Incredible Benefits of Coconut Oil For Your Body, Health, and Your Home
Sales of coconut oil in natural food stores and other grocery outlets continue to climb at a record pace. This increasing demand isn’t just because coconut oil is great for cooking. This versatile ingredient offers numerous perks for your body, health, and home. It’s time to think beyond the kitchen and look at the incredible benefits of coconut oil.
10 Benefits of Coconut Oil
“In recent years, the popularity of coconut and particularly coconut oil has soared because of touted health benefits,” reports Harvard Medical School. “Fueling the coconut oil trend, celebrity endorsements have claimed the ingredient to help blast away belly fat, curb appetite, strengthen the immune system, prevent heart disease, and stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A survey found that 72% of Americans rated coconut oil as ‘healthy.'”
And that “healthy” rating comes with a lot of evidence. For instance, one small trial found that that coconut oil may help reduce dry eyes (just as effectively as commercial eye drops) and support healthier vision. But that’s not all.
1. Moisturize your skin: Coconut oil is a good moisturizer for your skin, and it can help prevent dryness and flakiness. Massage it into your skin after a shower or bath for an effective moisturizing effect. It may even help to combat skin blemishes and acne, treat eczema and excessive dryness, and even improve collagen levels in your skin (improving healing and reducing wrinkles and fine lines).
2. Hair conditioner: Use coconut oil as a natural conditioner for your hair. Simply apply the oil to your hair and scalp, then leave it on for a couple of hours or overnight. Rinse thoroughly with shampoo to remove any residue.
3. Natural makeup remover: Coconut oil is an excellent natural alternative to store-bought makeup removers. It’s gentle on your skin, effective at removing even waterproof mascara, and moisturizing all at the same time.
4. Antifungal properties: Coconut oil’s antifungal properties make it an ideal treatment for fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and fungal nail infections. Apply it topically to the affected area to help get rid of the infection.
5. Cooking oil: Coconut oil is one of the best oils for cooking. It has a high smoke point, which means that it’s a great choice for frying or high-heat cooking. Moreover, it’s a healthier alternative to other types of oil, like vegetable oil.
6. Soothe a sore throat: Next time you have a sore throat, try swallowing a teaspoon of coconut oil. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation in your throat and provide soothing relief.
7. Oral hygiene: Coconut oil can be used as a natural mouthwash, a process known as oil pulling. This practice can help to reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath and plaque.
8. Homemade bug spray: Mix coconut oil with a few drops of your favorite essential oils, like lavender or peppermint, and voila – you have a natural bug spray that’s safe for both you and the environment.
9. Furniture polish: Coconut oil can also be used as a furniture polish. Simply apply a small amount of oil to a soft cloth, then buff your furniture for a shine that looks like new. Best of all, unlike most commercial furniture polish and wood cleaners, it contains no toxic pollutants or chemicals (indoor air quality has a significant impact on your immune system).
10. Leather conditioner: Coconut oil can be used as a natural conditioner for leather products, like shoes or bags. Simply apply the oil to a soft cloth and rub it gently into the leather.
The benefits of coconut oil make it an all-around superstar when it comes to its various uses. From cooking to skincare and beyond, it’s a versatile and inexpensive natural alternative that could benefit your overall health and well-being.
References:
- https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/coconut-oil-market
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coconut-oil/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4352907/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19665786/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134433/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20523108/