Coconut oil is one of the most versatile oils that can be found around. It is extracted from coconut milk. In this clime, coconut oil, known as adi-agbon has been used from time immemorial for skin and hair, but it is also useful around the house.
Here’s a list of some of its uses
- For hair – It is nourishing for some hair types due to its unique fat composition. It can be used as a hair mask, hot oil treatment or in homemade hair products.
- For skin– This is one of the ingredients in my home-made oil mix for my skin. I have been using it for over a year and it has made my skin smoother, softer and supple. I also use it to help with thigh friction on the days I don’t want to wear tights. It can help wounds and infections heal faster when used topically
- It’s a great source of healthy fats – Over 50% of the fat in coconut oil is lauric acid. This makes it the richest oil in lauric acid after breast milk.
- Cooking: Use coconut oil to fry eggs and you will never reach for any other oil again. It has a high smoke point and doesn’t go rancid easily. That it’s healthy doesn’t mean you should use a heavy hand while cooking with it..
- Digestive Help – It can help fight irritation and infection from Candida and it is helpful for digestion.
- Mental Boost – Studies show MCTs may contribute to focus and mental performance.
- Hormone Support – Getting the wrong kinds of fats can create havoc on hormones. Coconut oil contains specific fats that support the body’s natural hormone production.
- Immune Support – The MCTs (including lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid) have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties that make it beneficial for immune support
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- Used in oil pulling for healthy teeth and gums
- Can help speed up weight loss when consumed daily
- Can help improve sleep when taken daily
- As a make-up remover and brush cleaner
- Used in homemade deodorant, its antibacterial properties help fight odour
- As a naturally low SPF sunscreen on its own when used topically
- For shaving and after shave to prevent ingrown hairs
- As a natural personal lubricant as it does not disturb vagina flora
- As massage oil
- For chapped lips
- Help make nail cuticles healthy
- Sunscreen/Sunburn remedy
- Reduction of stretch marks
For external uses, expeller pressed, fractionated or other types of refined coconut oil will work, but for internal use, unrefined organic oil is best.
Photo Credits: draxe.com
