Coconut oil is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen and a valuable addition to your skincare routine. Whether consumed orally or applied topically, this natural wonder offers a plethora of remarkable health benefits that make it a must-have in many households.
6 Clever Uses of Coconut Oil
1. Rejuvenate Dry Skin/Massage
Suffering from dry skin? Well, coconut oil serves as an excellent moisturizer. You can even have it used as a natural massage oil, helping to make your skin soft and healthy as you get those pesky knots out of your back. You can even apply it to your feet before bed, put on a pair of socks, and wake up to a nice soft feel to your heels. Apply it to your hands as well to reduce dryness caused by a hard day’s work.
2. Prevent Stretch Marks
Incorporating coconut oil into your daily skincare routine can be a proactive measure to prevent the formation of unsightly stretch marks. Stretch marks often occur due to rapid weight gain, pregnancy, or sudden growth spurts, and they can be a source of concern for many individuals.
3. Soothe a Sunburn
Coconut oil is not only beneficial for rejuvenating dry skin but also for providing soothing relief from sunburns. Sunburns can occur when the skin is exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, leading to redness, inflammation, and discomfort. Fortunately, coconut oil can offer natural relief and aid in the healing process.
4. Repair Damaged Hair
While in the shower, apply some coconut oil to your hair and let it set in for at least 5 minutes before rinsing. This will help to provide your hair with a soft feel, and shiny appearance, and even help fight dandruff. You can also spray coconut oil into damp hair, cover it with a shower cap and leave it for an hour or two before using shampoo to help prevent frizz.
5. Face Masks
By combining coconut oil with other beneficial ingredients, you can create different face masks to reduce blemishes, moisturize your skin, and much more. Some beneficial ingredients to combine with coconut oil include honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, espresso, and many others. There are amazing coconut oil face mask recipes out there!
6. Lip Balm
If you find yourself dealing with dry, cracked lips and happen to be without a lip balm at hand, worry not! Coconut oil can come to the rescue as a simple and effective solution. With its moisturizing and nourishing properties, coconut oil can provide your lips with protection and help reduce dryness.
Use Coconut in Food
Coconut oil contains fatty acids called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are easily absorbed in the body and can increase the number of calories you burn to help you lose weight. It has been shown that MTCs can significantly increase your metabolism as well.
You can cook coconut oil at a very high temperature as it has a high saturated fat content. Taking 2 tablespoons of Coconut oil is recommended for daily dosage.
- Use as a butter replacement on toast, popcorn, etc…
- Add to smoothies for an energy boost
- Apply it as a pan liner for cooking
- Add in when making nut butter
Health Benefits of Eating Coconut Oil
Some of the many benefits that you gain through eating coconut oil are:
- Prevention of heart disease
- Cure for urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Treatment for kidney infection
- Protect the liver
- Reduces inflammation and arthritis
- Prevents and treats certain types of cancer
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Boosts your energy level
- Improves memory and brain function
- Improves digestion and reduces stomach ulcers
- Improves type 2 diabetes
- Good for building muscle and burning fat
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