It provides numerous health advantages, has a delicate taste, and is extensively readily available.
It’s also an incredibly flexible oil with a number of usages you might not know.
Here are 29 clever uses for coconut oil.
1. Protect Your Skin from UV Rays
When applied to your skin, coconut oil may secure it from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which raise your danger of skin cancer and trigger wrinkling and brown spots.
One research study discovered that coconut oil blocks about 20% of the sun’s UV rays.
However, remember that it doesn’t provide the exact same defense as conventional sun block, which blocks about 90% of UV rays.
Another study approximated that coconut oil has a sun security factor (SPF) of 7, which is still lower than the minimum suggestion in some countries.
2. Boost Your Metabolism
Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These are fats that are quickly absorbed and can increase the number of calories you burn.
Controlled studies have revealed that MCTs can considerably boost your metabolic rate – a minimum of momentarily.
One study found that 15 – 30 grams of MCTs increased the number of calories burned by an average of 120 over a 24-hour period.
3. Cook Safely at High Temperatures
Coconut oil has an extremely high saturated fat material. In fact, about 87% of its fat is saturated.
This feature makes it one of the best fats for high-heat cooking, including frying.
Hydrogenated fats maintain their structure when heated to heats, unlike the polyunsaturated fats discovered in vegetable oils.
Oils such as corn and safflower are converted into poisonous compounds when heated up. These might have hazardous effects on health.
Therefore, coconut oil is a safer option for cooking at high temperatures.
4. Improve Your Dental Health
Coconut oil can be a powerful weapon versus germs, including Streptococcus mutans, the germs in your mouth that causes oral plaque, tooth decay, and gum illness.
In one study, swishing with coconut oil for 10 minutes – known as oil pulling – minimized these bacteria as efficiently as rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash (9Trusted Source).
In another research study, swishing daily with coconut oil substantially reduced inflammation and plaque in teenagers with gingivitis (irritated gums) (10Trusted Source).
5. Ease Skin Irritation and Eczema
Research study reveals that coconut oil improves dermatitis and other skin conditions at least as well as mineral oil and other standard moisturizers.
In a research study in kids with eczema, 47% of those treated with coconut oil observed significant improvements.
6. Enhance Brain Function
The MCTs in coconut oil are broken down by your liver and turned into ketones, which can serve as an alternative energy source for your brain.
A number of research studies have found MCTs to have impressive benefits for brain disorders, consisting of epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.
Some researchers suggest using coconut oil as a source of MCTs to increase the production of ketones.
7. Make Healthy Mayonnaise
Business mayonnaise frequently contains soybean oil and added sugar.
It’s easy to make your own mayo with coconut oil or olive oil.
The second recipe on this list uses coconut oil as one of the fats for a healthy homemade mayo.
8. Moisturize Your Skin
Coconut oil makes a fantastic moisturizer for your legs, arms, and elbows.
You can use it on your face too – though this isn’t recommended for those with very oily skin.
It can likewise help fix broken heels. Simply apply a thin coat to your heels at bedtime, put on socks, and advance a nighttime basis up until your heels are smooth.
9. May Help Battle Infections
Virgin coconut oil has anti-bacterial homes that can help treat infections.
One test-tube study found that it stopped the development of the digestive bacteria Clostridium difficile, frequently referred to as C. diff, which causes extreme diarrhea.
It also appears to fight yeasts – an effect generally attributed to lauric acid, the primary fat in coconut oil.
No studies have shown that coconut oil is reliable at dealing with infections when eaten or used to the skin.
10. Increase Your ‘Good’ HDL Cholesterol
Coconut oil has been revealed to raise cholesterol levels in some individuals.
Its strongest and most constant impact is a boost in “great” HDL cholesterol.
One study in women with stomach weight problems found that HDL increased in a group taking in coconut oil, whereas it reduced in those taking in soybean oil.
11. Make Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate
Homemade dark chocolate is a scrumptious method to get coconut oil’s health benefits.
Simply keep in mind to store it in the fridge or freezer, considering that coconut oil melts at 76 ° F( 24
° C). It’s simple to discover a recipe online and start. To keep things healthy, look for sugar-free concepts.
12. May Reduce Stomach Fat
Coconut oil may help reduce stubborn belly fat – likewise called visceral fat – which is linked to increased health dangers, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
In one study, obese guys lost 1 inch (2.54 cm) from their waist fat by adding 2 tablespoons (1 ounce or 30 ml) of coconut oil to their diet plan.
Another research study looked at women on calorie-restricted diet plans. Those who took 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of coconut oil per day had a decrease in waist size, while the soybean-oil group noticed a small boost (22Trusted Source).
13. Protect Your Hair from Damage
Coconut oil can help keep your hair healthy.
One research study compared the effects of coconut oil, mineral oil, and sunflower oil on hair.
Only coconut oil significantly reduced protein loss from hair when applied prior to or after shampooing. This outcome accompanied harmed along with healthy hair.
Researchers concluded that the distinct structure of lauric acid – the primary fatty acid in coconut oil– can permeate the hair shaft in a manner that a lot of other fats can’t.
14. Reduction Appetite and Food Consumption
The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil may help reduce appetite, resulting in a spontaneous decline in calorie consumption.
In a small study, men who followed a high-MCT diet took in less calories and lost more weight than men who consumed diet plans with low or medium MCT material.
15. Improve Injury Healing
One research study found that rats whose wounds were treated with coconut oil had a reduction in inflammatory markers and increased production of collagen, a significant part of skin. As a result, their wounds recovered much quicker.
To speed recovery of small cuts or scrapes, apply a bit of coconut oil straight to the wound and cover it with a bandage.
16. Increase Bone Health
Animal research study recommends that the antioxidants in virgin coconut oil may safeguard bone health by reducing the effects of free radicals, which can damage bone cells.
A six-week study of rats showed that the group getting 8% of their calories from coconut oil had significantly more bone volume and improved bone structure.
17. Make a Nontoxic Bug Spray
Some essential oils might be a natural method to keep bugs away and prevent bites and stings.
Rather than applying these oils directly to your skin, they need to be combined with a carrier oil.
In one study, combining Thai necessary oils with coconut oil provided over 98% security from the bites of specific mosquitoes.
18. Fight fungi
Candida fungus albicans is the fungi responsible for yeast infections, which typically occur in warm, wet locations of the body, such as the mouth or vaginal area.
Test-tube studies recommend that coconut oil might assist battle candida albicans infections.
Researchers discovered coconut oil to be as effective as fluconazole, the antifungal medication typically recommended for yeast infections.
19. Eliminate Spots
Coconut oil can be utilized to get rid of stains, including spills on carpets and furniture.
Integrate one part coconut oil with one part baking soda and mix into a paste. Apply to the stain, wait five minutes, and wipe away.
20. Decrease Swelling
Several animal studies show that consuming coconut oil provides strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Human research studies recommend that consuming coconut oil may decrease markers of oxidative stress and swelling, especially when compared to extremely unsaturated oils. Nevertheless, more research is required.
21. Natural Antiperspirant
While sweat itself has no odor, the bacteria surviving on your skin can produce undesirable odors.
Coconut oil’s strong anti-bacterial properties make it a fantastic natural antiperspirant which contains no chemicals.
You can find lots of easy recipes for antiperspirants made with coconut oil and other natural ingredients online.
22. Quick Energy Source
Coconut oil consists of medium-chain triglyceride fatty acids, which are absorbed differently than the long-chain triglycerides found in many foods.
These fats go straight from your gut to your liver, where they can be utilized as a fast source of energy that won’t raise blood sugar levels.
23. Heal Ragged Cuticles
Coconut oil can be utilized to improve your cuticles, consisting of hangnails.
Merely apply a small amount of coconut oil to your cuticles and massage for a couple of moments. Do this several times a week for finest results.
24. Relieve Signs of Arthritis
Arthritis is defined by pain and immobility of the joints due to swelling.
Animal research suggests that anti-oxidants called polyphenols found in coconut oil might be able to eliminate some signs of arthritis.
A research study in rats with arthritis found that treatment with polyphenols from coconut oil decreased swelling and numerous inflammatory markers.
There is no evidence that the lower levels of these polyphenols found in coconut oil have the same impacts.
25. Make Your Wood Furnishings Shine
Coconut oil may help keep your furniture looking shiny and refined.
In addition to bringing out the charm in natural wood, it seems to serve as a dust repellent. Plus, it has a pleasant, delicate aroma – unlike lots of business furnishings polish that contains strong fragrances.
26. Remove Eye Makeup
Coconut oil is a mild and reliable eye makeup remover. Apply with a cotton pad and wipe carefully up until all traces of makeup are gone.
27. Enhance Liver Health
Animal research study has actually found that the saturated fats in coconut oil can assist secure your liver from damage due to alcohol or contaminant direct exposure (38Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source).
In one study, mice treated with coconut oil after direct exposure to a harmful compound had a decrease in inflammatory liver markers and increased activity of helpful liver enzymes (39Trusted Source).
28. Relieve Chapped Lips
Coconut oil makes a perfect natural lip balm.
It slides on efficiently, leaves your lips moist for hours, and even provides some security from the sun.
29. Make Homemade Salad Dressing
Business salad dressings are typically loaded with sugar and preservatives.
Coconut oil makes a delicious addition to healthy, homemade salad dressings.
The Bottom Line
Coconut oil provides numerous health advantages – however likewise has lots of other creative and practical uses.
Ensure to always have a lot of coconut oil on hand. You never ever know when you might require it.
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