Coconut oil is incredibly popular — and for good reason.
It offers many health benefits, has a delicate taste, and is available from our website now!
It’s also an extremely versatile oil with a number of uses you may not be aware of.
Here are 29 clever uses for coconut oil.
1. PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM UV RAYS
Coconut oil can be used effectively as a sun screen AND as an after sun treatment. In Asian countries, this is common practice. Please do not use toxic sunscreen! Remember, what goes on your skin is going in.
2. INCREASE YOUR METABOLISM
Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides. These are fatty acids that are quickly absorbed and can increase the number of calories you burn.
Controlled studies have shown that MCTs can significantly boost your metabolic rate — at least temporarily.
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 a very high saturated fat content. In fact, about 87% of its fat is saturated.
This feature makes it one of the best fats for high-heat cooking, including frying.
Saturated fats retain their structure when heated to high temperatures, unlike the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in vegetable oils.
Oils such as corn and safflower are converted into toxic compounds when heated. These have harmful effects on health.
Therefore, coconut oil is a safer alternative for cooking at high temperatures.
4. IMPROVE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
Coconut oil can be a powerful weapon against bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria in your mouth that causes dental plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease.
In one study, swishing with coconut oil for 10 minutes — known as oil pulling — reduced these bacteria as effectively as rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.
In another study, swishing daily with coconut oil significantly reduced inflammation and plaque in teenagers with gingivitis (inflamed gums).
5. RELIEVE SKIN IRRITATION AND ECZEMA
Research shows that coconut oil improves dermatitis and other skin disorders at least as well as mineral oil and other conventional moisturizers.
In a study in children with eczema, 47% of those treated with coconut oil noticed major improvements.
6. IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION
The MCTs in coconut oil are broken down by your liver and turned into ketones, which can act as an alternative energy source for your brain.
Several studies have found MCTs to have impressive benefits for brain disorders, including epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.
Some researchers recommend using coconut oil as a source of MCTs to increase the production of ketones.
7. MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN
Coconut oil makes a wonderful moisturizer for your legs, arms, and elbows.
You can use it on your face as well — though this isn’t recommended for those with very oily skin.
It can also help repair cracked heels. Simply apply a thin coat to your heels at bedtime, put on socks, and continue on a nightly basis until your heels are smooth.
8. MAY HELP FIGHT INFECTIONS
Virgin coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help treat infections.
One test-tube study found that it stopped the growth of the intestinal bacteria Clostridium difficile, commonly known as C. diff, which causes severe diarrhea.
It also appears to fight yeasts — an effect generally attributed to lauric acid, the main fatty acid in coconut oil.
9. INCREASE YOUR ‘GOOD’ HDL CHOLESTEROL
Coconut oil has been shown to raise cholesterol levels in some people.
However, its strongest and most consistent effect is an increase in “good” HDL cholesterol.
One study in women with abdominal obesity found that HDL increased in a group consuming coconut oil, whereas it decreased in those consuming soybean oil.
10. MAY REDUCE BELLY FAT
Coconut oil may help reduce belly fat — also known as visceral fat — which is linked to increased health risks, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
In one study, obese men 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.
Another study looked at women on calorie-restricted diets. 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 slight increase.
11. PROTECT YOUR HAIR FROM DAMAGE
Coconut oil can help keep your hair healthy.
One 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 before or after washing. This result occurred with damaged as well as healthy hair.
Researchers concluded that the unique structure of lauric acid — the main fatty acid in coconut oil — can penetrate the hair shaft in a way that most other fats can’t. I wouldn’t use anything else on my hair
12. DECREASE HUNGER AND FOOD INTAKE
The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil may help reduce hunger, leading to a spontaneous decrease in cravings.
In a small study, men who followed a high-MCT diet took in fewer calories and lost more weight than men who ate diets with low or medium MCT content.
13. COMBAT CANDIDA
Candida albicans is the fungus responsible for yeast infections, which commonly occur in warm, moist areas of the body, such as the mouth or vagina.
Test-tube studies suggest that coconut oil help fight candida infections.
Researchers found coconut oil to be as effective as fluconazole, the antifungal medication typically prescribed for candida infections.
14. NATURAL DEODORANT
While sweat itself has no smell, the bacteria living on your skin can produce undesirable odors.
Coconut oil’s strong antibacterial properties make it a great natural deodorant that contains no chemicals.
You can find many easy recipes for deodorants made with coconut oil and other natural ingredients online. Our magnesium spray is also effective in this regard.
15. RELIEVE SYMPTOMS OF ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is characterized by pain and immobility of the joints due to inflammation.
Animal research suggests that antioxidants called polyphenols found in coconut oil may be able to relieve some symptoms of arthritis.
A study in rats with arthritis found that treatment with polyphenols from coconut oil reduced swelling and several inflammatory markers.
16. MAKE YOUR WOOD FURNITURE SHINE
Coconut oil may help keep your furniture looking shiny and polished.
In addition to bringing out the beauty in natural wood, it seems to act as a dust repellent. Plus, it has a pleasant, delicate aroma — unlike many commercial furniture polishes that contain strong fragrances.
17. REMOVE EYE MAKEUP
Coconut oil is a gentle and effective eye makeup remover. Apply with a cotton pad and wipe gently until all traces of makeup are gone.
18. IMPROVE LIVER HEALTH
Animal research has found that the saturated fats in coconut oil can help protect your liver from damage due to alcohol or toxin exposure.
In one study, mice treated with coconut oil after exposure to a toxic compound had a decrease in inflammatory liver markers and increased activity of beneficial liver enzymes.
19. SOOTHE CHAPPED LIPS
Coconut oil makes an ideal natural lip balm.
It glides on smoothly, leaves your lips moist for hours, and even provides some protection from the sun.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Coconut oil offers several health benefits, way more than is mentioned here — but also has many other clever and practical uses.
Make sure to always have plenty of coconut oil on hand. You never know when you might need it.
Disclaimer: Do not exceed the stated dose. Not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult your health professional if taking medication or have an existing medical condition. Food supplement: should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. We are not responsible for any adverse reactions to our products.
