Description
Benefits and uses:
1. Cooking at High Heat (Sauteing and Frying)
Coconut oil is great for cooking at a high heat because of
its high smoke point. Many other oils like olive oil can oxidize
when heated but because coconut oil is made up of healthy saturated
fats it remains stable under high temperatures.
2. Buttering Your Toast
For breakfast in the morning, try spreading coconut oil on your
sprouted grain bread, instead of conventional butter. The slight
coconut flavor, more pronounced in the unrefined coconut oils,
lends a lovely aroma and taste to your toast.
3. Natural Energy Booster
The medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil, when partnered with
chia seeds, will give you an energy boost when you need a
mid-afternoon pickup, or after a strenuous workout. Chia seeds are
known to boost performance, and endurance while the coconut oil
aids in digestion and metabolizing of the chia seeds. Mix 1
tablespoon coconut oil with ½ tablespoon of chia seeds, and enjoy
from the spoon, or spread on sprouted grain bread.
4. Boost Nutrients in Smoothies
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to any fruit smoothie
for a boost of cholesterol fighting compounds. Side benefit? It
improves the texture and mouth feel of smoothies, while adding
healthy fats to your diet.
5. Replacement for Non-stick Cooking
In a non-stick skillet, sometimes eggs still stick. With
coconut oil, that is no longer a problem. Add just a teaspoon or
two of coconut oil to the pan, and melt. Add the eggs and cook as
desired. Cleanup will be a breeze.
6. Create Healthy Homemade Mayonnaise
Use as oil in homemade mayonnaise recipe mixed with egg
yolks. In a blender, combine 4 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon apple cider
vinegar and ½ teaspoon dried mustard. Blend until combined. With
blender still running, slowly add 1 cup coconut oil (melted) and ½
cup olive oil to create an emulsion. If you add the oils too fast,
the mayo will break. If this happens, all is not lost; add ½
tablespoon of tahini, and blend until smooth.
7. Topping for Baked Potatoes
Put coconut oil on baked sweet potatoes in place of conventional
butter and then sprinkle on cinnamon. Also, use it for baked sweet
potato french fries with some rosemary and sea salt.
8. Replace Unhealthy Fats When Baking
Yes, you can bake with coconut oil. Use the same amount as
butter or vegetable oil that is called for in the recipe. For
biscuits, pie crusts and other preparations where the fat is to be
cold, freeze the coconut oil prior to using. Use coconut oil to
grease baking sheets and cake pans, and your baked goods will
simply slide right out.
9. Make Homemade Healthy Granola
Homemade crunchy granola made using heart-healthy nuts is a
great treat for breakfast, or as the star in a fresh fruit parfait
in the evenings. Combine 3 cups of old-fashioned oats, 1 cup
chopped almonds, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, 1/3 cup
honey or maple syrup and 1/3 cup coconut palm sugar together in a
large bowl. Melt 1/3 cup coconut oil and drizzle over, and then mix
to combine. Bake on a cookie sheet at **0 degrees for *7 minutes,
then rotate in the oven and continue baking for another *7 minutes.
Turn off oven and allow to sit for *0 minutes. Remove from oven and
break into clusters.
*0. Sports Drink Replacement
Coconut oil gives the body quick energy in the form of its
quick acting MCFA fats. Instead of relying on sugary processed
drinks, try adding coconut oil and chia seeds to water with fresh
fruit.
*1. Natural Throat Lozenge
Use coconut oil in place of store-bought lozenges that are usually
made using artificial flavors and colors. Try swallowing ½1
teaspoon of coconut oil up to 3 times daily to ease the pain
of a sore throat or cough, and combine licorice root tea with
coconut oil for a natural throat soother. Licorice root (fennel
root), honey and lemon makes for an extra immunity boost to combat
viruses and colds.
*2. Prolong the Freshness of Eggs
You can use coconut oil to seal the pores in an egg shell and
prolong the life of the eggs in your refrigerator. Try swiping a
small amount of oil over the shells of the eggs and leaving it to
penetrate, which will help prevent exposure to oxygen. This method
should extend the life of your eggs for *2 weeks.
*3. Natural Skin Moisturizer
Using coconut oil for skin health works well as a moisturizer for
your face. It absorbs quickly, and is non-greasy. At room
temperature, coconut is a solid, but it quickly melts when it comes
into contact with hands. Before bed, wash your face and pat dry.
Warm a dollop the size of a pea in your hands and rub in a circular
motion into your face. Let sit for 5 minutes, and then wipe off
what is still on the surface for the best moisturizing effect.
*4. Wrinkle Reducer
For areas of concern around eyes, dab just a touch around and under
the eyes to help fight pre-maturing aging (including to help remove
those dark circles!). Leave the oil on overnight to soak in, and
wake up looking refreshed. Combine with frankincense oil for
additional anti-aging benefits.
*5. Natural Makeup Remover
Just a small dab of coconut oil will quickly liquefy eye
makeup, making it easy to wipe off. Rub coconut oil gently onto the
upper lids and lower lids in a circular motion. Wipe off with a
warm cloth. The benefit over commercial eye makeup removers is that
coconut oil will not sting or irritate eyes and, as a bonus, will
help to hydrate around the eyes.
*6. Lock in Moisture After Showers
After your shower, apply coconut oil liberally all
over your body. Coconut oil will hydrate dry skin and helps to
soothe skin after shaving. As a bonus, coconut oil has a natural
SPF and is great for protecting your skin from sun damage. If you
are applying to the bottom of your feet, do so outside of the tub
so as not to slip.
*7. Healing Bath with Epsom Salt
Regardless of the season, our skin takes a beating. Add ¼ cup
Epsom salts and ¼ cup coconut oil to a warm bath, and relax. Add a
drop or two of your favorite essential oils to add aromatherapy
benefits. The Epsom salts will help to draw out toxins while the
coconut oil will help to soothe dry skin.
*8. Homemade Toothpaste
Mix equal parts of coconut oil with baking soda then add a few
drops of peppermint essential oil for homemade toothpaste. Try my
recipe for homemade probiotic toothpaste with coconut oil,
bentonite clay, probiotics and peppermint essential oil.
*9. Lip Balm
Dry chapped lips can happen during any season. Commercial lip balms
are packed with unhealthy (and potentially toxic) ingredients,
which is particularly concerning since we put them on our lips. The
healing properties of coconut oil helps to nourish the lips,
provides a touch of sun protection and, most importantly, is safe
to consume. Combine 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 2 tablespoons
of beeswax, and 1 tablespoon of shea butter in a nonstick saucepan.
Warm slowly until melted. Use a small funnel to refill used lip
balm containers. Allow to set up for 6 hours.
*0. Naturally Tinted Lip Gloss or
Lipstick
You can naturally tint the lip balm recipe above with
beetroot powder, cocoa powder, turmeric and cinnamon. You only need
a small amount of spices and a little bit goes a long way.
*1. Personal Lubricant
Coconut oil is an effective and safe personal lubricant.
Unlike commercial preparations, its antifungal, antibacterial and
antimicrobial properties help keep the vaginal flora healthy. (One
note: avoid using coconut oil or any oil with any latex
contraceptives, as it can corrode the latex.)
*2. Natural Mouthwash
Mix equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda, and then add a few
drops of peppermint essential oils. Use daily to help whiten
teeth, improve gum health and freshen your breath. According to
researchers at the Athlone Institute of Technology, the antibiotic
properties of coconut oil destroy the bacteria that causes tooth
decay.
*3. Coconut Oil Pulling
To improve the health of your teeth and gums, oil pulling
with coconut oil, is the way to go. In Ayurvedic medicine practice,
oil pulling is used to detoxify the mouth, remove plaque and bad
breath, fight bacteria, reduce tooth decay and gum disease
(gingivitis), and boost the immune system. Swish 1 tablespoon of
coconut oil immediately after rising in the morning. Spend ***0
minutes swishing; do not swallow the oil. Spit the oil into the
trash can (not into the sink as it will clog it after a while!) and
rinse with sea salt water.
*4. Natural Deodorant
Coconut oils natural antibacterial properties help to keep body
odor at bay. It is an excellent deodorant on its own, or when
combined into a paste with baking soda and essential oils.
*5. Gentle Face Wash
Coconut oil can be used in natural face wash recipe to cleanse an
moisturize. Mix with lavender oil, tea tree oil and raw honey for
best results.
*6. Wound Salve
Coconut oil has been used for thousands of years to speed healing
of rashes, burns and open wounds. To make a homemade wound salve,
mix coconut oil, frankincense, lavender and melaleuca oil. The
antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil help to keep
the area free of infection, and the lauric acid in coconut oil
helps to speed healing
*7. Cellulite Solution
To fight stubborn and unsightly cellulite, mix 1 tablespoon
of coconut oil with *0 drops of grapefruit essential oil and
massage in a firm circular motion into affected areas. Follow with
dry brushing to help stimulate circulation and encourage cellular
detox and my cellulite slim down juice recipe for best results.
*8. Soothing Shaving Cream
If razor burn, ingrown hairs or other skin
irritation is a problem after shaving, start using pure coconut oil
as your shaving cream. Warm a dab in the palm of your hands and rub
on your face, under arms, on the legs or the bikini area and then
shave. Rinse well and pat dry.
*9. Sunscreen/Sunburn Remedy
Coconut oil is an all natural sunscreen and sunburn remedy, all in
one. In fact, it is SPF 4, just enough to protect against sun
damage, and the best of the nonvolatile herbal oils. Reapply as
necessary, throughout the day. If you get too much sun, gently rub
coconut oil into affected areas, and it will promote healing and
soothe the pain.
*0. Massage Oil
Coconut oil is a soothing and conditioning massage
oil. Add a couple of drops of lavender oil and peppermint oil to
help heal sore muscles and stimulate mindful relaxation.
*1. Insect Repellent
Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil with a couple of drops of
peppermint, rosemary and tea tree oil to repel flies, mosquitos,
gnats and bees. This is a safe alternative to DEET and can be
applied safely on all areas of the body.
*2. Anti-Fungal Cream
Due to its antibiotic capabilities, coconut oil can be used
topically to treat athletes foot and skin fungus. Apply some to the
affected area and either leave it on or wipe off with a paper towel
after it has time to set in.
*3. Cold Sore Treatment
If you experience cold sores in or around your mouth, trying
dabbing them with coconut oil several times per day to reduce
healing time and pain. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which if
effective at entering the virus that lives within cold sores and
shutting off their ability to reproduce. This means you experience
relief faster and are less likely to have scars or discoloration
left in the area of the sore, too.
*4. Nail Cuticle Oil
Apply coconut oil to your finger beds to reduce the risk of
developing fungal infections and to make it easier to push back
cuticles so your nails can naturally grow more quickly. If you go
to manicure salons to get your nails done, you may be at risk for
coming into contact with serious viruses and bacteria that often
live on salon equipment, so coconut oil offers another layer or
defense.
*5. Soothing Foot Rub for Cracked Heels
Find relief for your dry, cracked heals naturally by rubbing them
with coconut oil and allowing the oil to penetrate your skin. Try
using 2 tablespoons of oil for both heels, and feel free to add
other essential oils like lavender oil which can help to further
reduce dryness and bacteria, plus give your feet a nice, relaxing
scent.
*6. Ingrown Hair Treatment and Preventer
Rub areas where you frequently shave or are prone to bumps and
infection with coconut oil. The oil helps to soften skin so hair
can easily grow through the follicle properly without becoming
ingrown, plus it kills bacteria at the same time.
*7. Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Coconut can cleanse hair if used with apple cider
vinegar, and because it doesnt have any harsh chemicals in it. This
method leaves your color intact for longer, prevents dullness and
orange or yellow discoloration, and makes your hair soft and
shiny.
*8. Natural Hair Conditioner
Using coconut oil for hair conditioning has been used for
thousands of years to strengthen and style hair. As a moisturizer,
coconut oil can help de-frizz and strengthen hair while helping
hair to retain moisture. Depending on the length and texture of
your hair, you may need anywhere from 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons
of coconut oil as a conditioner. Warm in the palms of your hands,
and starting at the ends, work the oil into the hair.
*9. Prevent and Treat Dandruff
This can help to encourage new hair growth and will help you get
rid of dandruff. Rinse well (and then rinse again) and then style
as usual. Your hair should be healthy, shiny and full of body. If
the coconut oil weighs your hair down, use less the next time and
rinse well.
*0. Hair De-tangler for Children
Use a small amount of coconut oil on your childrens hair when its
tangled and needs a natural, smooth solution for getting it brushed
easily. Rub oil between your palms and then onto wet hair before
combining through.
*1. Homemade Exfoliator
Combine oil with organic coconut sugar or ground coffee beans to
create a homemade facial or body scrub that will help remove dry
skin. Do this twice weekly for smooth skin that is less likely to
develop ingrown hairs, acne, blackheads or other unwanted
dullness.
*2. Cheek Bone Highlighter
Try using coconut in place of makeup to add shine to your
cheek bones and eyelids. This gives you a natural youthful glow and
requires no makeup, makeup removal or extra expensive products to
purchase.
*3. Makeup Brush Cleaner
Make up brushes are notorious for carrying loads of
built-up harmful bacteria. Rub coconut oil on your makeup brushes
and leave them for *2 hours in order to disinfect them. Then wash
thoroughly, although there is no need to worry about any oil
remaining on your brush since it wont harm your makeup for
skin.
*4. Hairbrush Cleaner
Use coconut oil in the same way as on your makeup brushes to remove
unwanted hair and bacteria from your hair brushes. The oil even
works well on delicate bore bristle brushes and helps the hair to
easily slide on. Any oil that remains on your brush will only
condition the brush bristles and your hair more afterwards.
*5. Baby Ointment and Diaper Rash Guard
When your baby experiences painful diaper rash, rub some coconut
oil around the affected area to sooth swelling, redness, itch and
burn. Try using 1 tablespoon to start and allow it to seep into the
skin.
*6. Hair Texturizer and Gel Replacement
Many commercial brands of hair gel and mousse contain
alcohol, which dries out your hair, not to mention many other toxic
chemicals and fragrances. Try using a bit of coconut oil rubbed
into the ends of your hair to hold its style and condition it at
the same time. The oil prevents fly aways and adds extra shine too.