Coconut Oil Benefits
According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, there are over 1,600 studies that corroborate coconut oil as a nutrient powerhouse. The oil, which is extracted from mature coconuts, is high in healthy saturated fat (91%). This high content also makes this superfood slow to oxide, thereby prolonging its shelf life up to six months. Coconut oil does not contain the unhealthy Long Chain Fatty Acids (LCFAs) found in many vegetable or seed oils.According to medical research, the health benefits of coconut oil are wide-ranging.
Here are some of the life-changing ways your body will benefit by using coconut oil every day.
Exfoliate Your Face And Body With Coconut Oil
As a body ages, skin becomes dry and flaky. The best way to keep skin healthy is to exfoliate on a weekly basis and moisturize daily.Coconut oil works just as well as the pricey moisturizers and facial scrubs to exfoliate and moisturize your skin. It’s a convenient and much less expensive alternative.
Face: Just take a fingernail size of coconut oil, rub it into the palms of your hand, and then rub on your face. Using a warm wet washcloth, scrub your forehead, and then around your face in a circular motion. Rinse your face with warm water and then pat dry. Your skin will feel silky smooth.
Body: Easy and inexpensive way to make your own body scrub. Ingredients: 1 part coconut oil to 2 parts brown sugar. Directions: Put coconut oil in a saucepan and heat on low setting. Once warmed, slowly stir in the brown sugar. Keep heating for just 1 or 2 minutes. Any longer will dissolve the sugar crystals and you’ll loose the exfoliating agent. Take off the burner and let it cool down. Store the mixture in a jar. Exfoliate your skin as you would do with the expensive store brand, for a fraction of the cost.
Deodorant
Many deodorants contain parabens, BHT, aluminum, and toxic fragrances. A 100% natural and healthy alternative is virgin coconut oil. Studies have shown that coconut oil has antibacterial agents, and those agents can fight underarm odor. Just rub the coconut oil under your arms in liquid form or you can first melt it in your hands and then apply it. It can also be combined with baking soda and essentials oils into a paste, then applied to your underarms. Combine: 3 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and some essential oils. Mix thoroughly. Store in covered jar.Nail Cuticle Care
Cuticles are part of your skin and form on top your nails’ growth matrix and protects it. The matrix is the part of your fingernails that grows. While cuticles don’t feel soft, they are composed primarily of skin. It’s important to keep them moisturized, clean, and healthy. Apply coconut oil on your cuticles to help soften them, keep them healthy, and reduce the risk of fungal infection.Aids Digestion
The fatty acids in coconut oil can also aid the digestive system, specifically with the help of Caprylic acid, Lauric acid, and Capric acid, all Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs). Studies have shown 64% of coconut oil’s content is MCFAs. These healthy fatty acids absorb quickly into the body, making it easier to digest food, thereby putting less strain on the digestive system. MCFAs do not circulate in the bloodstream like many other fats. MCFAs can help stimulate the metabolism. They go directly to the liver and are converted to energy like carbs.Makeup Remover
Always remove makeup before going to bed to prevent bacterial growth and skin infections. Removing makeup is easy when using coconut oil. It’s not harsh like many commercial cleansers. Using a cotton ball or pad, apply a small amount of coconut oil to your face and gently rub in. Then wipe away the makeup. Wipe up any excess oil with a new cotton ball or pad. Your skin is now hydrated!Hair Treatment
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, specifically Lauric acid. If your hair is apt to get brittle and dry, then coconut oil will moisturize and nourish your hair and scalp, restoring it into silky, smooth, and healthy hair. It’s great for dandruff and a natural remedy for frizzy hair. Directions: Warm virgin coconut oil so it becomes a liquid state. It will melt at about 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently rub coconut oil into your hair, from the roots to the tips (your hair can first be dry or damp.) Comb through your hair so the oil is evenly distributed. Wait at least 30 minutes before shampooing. After your treatment, your hair will be softer and shiny and less likely to be brittle and break.Chapped Lips
Commercial lip balms may contain unhealthy and potentially toxic ingredients such as parabens. Coconut oil is a natural remedy to keep your lips hydrated and help heal chapped lips. The minerals in coconut oil keeps your lips smooth and soft. How to make homemade lip balm: Stir 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of virgin olive oil, and 3/4 teaspoon of honey. Store in a covered container. Apply to lips as needed to replenish the moisture.Reduces Cellulite
Studies have reported coconut oil has been very effective to fight unsightly cellulite. Formula: Combine 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a liquid state with 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil. Massage the mixture in a firm circular motion into affected cellulite spots. Then dry brush the areas for about 5 minutes in order to help stimulate blood circulation and to remove toxins from your body. Watch the cellulite disappear.Skin Care
Coconut oil shields the skin from the aging effects of free radicals, as shown in many studies. It can also help improve the appearance of skin with its anti-aging properties. When absorbed in the skin, coconut oil helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Directions: Take a small amount of coconut oil, place it your hands and rub them together. The oil will turn from a solid to liquid state. Apply to your skin. Your skin will look smoother.Fights Infections
50 percent of the Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) found in coconut oil is made up of lauric acid. Your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Monolaurin is also found in breast milk, which strengthens a baby’s immune system. Monolaurin can destroy viruses including flu, herpes, measles, and other bacterial infections. Coconut oil contains more lauric acid that any other known product. Coconut oil is also high another MCFA – capric acid, which helps protect your body from infections.No More Dry And Cracked Feet
Coconut oil is a natural remedy to cure dry skin and cracked heels. Rub a tablespoon of coconut oil into your feet. Allow the oil to penetrate to get the maximum benefit. Its anti-bacterial properties is also effective in treating athlete’s feet.Fights Diseases
The number one cause of death in the U.S. is heart disease. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid. This healthy fat has been shown in several studies to increase the good HDL cholesterol and lowering the bad LDL cholesterol, thereby helping promote normal platelet function. Other studies have shown virgin coconut oil’s MCFAs boost a body’s immune system, helps fight inflammation, and supports healthy kidneys and liver.Cold Sore Treatment
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, effective to fight cold sore virus. For fast relief, dab a little coconut oil on your cold sore several times a day. This natural cure is also less expensive than the $25 over the counter treatment. The MCFAs’ properties helps heal the sore and your skin is less likely to be discolored or scarred.Clean Brushes
Coconut oil’s anti-bacterial agents is a great solution to fight the bacterial build up on makeup brushes. Directions: Rub coconut oil on the brushes and let them soak for 1-2 hours. Then wash thoroughly, and let them air dry. Now your brushes are germ free!Sunburn Relief
Coconut oil is an all natural sunscreen remedy with a SPF 4 rating. While providing minimum protection from harmful skin damage, its antioxidants provide an excellent remedy to soothe sunburn discomfort and promote healing.Remove Age Spots
When your face has been exposed to sun for a long period of time for many years, your skin will develop age spots. Individuals over 40 are more prone to develop these spots. The spots may be dark brown or red in color. Consult with your doctor first to verify they are only age spots. Coconut oil is natural remedy for getting rid of age spots. Treatment: Clean your face and pat dry. Gently massage virgin coconut oil to the age spots in an upward motion. Continue treatment regime until the age spots disappear.Eye Makeup Remover
You always want to remove mascara before going to bed to prevent bacterial growth. Removing mascara can be very difficult, especially when using waterproof brands. Coconut oil is great at removing waterproof mascara! Just apply a small amount of coconut oil to a cotton ball or pad and gently rub the upper and lower lids in a circular motion. Let the oil soak in. Then wipe with a warm wash cloth. Coconut oil will not irritate or sting eyes, as compared with many commercial makeup removers. It actually hydrates your eye lids!Skin Moisturizer
Coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory properties has made this all natural product an excellent treatment for many skin diseases, including psoriasis and eczema. Virgin coconut oil is an excellent skin softener, increases hydration, and rids your body of hard and dry skin. A little coconut oil goes a long way and has an amazing effect on your skin. It’s not necessary to use as often as the store bought brands. It absorbs quickly, and is non-greasy. In a short time, your skin will feel smoother and radiant.What To Buy
Not all coconut oils are the same. Some can be refined, unrefined, organic, or virgin. Some are used for cooking, while others are used on your body. Always read the jar labels.“Certified organic” coconut oil will have a USDA Organic label.
“Refined” coconut oil is an excellent choice for cooking because of its high smoke point, but read the label to see how it was refined. Only purchase refined coconut oil that uses a chemical free method. Note: The refining process removes most of the coconut flavor.
“Unrefined” coconut oil is made from fresh coconut and has not undergone any treatment, so you will gain all the health benefits shown in this article. Some jars are labeled “virgin” coconut oil and “extra virgin” coconut oils. They are both unrefined and are virtually the same product.
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