Coconut Oil Benefits

I have a confession to make.

I use coconut oil…ALOT!

You see, I’m on a mission to simplify my life. That means getting rid of chemical-filled products that do more harm than good. When you consider all the ways it can be used, making the switch to coconut oil should be a no-brainer. If you aren’t using it yet, you need to!

Coconut oil has been around for centuries. It’s affordable, readily available and best of all, it’s natural! It is used for everything from skin care to weight loss to vapor rub.

The reason it’s so fantastic is because of it’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and antiviral properties. Whew!

Seriously, coconut oil is such a SUPER food that it deserves it’s own cape and tights!

If you’re ready to switch, make sure you get a good, quality coconut oil that will work for your specific purpose. Here is a breakdown of what to look for:

TYPES OF COCONUT OIL

Virgin/Unrefined/Raw: No matter which name is used, this is the best of the best. This is the one closest to it’s natural state and therefore, better for you. It has the highest antioxidant levels of all the other oils and offers the most benefits for a wide range of uses. It is the most preferred for internal consumption.

Refined: This type of coconut oil has no smell or taste. It comes from the dried coconut “copra” instead of fresh coconuts. It also goes through various stages of processing, including bleaching and deodorizing. While it is useful in some applications, it doesn’t pack the health benefits of unrefined coconut oil.

Fractionated: Solid coconut oil will become liquid at room temperatures above 76 degrees. But fractionated coconut oil is a liquid that stays that way. Because you don’t have to melt it, it’s ready to use in any hair or skin care application.

Note: Unlike olive oil, there is no difference in virgin or extra virgin when it comes to coconut oil. Also, an organic label only means no pesticides were used during the growing or harvesting process.

Let me tell you about some of it’s super powers:

Even though it’s an oil, it’s actually good for the heart and arteries.
It has a lower caloric count than other oils.
Aids in digestion, which can help with enzyme and thyroid function and can keep your gut healthy.
The beneficial fats make you feel fuller sooner so you eat less. A win for folks trying to lose weight.
It’s rich in Vitamin E.
Helps speed up the healing of skin infections like eczema, acne and dermatitis.
Prevents dandruff and is effective in getting rid of lice and their eggs.
Helps absorb calcium and magnesium, which is great for women who suffer from osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones).
Helps to regulate hormones and helps with hot flashes.
Athletes love it because it’s a great natural energy booster and helps with endurance.
Helps to reduce the symptoms of diabetes, pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis and Alzheimers.

And that is just the tip of the iceberg!

Time and blog space prevent me from listing all it’s attributes, but trust me, coconut oil can do So. Much. More! See what I mean about the cape and tights!

A google search will give you hundreds of uses for coconut oil.

However, I’m only sharing applications that I actually use and have found to work! I’m sure you’ll find something here that you can use as well!

Make homemade deodorant. Commercial deodorants have been linked to developmental and reproductive issues. Making your own deodorant simply makes sense.
Coconut oil is great to condition cutting boards after cleaning. Unlike other oils, coconut oil won’t go rancid and turn your cutting board into a bacterial breeding ground.
Clean, condition and soften real leather to keep it supple and shiny. This saves you time and money on sending your favorite leather coat to a professional cleaner. And don’t forget your purses, shoes, belts and upholstery.
Use on the family pet when they’ve scratched themselves raw from fleas. (I’m currently experimenting to see if it works on ear mites as well. I’ll keep you posted!)
Speaking of ears, coconut oil and garlic can be used to clear up an ear infection.
Pinterest is home to hundreds of ideas for homemade lotions, salves and body scrubs that use coconut oil. To get you started, check out my simple hand scrub.
By itself, coconut oil works wonderfully on dry, cracked heels.
Use as a hot-oil treatment for dry, damaged or over-processed hair. (Short story…after my mother completed chemo and radiation therapy, her hair eventually re-grew but it was stiff and wire-y. A little dab of coconut oil worked wonders and she felt pampered in the process.)
Works as a nail and cuticle oil and can help strengthen dry, brittle nails.
Make your own homemade sunscreen, bug repellent and itch relief. It’s much safer than exposure to DEET!

And the list goes on!

So, what if you’re allergic to coconut oil?

Substitute palm, avocado or sesame oil if you want to try your hand at making your own products. It’s easier on the wallet and much better than buying something loaded with chemicals.

While they do provide some benefits, keep in mind that these other oils won’t equal the healthy properties found in coconut oil.

So there you have it…

A short ( although not even close to complete) list of reasons why you need coconut oil in your life. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to give coconut oil a try. You can’t beat the health benefits of coconut oil and the possibilities for everyday use are limitless. It might just change your life!

Keep it simple, friends!

lisa

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