101 uses for Coconut Oil

Wonderful coconut oil!

The fats in coconut oil are known as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). The fatty acids are shorter than most other fats (1). These types of fats, will go straight to the liver, where they are used as a quick source of energy or turned into ketones. Ketones can have powerful benefits for the brain, and are being studied for helping symptoms of epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and other conditions.

While coconut oil has been recently been given a bad wrap in USA, in other parts of the world, where it is consumed regularly people have thrived on its many beneficial properties. Two groups of Polynesians used to eat over 60% of their calories from coconuts. The study done in 1981 showed low rates of heart disease and were quite healthy (2).

Another study conducted on the Kitavins who also consume a great amount of coconut were also in excellent health. Stroke and ischaemic heart disease appear to be absent in this population.(3).

Another awesome benefit to coconut oil is that the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil can increase how many calories you burn compared to the same amount of calories from longer chain fats. That is why you will see MCT in so many Sports Nutrition products as well. Here are the many wonderful uses of coconut oil summed up, in well, a rather long list! 

Coconut Oil’s Internal And External Uses And Benefits:

1. It contains Lauric acid and MCFA which helps boost metabolism.                                                                        
2. Add to baking, stir-frys or as a dairy free replacement to butter.                                                                                
3. Some studies show that ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers.
4. A great brain boosting snack for kids added to homemade treats
5. An energy booster added to your Smoothie.
6. 3-4 tablespoons a day (+ Vitamin D) helps to increase milk supply and nutrients for nursing moms.
7. Helps digestion and may even kill intestinal parasites or yeast
8. A TBSP mixed with a TBSP of chia seeds is great for an all-day energy boost (but NOT at night!).
9. Helps improve insulin levels.
10. Oil pulling (swooshing in the mouth) with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health.
11. Can help improve cholesterol ratios.
12. Add to your hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu.
13. As a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe.
14. High heat point makes coconut oil a better cooking oil than olive or vegetable oils.
15. An immediate source of energy when eaten and isn’t stored as fat.
16. A basic skin lotion.
17. Add to homemade lotion bars for sofert, smoother skin
18. Add to homemade deodorant recipes
19. An eye-makeup remover.
20. A safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom) especially for cloth diapers
21. Age spots lightener
22. Prevents stretch marks during pregnancy.
23. To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning.
24. A natural light SPF 4 sunscreen.
25. Add to homemade lotion recipes.
26. For Cradle cap on baby- just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with warm water.
27. With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works                                              
28. Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections.
29. A fragrant tropical massage oil.
30. No more frizz applied to ends of hair.
31. An intensive nighttime facial moisturizer.
32. A body scrub when mixed with equal parts sugar (use in the shower).
33. A lip moisturizer
34. Helps heal skin heal faster after injury or infection.
35. Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth.
36. Intensive natural conditioner - apply to hair and leave in under a hair cap
37. For athlete’s foot or toe fungus.
38. Nipple irritation of nursing mothers in place of lanolin (also great for baby!).
39. Helps to sooth psoriasis or eczema.
40. Clean and shine shoes and boots
41. A great ingredient for Homemade Sunscreen.
42. Apply to inside of nostrils to help alleviate allergy symptoms.
43. Add to homemade Natural bug repellant formulas
44. Helps to reduce appearance of varicose veins.
45. After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing of sunburn.
46. A natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora.
47. As a naturally antibacterial skin cream.
48. In natural homemade diaper cream.
49. As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion.
50. When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite.
51. To season cast iron skillets                                                                                                                       
52. Anti-itch for mosquito bites.
53. Can help with acne
54. Stimulate hair growth when rubbed on scalp
55. Help to speed ear infection healing.
56. On split ends to de-frizz.
57. A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (shiny leather only… test a small area first).
58. By itself as a great tanning oil.
59. Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet.
60. Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily.
61. Can help improve sleep when taken daily.
62. Helps to heal fungal infections when taken internally and used externally.
63. A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat.
64. To help sooth the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy.
65. It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium.
66. Helps remineralize teeth used internally
67. Some studies show that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety.
68. By itself as a natural deodorant.
69. A natural whitening toothpaste combined with baking soda.
70. For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally.
71. Some evidence suggests that the beneficial fats in coconut oil are helpful for those with Autism.
72. In homemade vapor rub.
73. As a safe cooking oil for deep frying.
74. To remove sticky labels
75. Can be taken in warm ginger tea to sooth heartburn or nausea.
76. As a completely natural baby lotion.
77. On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin.
78. Mixed with catnip, rosemary or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent.
79. Can be used on mom’s nipple and baby’s mouth to help treat thrush.
80. Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer.
81. Add shine to hair
82. Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs.
83. When taken regularly, it can help fight candida.
84. When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production.
85. Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically.
86. Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold.
87. On cuticles to help nails grow.
88. Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows.
89. Add to smoothies to give them a nutritional boost
90. Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development (especially when taken with Fermented Cod Liver Oil).
91. In any recipes where vegetable oils are used.
92. Whipped with shea butter for a soothing body balm.
93. Taken supplementally for daily energy
94. It has been called Brain Octane
95. As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee, have you tried Bullet Proof Coffee?
96. To support healthy thyroid function.
97. In homemade Mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils.
98. Season your wooden cutting board
99. Naturally clears up cold sores.
100. Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms.
101. Ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness  

So there you have it, Pick up your coconut oil today at Life Sustainers!  

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