Coconut oil is one of life’s little miracle substances that has a big range of benefits and uses you can apply to all areas of your health and wellbeing.
Whether on the skin or in the tum, coconut oil is usable in the kitchen to the bathroom and beyond. Here are 50 benefits and 50 uses of coconut oil to get you started:
Benefits of Using Coconut Oil
- Improves digestion
- Aids absorption of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients like calcium, magnesium and amino acids
- Improves insulin secretion and blood glucose utilization
- Acts as an anti-oxidant
- Improves utilization of essential fatty acids
- Reduces the body’s need for vitamin E
- Supports bodily organs and systems
- Supports thyroid function
- Supports immune system
- Helps prevent liver and kidney disease
- Helps dissolve kidney stones
- Improves bowel function
- Improves cholesterol ratio, reducing risk of heart disease
- Helps protect the body against certain cancers including breast and colon
- Prevents ageing issues like osteoporosis, periodontal disease and tooth decay
- Reduces symptoms of pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, and stomach ulcers
- Reduces inflammation, malabsorption syndrome, and cystic fibrosis symptoms
- Is lower in calories than other oils
- Increases thyroid function and metabolic rate
- Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin
- Reduces symptoms of psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis
- Softens and moisturizes skin
- Reduces wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots
- Nourishes dry hair and reduces dandruff
- Helps treat bladder infections
- Treats frizzy, fly-away hair
- Increase good (HDL) cholesterol levels
- Support hormone balance
- Boost immune system
- Burn energy more efficiently
- Conditions and moisturizes hair
- Treats sunburns and other skin irritations
- Treat stress with aromatherapy
- Soothe eczema and dermatitis
- Lower blood pressure
- Suppress appetite
- Strengthen bones and teeth
- Enrich and increase milk supply of breastfeeding moms
- Control parasites and fungi that lead to digestion issues
- Increase fluidity of cell surfaces
- Help prevent gestational diabetes
- Keep morning sickness in check during pregnancy
- Aide bronchial infections
- Reduce epileptic seizures
- Protect arteries from injury that causes heart disease
- Soothe irritable bowel syndrome
- Reduce hot flashes
- Support cell regeneration
- Help scarring
- Speed healing and reduce chance of wound infection
Uses for Coconut Oil
- Use coconut oil as a healthier, dairy-free replacement for butter
- Take as a daily supplement for energy
- Create a coconut latte by adding it to your coffee
- Use as a lotion for dry skin
- Make your own deodorant
- Use as an eye make-up remover
- Make your own toothpaste
- Lighten age spots
- Prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
- Use as a topical yeast killer
- Use as a massage oil
- Boost your metabolism with a daily dose in your diet
- Treat hair frizz with a tiny dab
- Use as an intensive nighttime facial moisturizer
- Mix with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub
- Treat lips by using it as chap stick
- Use as intensive hair conditioner
- Fight athlete’s foot
- Mix with apple cider vinegar to treat lice naturally
- Ease allergies by rubbing oil on the inside of your nose
- Improve insulin levels by ingesting
- Improve gum health by mixing with a drop of oregano oil
- Improve cholesterol ratios with regular ingestion
- Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu
- Use for cooking in place of other oils
- Reduce appearance of varicose veins
- Use as a naturally antibacterial skin cream
- Use as a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
- Reduce the appearance of cellulite
- Lessen arthritis pains
- Help resolve acne
- Soften and condition leather
- Use as a tanning oil
- Mix with equal parts salt to remove dry skin on feet
- Take a tablespoon before each meal to improve digestion
- Include in warm ginger tea to sooth heartburn or nausea
- Use as a natural baby lotion
- Use as a cuticle moisturizer
- Clear up cold sores
- Use as a safe oil for cooking in high temperatures
- Add a tablespoon to your favourite smoothie recipe
- Eat on toast instead of butter
- Create delicious salad dressings
- Top your popcorn with coconut oil
- Coat skillets to create non-stick surfaces for cooking
- Use a small amount over make-up as a cheekbone highlighter
- Use as a diaper rash cream
- Use as a natural lubricant
- Melt oil and use in the bathtub
- Put half a teaspoon on cat paws to keep a shiny coat and cut down on hairballs
Hi! I love how informative and great your articles are. Can you recommend any other blogs that share recipes of Paleo Bars or any other healthy snack recipes? Thanks a lot!
There are so many ways to use coconut oil! It seems like it can replace a pile of skincare products. Very interesting.