregnant will significantly help with the child’s brain, tissue and organ development. Applying coconut oil on the belly while pregnant will reduce the occurrence of stretch marks as well. It can also be applied on the perineum after birthing which will help the area to heal faster
- For Lactating Moms: Coconut oil also helps with the milk production for lactating moms. 3-4 tablespoons of coconut along with some vitamin D will increase the nutrients of the breast milk as well. It can soothe irritation on nipples which often occurs while nursing the baby and it won’t even harm the baby
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- For Household Chores: Coconut oil is also very effective as a cleaning agent. You can make a home-made detergent with coconut oil and washing soda. You can even make your own mineralizing toothpaste with coconut oil. Coconut oil based soaps can clean grease, oil and stubborn grime and dust very efficiently
- For Good Health: Consumption of coconut oil can help with healthy thyroid function. Coconut oil is loaded with good cholesterol and can help maintain good cholesterol in the body when consumed in moderation. It could also help to reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Regular consumption of coconut oil can protect you against Alzheimer’s disease and it will also boost mental alertness
- For the Intimate Area: Coconut oil helps to soothe irritated skin and skin rashes, since it is mild and natural oil it can used in the intimate area and it won’t cause any reaction but it will heal and soothe the skin. It is also known to prevent and cure Candida. It also acts as a natural lubricant
- Weight Loss: Coconut oil when substituted with other fats in your daily diet can help to reduce weight drastically and even help you to get rid of cellulite. Consuming coconut oil fills you up easily and acts as an appetite suppressant which stops you from binging unnecessarily. The fatty acids in coconut oil have such an effect that one ends up losing the appetite
- Helps With Cold Sores: Cold sores are blisters caused by fever or extreme cold. Coconut oil is a beneficial remedy against cold sores and normal blisters. Coconut oil when rubbed on these sores gives relief from the pain and itching and it will gradually heal the sore
- Helps with Skin Infections and Allergies: Since coconut oil is loaded with saturated fat, when applied on the skin it makes the skin soft and supple. Rubbing coconut on rashes and skin infection can give instant relief as well. Coconut oil also helps soothes psoriasis and eczema. Loaded with lauric acid, it kills harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi and thus prevents many infections
- Natural Energizer and Refreshment: A little amount of coconut oil when added in the meals gives you copious amount of energy. It instantly boosts the energy level in the body and refreshes you. Many people add a couple of drops of coconut oil in their coffee since it not only energizes but also makes the coffee creamier
- For Wooden and Wrought Iron Furniture and Utensils: Coconut oil is best to season wooden cutting boards and cast iron utensils. It can also be used to polish wooden furniture, remove stubborn stickers and even fix squeaky hinges. Coconut oil also removes rust from surfaces easily. You can also use it as a lubricator for small machines used around the house
- In the Wardrobe: Coconut oil can be a quick fix for many things in your wardrobe like fixing a stubborn zip. You can use coconut oil to clean your mojaris and juttis and get rid of fungus. You can also rub coconut oil to your leather bags and jackets which will make them new again