24 Natural Beauty and Health Uses for Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is an Amazing Health and Skincare product

Coconut Oil is a must have in a healthy eating and natural skin care routine. A must have! This post will highlight some of the reasons for this and show you how I use it my Awesome Naturelles approach to health.

I have been using it for the past twelve months and have grown to love and respect it more and more each day. Love It.

Why is Coconut Oil Awesome for your Health and Beauty?

Coconut oil is nowadays considered to be a good fat because it is made up of MCFAs or medium chained fatty acids. Our bodies love MCFAs because it can break them down much easier than it can the LCFA or long chained fatty acids. 

The LCFAs are made up of much larger molecules which tend to put a large amount stress on your body as it tries to digest them. In the process, your metabolism is slowed down and you get that sluggish, just-can’t move-another-step-feeling.  

These LCFAs are also the ones stored as fat in your body while the wonderful MCFAs are quickly available as an energy source. I am sure that you would prefer to have more MCFAs so that you have much more energy to do the all activities you love. 

The fatty acids contained in coconut oil are not the same as the ones found in cheese or steak, so worry no more and try it.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

The 3 super hero fatty acidswhich are abundant in coconut oil are called Lauric Acid, Capric Acid and Capryllic Acid. It has been found that Lauric Acid makes up 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil.  This is the super agent that is strong in its power to fight off pathogens such as viruses, fungi and bacteria. It essentially strengthens you against infections. Breastmilk is the only other natural source of lauric acid. 

Coconut oil can help reduce your hunger and therefore cause you to eat less. A great ingredient for those working towards their weight loss goals. Coconut oil is particularly cited as helpful in losing weight around the abdominal area. 

Several studies have supported this theory with a suggested amount of 30ml has been taken daily for a 12 week period. This is without including exercising or restricting calories. How's that for losing weight by eating well!

The fatty acids in Coconut oil can boost brain function in Alzheimers patients. Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia in elderly people. It would seem that Alzheimers patients have a reduced ability to use glucose for energy in certain parts of the brain. 

Coconut oil produces ketones as a by product, which becomes a direct source of energy to the brain cells of sufferers. Studies have not been completely validated and so it is recommended as always that you do your own research.

Coconut Oil is great for Skin and Hair Care

Coconut Oil in Your Skin Care

The MCFAs found in coconut oil penetrate easily through the skin to moisturise it without leaving any greasy feeling. The oil forms a protective shield against free radicals and environmental damage on your skin. It absorbs quickly and you need very little for effectiveness. 

Coconut oil also plays a part in baby care as well. It serves as a gentle, all natural diaper cream due to its anti bacterial and anti fungal properties. Mums will find it works wonders on diaper rash and as a moisturiser. All natural, no chemicals!

Hair Care

You can get rid of all the chemical laden conditioners and treatments that you spend a ton of money on and replace them with the coconut oil. Great for an overnight moisturising treatment

I use coconut oil for a huge number of things now.

1. I add it as a power boost  when making green smoothies
2. Mixed with Shea butter to make a luxurious body butter
3. Mixed with mango butter to make hair creams
4. Apply it to my hands after washing dishes or a bout of deep cleaning
5. To soothe chapped skin around my heels 
6. Use as a moisturiser on my knees
7. As an anti ageing facial moisturiser
8. A gentle yet nourishing under eye cream for the delicate eye area
9. As an intensive night or day moisturiser when my face feels extra dry
10. As a face cleanser as part of the Oil Cleansing Method
11. Great as a make-up remover and for the eye area as well.
12. As a scrub for lips and skin mixed with sugar and sometimes honey
13. As a moisturising hair treatment, used with deep heat
14. As a scalp massage to stimulate hair growth
15. To stir fry vegetables
16. Taken as a supplement up to 4 tbsps daily
17. Used under arms as a natural deodorant.
18. To whiten my teeth, I use on its own or mixed with baking soda.
19. Great on toast and bagels as a substitute for butter or margarine
20. Applied to hair it reduces frizz as it repels water from entering the hair shaft.
21. As a cuticle cream it is great for ragged cuticles.
22. Makes your nails stronger
23. Removes fungal infections on your feet
24. Awesome as a massage oil as it is solid in its natural form so is less messy than other options

When purchasing coconut oil, always look for the virgin type and not the hydrogenated ones which are harmful.

At room temperature it is a solid oil which generally melts in your hands. Don't be surprised to see it liquefy in the summer months or in a warm room. Be careful so you don't spill it!

Enjoy using this wonderful oil. It smells is awesome and you will love how soft it makes your skin feel.

If you use coconut oil, please share your tips with us